Skip to content

Rural B.C. vote matters more than ever

Earlier this week, fi nance minister Colin Hansen released the provincial budget for this year.

Although he said prior to the release there would be no surprises, our MLA for Kootenay

West Katrine Conroy had many concerns, including lack of a child poverty reduction strategy, cuts to the provincial courts system and cuts to forest.

Hansen allocated an additional $605 million to health care, an additional $65 million for the Ministry of Social Development for income assistance and $4.7 billion for the public schools operating budget.

Where does that leave us in Castlegar?

Well, the minister also allocated $600 million for the new premier.

While we don’t know who the next premier will be yet, chances are with the new weighted vote system in place, candidates will make another stop in the West Kootenay before the vote on Feb. 26.

At this time, our voice matters more than ever, and the candidates will be listening.

Living in rural B.C. has its advantages in the weighted vote system, as your vote isn’t diluted by a large population.

The date to become a B.C. Liberal has already passed, but that doesn’t mean your voice won’t be heard if any of the candidates come through town again.

So, when the candidates come through town in the next couple weeks, raise a stink.

Tell them your issues and make sure you’re heard. The future of the West Kootenay depends on it.