The 100 Mile Free Press reached out to both candidates running for MLA of the Cariboo-Chilcotin and asked them the following six questions. Each candidate had a limit of 500 words in total. Lorne Doerkson's responses are as follows:
1. Who you are, what party are you running for and why have you decided to run for MLA this election?
My name is Lorne Doerkson, and I’m running for MLA with the Conservative Party of British Columbia in Cariboo-Chilcotin. I’ve lived here for nearly 30 years and raised my two daughters in this wonderful community. I’ve always believed that ridings like ours deserve strong representation in Victoria, especially in areas like healthcare, infrastructure, and industries like ranching, mining, and forestry.
2. What, in your view, is the biggest issue facing the Cariboo-Chilcotin Riding? How would you address it?
Healthcare is the biggest issue. The closure of our 100 Mile District General Hospital, followed by the closure of Williams Lake Hospital, highlights the gaps in access to care. The BC Conservatives’ ‘Patients First’ model will expand healthcare access by funding non-governmental clinics, reducing wait times, and ensuring care is provided under a single-payer system. Additionally, we will incentivize doctors and nurses to work in high-needs communities through expanded programs.
3. There is a Canada-wide shortage of healthcare workers. How does your party propose to attract them to this region?
We need to prioritize faster processing for healthcare professionals immigrating to BC. Supporting their families once they arrive will also be key. The Cariboo-Chilcotin region offers reasonable housing costs, and we must expand local incentives like rural retention bonuses to attract and keep healthcare professionals here.
4. What would you do to help further reconciliation with Indigenous communities as MLA?
I believe in real financial reconciliation through partnerships that allow Indigenous communities to thrive. We’ve seen success in cultural centres, power generation, and ranching operations in this riding. I will advocate for removing provincial barriers that hinder these opportunities and support further collaboration for the benefit of all.
5. What is your party’s plan to address the climate crisis and what role does the carbon tax play?
The carbon tax is a job-killing measure that hasn’t reduced emissions. Our focus will be on wildfire prevention and forest management, including controlled burns and improving water retention in the landscape for firefighting. We’ll also halt glyphosate spraying to create healthier ecosystems and accelerate reforestation in areas impacted by fires and floods.
6. How does your party propose to ensure provincial legislation listens to rural BC’s needs?
Rural BC often feels overlooked. As MLA, I’ll ensure infrastructure improvements, such as our $1 billion pledge to upgrade water and sewage systems, are prioritized. We will also protect local healthcare services and address challenges with the Agricultural Land Commission, which has caused issues for land use in our region
