My vision for BC and for the Kamloops region is deeply hopeful, yet I hold a tension. I agree with those who believe that we have the potential to be a world leader in the 21st Century. But I am concerned that we are missing out on much of our potential with the current policies of our BC government.
We have incredible wealth here. In the Interior, we have livable communities, abundant natural resources including water, energy and wood, successful businesses, creative entrepreneurs and small businesses, a growing university, and sufficient wealth to prosper in the years ahead. We have public health care, education and social services that are the envy of most of the world. This is the good news.
We also have serious challenges. More people than ever before lack access to a family doctor and/or to adequate primary care in the community, public education has been chronically underfunded, and job insecurity is growing. It is evident that we are not prepared for the aging of our population and for providing adequate services and support for our seniors. Housing has become more expensive and uses up more of the monthly cheque for most of us. All of this is set in the context of the widening gap between the wealthy and the rest of us, and growing corporate power - all of which has serious implications to our democracy.
As BC Greens, we offer a set of actions to address these challenges. Check out our detailed and costed proposals as they emerge at www.bcgreens.ca/platform