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Hadih and hello.
The provincial election is upon us and much has changed in recent weeks on the political landscape but the key component always remains the same.
It’s up to each of us, as private individuals, to take the time to educate ourselves about which candidate on the ballot best represents our values (which means we agree with them on important issues more often than the other candidates, recognizing we’ll never always agree with even the ones we like best).
The best way to choose is by listening to them directly, at all-candidates forums (see further in the newsletter for some local opportunities), in news stories, interviews, and one-on-one discussions, which most candidates are happy to have if you just ask.
The Chamber, in partnership with Pattison Media, will be questioning the candidates (running for office is one long job interview, after all) from the three Prince George ridings about their views and the policy positions of their parties later this month. Those interviews will then be packaged up for broadcast on CKPG and will be available for online streaming anytime leading up to Election Day on October 19.
What should I ask them? Please drop me a line at ceo@pgchamber.bc.ca and share your suggestions.
Once you’re done your homework and Election Day has arrived, it’s time to make your pick, which counts for the same value, no more and no less, than your other fellow citizens. Voting is literally the most important thing we do as adult individuals because it unifies us as Canadians, as British Columbians, and as residents of Prince George in a common faith in our democratic institutions. We all won’t agree on the politics but we can all agree that voting is the best, more fair way (or the least worst option, if you’re more cynical – which is OK!) for people to peacefully choose their government leaders.
The Chamber does not support candidates or parties but it does advocate for its members, which means criticizing the actions (or lack thereof) of the leaders of the day to do better when it comes to helping business owners and operators, as well as their employees, be successful.
That freedom to criticize the powers that be – along with the freedom to step into a ballot box and vote for the people we’d like to wield that power on our behalf – is the great gift and responsibility for free-thinking citizens in our democracy.
All this is my fancy way of urging all of you to please vote in October. Your choice – whatever it may be – is the right one.
All my best to you and your business,
Neil
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