100 Mile Elementary School got to put the Green Party and Conservative Party candidates for Cariboo-Prince George to the test on Thursday, April 10.
Both Green Party candidate Jodie Capling and incumbent Conservative MP Todd Doherty took time to come down to 100 Mile House to talk with students from Grades 5-7. Capling and Doherty both talked at length about how government works and what their policies are before answering questions posed to them by the students.
"I think it was very meaningful for the kids to meet some of the candidates in the school because it gives them a chance to see who is representing their families within a comfortable environment," Amy Simcox, the 100 Mile Elementary School teacher who invited the candidates, said. "They were able to risk asking questions and raise their voices because they were in a space they know well. It will give students the confidence to maybe raise their voices and ask questions in different environments in the future."
While Simcox's students had prepared a handful of questions for the candidates, those in attendance were free to ask them whatever they wanted. While some asked lighthearted questions, many others took the opportunity to ask genuine questions on the candidate's stances on various issues.
Capling talked to the students first alongside fellow Green Party candidate and Williams Lake resident Mary Forbes, who is running in the Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies riding. The two women were keen to educate the students on the Green Party's proposed policies and how the government works. Forbes went out of her way to empathize that while the prime minister holds a lot of power, ultimately parliament passes laws that affect everyone's day-to-day lives.
When asked how they would pay for their policies, both Capling and Forbes told the students they plan to lower taxes on everyday people but raise them on the wealthy and big business. They also talked about the importance of sustainability in all aspects of society.
"Generally the Green Party approach is more holistic. We don't look at something in isolation. Sustainability is one of our core values but not just for the environment. Sometimes people hear the word sustainability and they just think about the word environment," Capling said. "Sustainability is whatever you're looking at can continue to operate in the same way without degrading or depleting the resources involved.
"We want to build an economy that doesn't just take everything from the planet and toss it into the dump, for example. We want to have a circular economy (not a linear one.)"
Doherty, meanwhile, when asked how he would pay for his policies, noted that government money comes from the taxes that people, like the student's parents, pay. He also pledged that he would be in favour of lowering the income tax on everyday people and making sure that Canada was "living within our means", comparing the tax money the government receives to a household budget.
"We're going to make a smaller government so there's less government and less spending. Conservatives are about keeping low taxes. Still trying to manage all the programs and the benefits that we need to guarantee equal opportunity throughout our nation, but we have to live within our means," Doherty said. "Ultimately, that is what is going to make life more affordable."
One of the students in attendance asked Forbes what she would do to protect the forestry sector in B.C., noting their father works at Tolko Industries in Williams Lake. Forbes said that a way the government can protect the lumber industry is to continue to work with those who buy Canadian lumber to ensure there is a market. She also advocated for inter-provincial trade and opening conversations with countries other than the United States.
"You might think the Green Party is all about 'we're not going to cut down any trees or drive any cars.' That's not what it is at all," Forbes said. "I'm excited for folks who do the lumber because they know how to do it. Canada has lots of trees and of course, we're going to keep having (forestry) because we're going to keep building houses, we have to have more infrastructure and more businesses."
A student quizzed Doherty on what he would do to help ranchers and farmers. Doherty said the government should work with farmers to make it easier for the next generation to take over farms without being taxed heavily. He also talked about the importance of encouraging more people to become veterinarians and of setting up a local abattoir for ranchers.
Doherty highlighted his work in promoting mental health, including the establishment of Canada's Suicide Crisis line 9-8-8. When asked he also opened up to the students about his family's own struggles with drug addiction and homelessness, noting his youngest brother is addicted to drugs and lives on the street.
"We as a family cannot get him off the street, we've done everything. Drug addiction is something that impacts all of our lives, it doesn't matter where you come from someone in your family will be struggling with addiction," Doherty said. "As government and leaders we have to do more. Our leader (Pierre Poilievre) just came out with our policy the other day. We are going to build 50,000 beds... to treat those that are struggling with mental health and addiction. We have to view mental health on parity with physical health."
Following the visit, Simcox thanked all three candidates for attending and asked her students to consider telling their parents about their takeaways from the conversation. She noted she plans to reach out to the other party candidates to at least get answers to the questions she and her class prepared before the school runs its mock election on April 22, ahead of the federal election on Monday, April 28.
"I try to model critical thinking in our class discussions. My students get a kick out of trying to guess what my views are because no matter what point they come up with I will counter with a challenge or different view," Simcox remarked. "Maybe I just like to argue."
As for Capling and Doherty, both enjoyed speaking with the students, with Doherty remarking it was the highlight of his campaign so far. They indicated a willingness to return to 100 Mile House to meet with voting-age constituents, Capling noting she welcomes anyone organizing an event to reach out to her.
"The kids had some really good, challenging, questions and I really enjoyed the opportunity to chat with them," Capling remarked. "When they know their opinions matter and their questions are heard, even from a young age, it gives them a sense of participation in democracy. I think that's really important."
