Voice on the Coast, a local group that aims to attract, retain and engage the younger generation on the Sunshine Coast, asked 10 questions to municipal candidates.  Candidate responses will be posted on their Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/voicesunshinecoast Here are my answers as mayoral candidate in the District of Sechelt…

1.      What do you think local government can do to address affordability and income inequality?

When looking at economic prosperity on the Sunshine Coast, all constituents must be taken into consideration.  On one end of the continuum, there are people who are on disability or fixed income and live cheque to cheque, barely surviving.  Most of their monthly income is spent on housing with very little remaining for the bare essentials such as food or transportation.  On the other end of the continuum, there are people who live on the Sunshine Coast seasonally who visit their summer home during the summer months or opted to move to the Sunshine Coast to retire. Local government needs to acknowledge economic issues such as affordability and inequality to consider viable options to move forward with while thinking about our local economy.  This may involve a living wage campaign, affordable housing opportunities, or small business initiatives.  

2.      What ideas do you have to improve access to higher education, trades and training opportunities for young adults on the coast?

As an educator, I’m a huge advocate for education and believe that education is an underpinning for economic growth and prosperity.  When we invest in our people, we are investing in our economy.  The Sunshine Coast is very fortunate to have Capilano University located in Sechelt, in addition to services provided by School District No.46 (Sunshine Coast).  There are local opportunities to engage in higher education with some first year university courses, adult basic education, and various certificate programs.  The school district also offers Ace-It (Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training) programs in the areas of carpentry, mechanics, and culinary arts. These programs lead to a level 1 certification to high school students from Vancouver Island University.  These educational institutions provide access to higher education, trades, and training. The role of local government can take in this is finding ways to liaise with our local education institutions and businesses or industries to create opportunities for apprenticeship, mentorship, or work-based learning opportunities where younger adults can work and learn at the same time.  

3.      What can local governments do to better support to at-risk youth (through outreach and a drop-in centre)? Would you consider co-funding partnerships with other coast governments?

I believe that we have programs currently in place within the community and school district to support at-risk youth.  With that said, creating partnerships with other local governments would be a consideration if needs are not being met.  As much as we are defined by our municipalities and jurisdictions, we are all interconnected on the Sunshine Coast.  Investing in our youth, in general, is worthy and worthwhile.  It would be investing in our future.  I would support any direction or programs that would enable and empower our youth in a meaningful and positive way. 

4.      What ideas do you have for improving access to decent affordable housing? (especially for renters)

The cost of housing is definitely a barrier for many young adults and families.  Although housing on the Sunshine Coast is somewhat more affordable than the Lower Mainland, the cost of housing is almost out of reach for the younger generation.  For myself, my husband and I purchased our home 10 years ago and we managed to acquire our home with the financial help from my parents.  Today, I don’t think we could afford the house we are currently living in.  I would like to consider ideas implemented in the past with respect to affordable housing and entertain new possibilities.  It would be difficult to entertain the idea of attracting young adults to attend our university or seek new employment if they are unable to afford housing, cost of living, transportation, or childcare. 

5.      How would you support early childhood development and improve access to quality childcare for young families on the coast?

The school district has a strong early learning program that supports families and children before these children enter kindergarten.  These early learning programs are outstanding.  Furthermore, the school district is also involved in creating space for childcare facilities in Gibsons and Sechelt.  More facilities that offer childcare is critical to young families, especially when one or two parents work and have no other alternatives for childcare.  The demand for flexible and affordable childcare on the Sunshine Coast is significant.  As a mom, I found it challenging 10 years ago to find affordable and flexible childcare that best suited our needs.  I would like to see more childcare facilities at work places that would also accommodate childcare beyond the 9-5 hours.  Not every parent is working on weekdays during business hours.  Those who work at the hospital or pulp mill, for instance, have shift work.  Training local people to certify as early childhood educators and enabling these people to be small business owners to provide quality childcare would be ideal.

6.      Describe how you propose to support small businesses, the expansion of tourism and economic development?

According to Vital Signs, 99% of businesses on the Sunshine Coast employ 20 people or less.  Self-employment and small business are viable options for many people on the Sunshine Coast to sustain employment. I would support initiatives that nurture the entrepreneurial spirit.  This may include workshops or institutes that would help emerging or current entrepreneurs on how to start a business, create a business plan, and understand relevant bylaws.  Other opportunities may include incentives that would benefit both the municipality and small business owner.  I am also interested in ‘social enterprise’ where small businesses can make a profit while contributing back to the community.  The Sunshine Coast is rich with people with good ideas.  I believe this will require some creativity, local expertise, and collaboration to move forward and implement.  When municipalities can support small businesses, we create employment opportunities and growth.

7.      How do you propose to balance growth while protecting our air quality and other natural environmental assets?

We live in an amazing place.  There is never a day that goes by when I don’t find myself saying, “I live here.”  One of Sunshine Coast’s strengths is the environment. Protecting our environment and sustaining what we currently enjoy and value as one of the priorities for consideration when moving forward with any major projects or developments.  Any project or substantial endeavour will require thoughtful inquiry and due diligence. Consultation with the community, professional advice from staff and/or consultants, and informed deliberation by council form the conversation guided by the OCP, will establish a shared vision, and result in good decision making. 

8.      Many young people complain about a lack of places to hang out – what ideas do you have to support the creation of gathering spaces?

I would turn the question back to young people to ask what their ideas are to remedy this problem.  Most times when I think about “complaining”… I cannot consider the issue unless there is a complimentary and productive discussion about “possible solutions.”  My lived experience as a middle aged mom, educator, and school trustee may not provide adequate solutions to solve this problem.  Yes, I would hope that people at the table would provide viable options, but I would like to also hear from those who have the complaint, listen to their thoughtful suggestions, and council with staff expertise to deliberate the reasonableness of possible recommendations. 

9.      What can be done to attract more young people to the coast?

To attract young people and families to the Sunshine Coast will require a multi-dimensional approach.  First, we must figure out what attracts young people to the Sunshine Coast.  Is it affordable housing?  Is it employment?  Is it the lifestyle?  Identifying these attributes would highlight the Sunshine Coast’s strengths.  Second, we need to determine what is working well and what needs improvement.  This assessment and feedback process needs to engage young people to create possible solutions to the problem.  Your voice matters.  I’m 44 years old and my solutions may not reflect the thinking of someone who is 22 years old.  This would require opportunities for conversation to create a shared understanding and solutions the municipality can pursue. Third, we need act on what is suggested that would be in the best interest of the community and move forward.  Retaining and attracting young people and families are a priority. I would like to see my family and others to thrive on the Sunshine Coast.  Other areas to consider are transportation, housing, and childcare in addition to education and employment opportunities.

10.  What will you do as a candidate to reach out to youth & find out about the issues that matter to them?

Talk with them.  Talk to students face-to-face and ask them what’s important to them.  I love it when my 11-year old daughter comes home from school to tell me with excitement that she was talking with her friends about municipal politics.  This is encouraging.  Create an interest.  Invite them in.  It’s about engagement and listening to their issues and their thoughtful solutions. I chat with youth in my professional work, but also remain connected to young adults whom I’ve taught via social media and face-to-face as a fellow parent.  I am listening, learning, and leading.