As she eyes the upcoming federal election Cariboo-Prince George Liberal candidate Tracy Calogheros said the region has not had a strong voice in Ottawa for two decades.
“We need to be represented in Ottawa not have Ottawa represented in the region,” Calogheros told the Tribune during an interview in Williams Lake. “We need an open responsive consultative government and everyone needs to have a voice.”
Calogheros is the CEO of Exploration Place, Museum and Science Centre in Prince George and has been working there since 1994.
The Liberal Party stands for economic diversification, clean jobs and responsible environmental protection, she said.
“We are a resource based economy so we have to try and maximize dollars, retain work while protecting the environment.”
It’s a two-pronged approach in which First Nations are a huge part, she added.
“We have the William rights and title decision in this riding which means we need a real relationship with First Nations.”
Right across the country wealth needs to shift from the top to the middle class to ensure the middle class is healthy and confident and invigorates the country, she said.
“We would like to increase income tax to 33 per cent for people earning over $200,000.”
Although she hasn’t met Liberal party leader Justin Trudeau, Calogheros said he is a very good leader because he pays attention to people and wants to make Canada a better country.
“The Canada I grew up in believed in science, human rights and the environment,” Calogheros said.
As the campaign ramps up she hopes to return to the Cariboo to meet people in coffee shops and encourages people to contact her on social media.
“I hope we can have a deep debate during the campaign,” she added. “We are all neighbours and ever gets voted in will be representing us all,” she said.
Calogheros’ resume indicates she has been vice chair of the Emily Carr University of Art and Design board of governors, president of the British Columbia Museums Association, president and interim CEO of Northern British Columbia Tourism Association, secretary for the Canadian Association of Science Centres, president of the Prince George Bulkley Valley Federal Liberal Association, vice chair of the LPCBC President’s Council, tourism chair for the Spirit of BC Community Committee and a western representative on the National Selection Committee - Broadband for Rural and Northern Development.
She is married with three grown children.