Eric Foster was forced to defend his record Wednesday. The other candidates were asked if the Liberal
incumbent had been a good MLA during a forum at Lumby’s White Valley
Community Centre. “There are some things Mr. Foster has done right,
and especially better than the NDP would do,” said Scott Anderson, with
the Conservatives. However, Anderson says the Liberal government has allowed spending to get out of control. “In the Interior Health Authority, there are
2,600 managers or directors and the top end is making $200,000 to
$300,000. The government is giving the bureaucracy money and they suck
it up and spend it.” Mark Olsen, NDP candidate, told the crowd of about 70 people that the Liberals have taken Vernon-Monashee for granted. “Two schools were opened but two schools were closed,” he said. Olsen also questioned why Vernon Jubilee Hospital
is only getting 14 net new beds, and he pointed to new seniors housing
in Lumby and stated that was a result of the developer, IHA and the
village’s mayor. “That’s not something Mr. Foster can take credit for,” said Olsen. Independent Korry Zepik admitted he has not followed Foster’s activities that closely. “We need to make sure the issues of resource
development and healthy lives go beyond all parties,” he said of the
need to work together on climate change. Foster was asked if he wanted to respond to the candidates’ comments and he did. “There is a brand new hospital tower in Vernon and a new hospital in Kelowna,” he said. Foster also slammed Olsen for minimizing his role in pursuing seniors housing in Lumby. “To say I didn’t have anything to do with the Monashee Mews, obviously you haven’t been in government,” said Foster. He also stated that his office helps constituents on a daily basis with concerns. “A big part of what we do, nobody sees.” Another issue that arose during the forum hosted by the Lumby Chamber of Commerce was meat processing rules and the impact on farmers. “I favour issuing licenses to mobile slaughter units so they can also be the inspectors and meet the federal standards,” said Anderson. Foster says the initial rules weren’t well thought out, but the government has initiated a pilot program with five farm gate licenses. “If things go as planned, we will be able to expand on that,” he said. Olsen questioned why the meat processing rules were ever initiated. “There were no health concerns. When you hear of outbreaks, they are from major processors and not from farm gate sales,” he said. Zepik supports farm gate sales and investigating other methods to support agriculture. “We need to find a way for the province to encourage farmers markets,” he said. The candidates were also asked about increasing access to timber for small mills. Foster says steps have already been taken by approving a community forest for Lumby. “The wood will be made available to the small operators,” he said. Anderson stated that access should be improved but there are two sides to community forests. “I have to look more deeply into it,” he said. Olsen says the NDP’s forestry plan include reforestation, training and seeking new markets. “We need to work with all of the stakeholders.” Zepik also pushed for an expanded forest sector. “Small operators have more people employed because the large operator has more technology,” he said. Rebecca Helps, from the Green Party, did not attend the forum.
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