Black Press asked what is your position on the development of a national park or national park reserve in the South Okanagan to the Boundary-Similkameen candidates:
Colleen Ross - BCNDP
A lot of hard work has gone on by members in this community since 2003, including the First Nations communities, to bring the national park in the South Okanagan-Similkameen vision to fruition.
The national park issue, on the whole, has been mismanaged by this government, resulting in approximately 800 lost direct and indirect employment opportunities in our riding, which badly needs economic opportunities to keep our younger generations employed in their hometowns. These are good, permanent, green jobs. Our region would benefit from a boost to our tourism and winery sectors, supporting our local food producers and restaurants.
Chambers of commerce and tourism branches across the riding have asked the B.C. Liberal government to get onside with this incredible opportunity. Polling shows 70 per cent locally are onside for the national park and as the MLA, I would work in partnership to ensure the park meets the needs of local stakeholders.
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