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Norma Blissett / NDP – Kootenay East
Election 2013
Norma Blissett’s answers to e-KNOW questions:
1Q. Please provide a brief history of yourself—recent work experience, accomplishments and other things important to you as an individual.
A. I’ve lived in Cranbrook for the past 18 years and have had the benefit of raising three children in this community. I’ve always wanted to make a difference. That’s why I went into forestry and worked as a registered professional forester. That’s why I went into teaching and have been a high school math/science teacher for the past 22 years, and that’s why I have entered politics. I’ve seen through my involvement in various community groups that individuals can make a difference and in fact we must.
2Q. Why are you a member of the NDP?
A. I joined the NDP because I believe in increasing opportunity for everyone. I believe that the role of government is to provide leadership to benefit the people. Our platform is built on four pillars: a clear fiscal framework, a prosperous economy that supports good jobs, a caring society and protecting the environment.
3Q. In one sentence, please describe your political philosophy.
A. In the words of Tommy Douglas: “Courage my friends; ‘tis never to late to build a better world.”
4Q. What are the four most important issues facing your riding?
A. We need to:
1. Protect and grow jobs in our resource industries.
2. Improve health care, particularly in the Elk Valley.
3. Increase access to post-secondary education and skills training.
4. Reduce poverty.
5Q. What can/will you do about those issues if you are elected?
A. I will work with Teck to ensure that the Elk River is protected while mining continues in the Elk Valley.
I will work with the IHA and the Kootenay East Regional Hospital District to improve primary health care, emergency and ambulance services in the Elk Valley as well as in Cranbrook.
I will work with the College of the Rockies to improve local training and educational opportunities.
I will work with local service providers and government ministries to ensure that Kootenay East residents receive the help they need to improve their economic situation.
6Q. If you could wave a magic wand, what single thing would you like to make happen for your riding?
A. I would make emergency and primary health care more available to the people in the Elk Valley, an underserved part of the province.
7Q. Let’s say you get elected. Who/what do you represent first, your riding’s best interests or your party’s?
A. As your MLA, it will be my duty to represent the best interests of our riding. On major issues, I will make sure the proper data is collected so that I can accurately represent the views of my constituents and vote accordingly.
8Q. What has been your biggest ‘ah ha’ moment during the campaign?
A. On the doorstep, I have been struck by how many people are struggling to make ends meet.
9Q. Project forward 20 years. How is your riding doing economically and socially, based on current trends and how your government (if your party is elected) will conduct itself?
A. Forestry, mining, agriculture and tourism will be thriving. People in the Kootenay East riding will be able to get the skills training and education they need for good-paying jobs. Health care will be improved, especially in the Elk Valley, and poverty will be reduced.
10Q. One final comment. Please use this space to make a final statement to voters.
A. After 12 years of Liberal mismanagement it’s time for a change. It’s time for a new government with better priorities. It’s time for a government that will grow a sustainable economy and create jobs. It’s time for a government that will invest in our land and in our people. Adrian Dix and the BC NDP will invest in education and skills training, reduce inequality and improve healthcare. These are provincial and East Kootenay priorities.
It is my hope that you will support me in bringing change for the better to Kootenay East, one practical step at a time.
Questions answered by Kootenay East NDP candidate Norma Blissett.
e-KNOW
