In the Thursday, May 30 edition of the 100 Mile Free Press we profiled each of the candidates running in the by-election to replace councillor Ralph Fossum. Their profiles were based on the following questions and answers, which we are publishing in full online. Some answers have been lightly edited for grammar and proper spelling.
1. List your first and last name and tell me a bit about yourself. Who you are, what you do for work and how long you’ve been in the community for.
My name is Cameron Fleming McSorley. I am deeply committed to community service and justice reform, with experience in both fields along with a wealth of lived experience, I find myself to be uniquely positioned. I have been actively involved in the community since I moved here in 2012. I am currently a Policy Development Analyst and preparing to pursue a Master’s degree in Justice Studies in 2025 as I further enhance my ability to meaningfully contribute to functional community designs and models. If you’re more curious about my lived experience or personal background check out my old campaign videos on Facebook or my Cameo Radio podcast stationed at www.thereallifenetwork.com. I can be reached at 250 706 7101.
2. What made you want to run for a seat on the District of 100 Mile House council? Is this a spur-of-the-moment decision or something you’ve been thinking about for some time?
My decision to accept nomination for a seat stems from a long-standing commitment to effect positive change and address systemic issues within the community. This is not a spur-of-the-moment decision but rather the culmination of years of involvement, advocacy and, as I mentioned, lived-experience. I believe in the power of local government to make meaningful improvements in people’s lives, and I am eager to contribute my skills and experience to this role. I have always held a deep commitment to the responsibility to honour the past, witness the present and serve future generations.
3. Do you have prior experience serving on council or another level of government? If so, what is it?
While I have not previously served on a municipal council, I have extensive experience in community leadership and advocacy. I have been actively involved in various organizations, including serving as a director at the Agriculture Enterprise Center and a representative for the Shuswap Association for the Promotion of Eco-Development. Currently, I serve as a director with Groundwork Community Service Cooperative, supporting initiatives aimed at community enrichment and support. I am also a Certified Restorative Justice Community Forum Facilitator. These specific roles have equipped me with a deep understanding of community needs and the importance of effective governance.
4. In your own words, what do you think the role of a councilor entails and how will you go about fulfilling it?
The role of a councillor entails representing the interests and concerns of the community, making informed decisions that benefit the public, and fostering open dialogue and engagement. To this end, I will hold Municipal Administration accountable to robust community processes. I will ensure the Municipality is administered with proper due diligence.
First by ensuring extensive needs assessments and open public engagement occur through consultation with stakeholders, impacted individuals and professionals (where are we going). Second, by identifying the mistakes of the past which have led our town into its current state, examining Ombudspersons of BC recommendations and engaging in audits as necessary.
My objective is to actively listen to residents’ concerns, advocate for their needs and work collaboratively with fellow council members to identify solutions that enhance our community’s well-being. My campaign platform focuses on key areas such as water quality, healthcare and educational facilities and rehabilitation of a local workforce. By working diligently we CAN ensure transparent governance, and rehabilitate economic and social service development without over-burdening the taxpayer. Billions exist with which to improve local communities in BC, the question is what does 100 Mile House exist to do? What do its people need and want? And who does it serve?
5. What are the biggest issues you see facing the community right now? If you were on council, how would you address them?
100 Mile is a Municipal Service Community, it is made up of less than 2,000 households, yet it services approximately 20,000 people from the outlying hamlets. The biggest issues facing our community are across board: inefficient and dilapidated municipal infrastructure and dependence on Social Services. Roughly 55 per cent of the 100 Mile House resident population is receiving Social Service Benefits, This means they are to some degree unable to achieve full-time employment- whether due to being disabled, retired, a single parent, seasonal worker etc.
Lack of infrastructure compounds these social issues, for example, the need for children’s educational facility improvements has been a glaring issue since at least 2003. This requires 100 Mile to be noticed at a Provincial Level of government. To address these matters, I will not only advocate for better facilities and infrastructure but engage with partners who can access Provincial and Federal Funding schemes that will make our town more attractive to a sustainable population of able-bodied professionals and families who will subsequently further rehabilitate local people and the economy.
Additionally, I support the development of essential services such as a community pool, improved municipal water system and shelters and community support work. It is imperative that we foster an inclusive and supportive environment for ALL residents while being responsible to the minuscule tax base of the town residents.
6. Personally, are there any causes or projects you would like to see council support or start?
I would like to see the council continue to support restorative justice initiatives, and focus on achieving a change to the recreational tax boundary. Changing that boundary would signify one of the biggest changes 100 Mile has seen. It is favourable for residents as it would expand the tax base.
Opening the doors to such projects is crucial in fostering a supportive and inclusive community with sufficient infrastructure to service the outlying resident population. The tax boundary expansion will promote the well-being of all citizens in the South Cariboo and is the first step to solving the major issue of cohesion regarding the South Cariboo as a whole. (We may not need taxes by the time I’m done.)
7. Many people in 100 Mile House complain about a lack of youth activities and services. What do you think council’s role is in addressing these concerns?
The council has a pivotal role in addressing the lack of youth activities and services through responsible and accountable governance and planning. Through partnerships with local organizations, the district can support the provision of services to young people, granting more opportunities to engage, learn, and grow in self-determined, safe and supportive environments. Local Government must be accountable and responsible for the necessary infrastructure that the population it services requires.
We have to be majorly “on it” to pull in as much partnership funding as possible; to drive private, provincial and federal dollars into the community. Remember we are servicing 20,000 people with a 2,000 household tax base and only one major Corporate taxpayer - that being the mill- out-of-the-box solutions are a must.
8. The majority of 100 Mile House’s population falls into the senior category. How would you support senior citizens on council?
Supporting senior citizens involves ensuring access to quality healthcare, expanding social services, and promoting community engagement. I would advocate for initiatives such as mobile health clinics and resource access, and transportation services and anything identified as a need through engagement, to enhance the quality of life for our senior population. Again it’s the same answer across the board. The real question is how do we get people functioning together as a community?
It’s not about youth, it’s not about Seniors it’s about getting people the infrastructure they need and rehabilitating the local economy so people can access what they need when they need it. For example, people currently have to leave town to access not just specialized care, but also routine medical care such as maternity and wound care. This is unacceptable and needs to change!
9. Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me because I’m all about infrastructure and developing the systems we need as a service community. Schools, Water, Healthcare, Professional Workforce - these are all infrastructure based and remember if we don’t have an attractive functioning community for people, we will continue to fail as a service center.
My unwavering commitment to addressing systemic issues, and my vision for a more inclusive and supportive community based on people’s needs being met is a critical focus. My campaign platform is focused on providing clean water, enhancing healthcare and education, ensuring transparent governance, and fostering local development by focusing on infrastructure across 18 development sectors.
I bring a unique blend of professional expertise and personal dedication to the role, and I am ready to work tirelessly for the betterment of 100 Mile House. We need only look at the fact that the largest land-holder in the district is now the Spelqweqs Development Corporation (Canim dev. corp.) which is focused on developing infrastructure and a local economy. If our local government does not catch up with the 21’s century and start addressing the people’s needs it might be on the way out - mark my words.
10. If you do get onto council, would you run for a full term during the next regular election or do you plan to just be a transitional candidate?
If elected, I intend to run for a full term during the next regular election. I believe in long-term commitment and continuity in leadership to effectively implement and sustain positive changes within our community. That being said, there are a lot of people that don’t like me and if they want me to leave they should definitely elect me and attend all the council meetings and make my life in 100 Mile even more difficult. If you like me the choice is clear, if you don’t like me, the choice is clear.
11. Is there any other issue or goal you have that you would like people to know about?
An additional goal I have is to promote mental health awareness and support within our community. Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and I aim to advocate for more effective resource access, education, and support services to ensure that everyone has access to the help they need when they need it.
12. Any final message you would like to end on?
Our community stands at a crossroads, and we need leadership that not only understands our challenges but has the courage and creativity to solve them. I am committed to providing that leadership, ensuring that 100 Mile House becomes a place where everyone can thrive. Together, we can build a community that respects our past and embraces our future. My name is Cameron McSorley, I approve of this message and I stand for you. Are you with me?
