1. What will decide this election: protection of the environment, leadership, need for change, fiscal management?

Sam Hancheroff – All of these issues are important, and all are connected. As I’m out knocking on doors, people are saying that it’s time for a change – they’re looking for a government that will strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection. Sustainable development of the resource wealth of our province is absolutely vital to our long-term economic success, but we must protect the watersheds that are so important to this region.

2. Policy of your party you promote the most when speaking in public?

Sam Hancheroff – The Buy BC/Feed BC/Grow BC agricultural program is a policy which comes up quite often, both at forums and when I’m talking with members of the community. It’s a real investment in agriculture, which would benefit the region in a number of ways. Grow BC will invest in replanting for orchardists, while Buy BC would restore a program cut by the Liberals that will allow us to market our produce across the country and around the world. Finally, Feed BC will ensure that patients in our hospitals and residents in care homes get access to the nutritional benefits of the food produced right here, while supporting the local economy.

3. The quality of your leader that you talk about the most?

Sam Hancheroff – Adrian is someone who is committed to being open and transparent – we’ve laid out a fully-costed platform that clearly shows how we’re going to pay for the investments we’re making. I also really appreciate Adrian’s commitment to positive politics – campaigning on issues, rather than personal attacks.

4. A brief statement on what you think the electorate is looking for in 2013?

Sam Hancheroff – When I talk to voters, what I hear is that it’s time for a change. With 80% of the new jobs created in BC requiring some form of post-secondary education, people understand that it’s time to invest in our skilled trades and education to ensure that our children and grandchildren are prepared for the jobs of the future.

5. A brief statement on what you will advocate for, if elected?

Sam Hancheroff – To support the local region there are several practical steps we can take, including supporting agriculture throughout the region, strengthening the forest industry, and moving forward with the new tower at the Penticton hospital.When it comes to supporting agriculture, local farmers and orchardists will benefit from the three programs proposed by the BC NDP – Grow BC, Buy BC, and Feed BC. Having managed a vineyard for the last twenty years, I have a personal knowledge of many of the issues facing those involved in agriculture and viticulture in this region. These programs will ensure that we sustain the Okanagan Valley’s position as one of the premiere agricultural regions in BC.In terms of forestry, we’ve watched the Liberals ship raw logs, and the jobs that go with them, out of the province and overseas. Our party would reduce raw log exports to create value-added jobs in BC, and would put a priority on forest health and replanting, to strengthen the forest industry right here and around the province.As well, the Penticton Regional Hospital is a project that our region needs, and one that has been delayed for too long. It’s critical for health care provision across the region, and our party is committed to moving forward.

6. What are the issues that people bring to you when door knocking in the riding?

Sam Hancheroff – The question that comes up most often when doorknocking, and that is affecting many people in the area, relates to the increased costs of electricity. As a resident of Kaleden, I know firsthand the effects of the new rate structure brought in by Fortis on those living in the region. At a public meeting in Oliver, I spoke with a number of seniors who are struggling to make ends meet, and are at the point of being forced to choose between heating their homes and buying groceries. I believe strongly that we need to ensure that no one is left in this situation. As a first step, I have written to the BC Utilities Commission, asking them to review this rate structure. In particular, I have asked them to focus on the increase in cost for residential rates, the usage level at which the second tier takes effect, and the fact that commercial rates are being reduced by 10%, while residential rates are being increased by a further 2.5%.