A jar of jam can be labeled as “Product of British Columbia” so long as the berries from Mexico are processed in BC. It is very misleading.

Today here in Kamloops, I was proud to stand beside our BC Conservative Party leader, along with Michael Beauclair (candidate for Fraser-Nicola), and Graeme James (candidate for Kelowna-Lake Country).

Today, our party announced an important plank in our platform -- one which shows clear support to our agriculture and aquaculture industry. 

 

The announcement highlighted a branded communication program called My British Columbia" -- which includes incentive for British Columbians' here in the Thompson Nicola region --- and around the provide -- to buy and support local growers, ranchers, and fishers.

Here are some of the details of the "My British Columbia" program:

Provide families and businesses with a tax credit of up to $500 per year to encourage them to buy qualifying locally grown, raised, caught, or processed agri-food products at retailers, restaurants, and farmer’s markets across BC.

Provide operators across all levels of British Columbia’s agri-food value chain (growers, processors, fishers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, nurseries, schools, hospitals and agri-tourism operators) with the incentives and online branded collaterals necessary to proactively source and prominently feature locally grown, raised and processed agri-food products. 

Increase food security in British Columbia by celebrating the considerable investments made by agri-food operators that participate in and/or meet the exemplary standards set by existing certification bodies such as OceanWise, SPCA Certified, COABC and HealthCheck .  Future program recognitions may expand to include GMO labelling and biodiversity. 

And here is something we feel is very important to the success of this program -- and in ensuring that BC food producers can be supported:

"I believe John Cummins and I will take him at his word ... I will look after the concerns of my constituents over that of the party."

Kamloops South BC Conservative Peter Sharp

In a recent issue of Kamloops This Week, columnist Dale Bass took the position that no politician works in the best interests of their constituents, but instead slavishly follows the party line. 

Given recent political practice, it is not hard to see where such blatant cynicism comes from.  Nevertheless, the “tarred with same brush” approach is inherently unfair to those politicians who do genuinely work hard, often behind the scenes, for those they represent. 

I was recently asked what one change I would make if elected. This is what I had to say.

"…it would be to show the people of Kamloops South Thompson that government
really  can represent them.  We now have more and more people becoming apathetic,
and who no longer believe it makes any difference if they vote or not."

"I want them to see that they can have input into the decision making
process, and that government really can be accountable to them.”

 

With regard to the Ajax Mine project, I had a lengthy discussion with party leader John Cummins over how I, as a potential Conservative MLA, could (and should) handle the issue.  Here is my summary of that conversation:John Cummins told me that I should tell my constituents that when the environmental reports are released, to definitely consult with all constituents to seek their input. From the beginning, that is exactly what I have said I will do. 

I will not only do it on this issue, I will do it on any major issue of concern to the people of Kamloops South Thompson!"

I believe John Cummins and I will take him at his word.  I can state truthfully that I will do just that, I will look after the concerns of my constituents over that of the party.

"John Cummins and the BC Conservatives have a better plan", says Kamloops South Thompson candidate Peter Sharp

The following is the latest media releasde from the Peter Sharp Campaign office:


KAMLOOPS:  "John Cummins and the BC Conservatives have a better plan." 

So stated Peter Sharp, BC Conservative Party candidate for Kamloops South Thompson, after reviewing the parties 28 page election platform released today.  

The BC Conservative Party has outlined, in detail, their vision for the future of British Columbia. Here are three highlights of particular interest to the people of Kamloops:

1. The residents of Kamloops are justifiably concerned about the state of our health care system.  BC has the lowest per capita number of nurses per 100,000 population in Canada and that is simply unacceptable.  Royal Inland Hospital is operating in crisis mode, and thousands do not have access to a family doctor.  The BC Conservatives are determined to fix this. 
2. Everyone understands fair taxes are necessary to provide essential services for all British Columbians.  But the Liberal government’s Carbon Tax is unfair.  It penalizes the ranchers and farmers who grow our food, and unfairly taxes Interior residents of BC who live in the colder parts of the province, and who have to drive much longer distances.  A BC Conservative government will repeal this unfair tax.
3. The BC justice system has declined alarmingly under the BC Liberal government.  It is underfunded, resulting “revolving door” justice, and huge delays, with some criminals walking away unpunished.  BC Conservatives believe in safer communities and will commit the necessary resources to protect BC citizens and their property.

Peter Sharp has an extensive and positive track record in local government, and community service.  He is excited about taking the BC Conservative platform to the electors of Kamloops South. 

“This is the kind of common sense plan the people of Kamloops deserve from their government.”  Sharp concluded.

Details on the BC Conservative Party campaign platform can be found at http://www.bcconservative.ca/what-we-stand-for/election-platform

TALK TO PETER

The BC Provincial General Election, taking place in May, will be an important one for British Columbian's.  That's why I would like to hear your thoughts, concerns and questions.

Please feel free to use the Comments box and post your comments or questions. 

I will respond to you as quickly as I am able.

Thanks
Peter Sharp
BC Conservative Party candidate
Kamloops South Thompson

So who, you ask, is retired Command Sergeant Major James F. Stone?

Today I feel honoured to have the friendship of someone special I have known for the past 50 years. The man is retired Command Sergeant Major James F. Stone.

The other day out of the blue, I received an email from him. It made me stop and think about this goal which I, and many others, are trying to achieve here in Kamloops, British Columbia.

So who, you ask, is retired Command Sergeant Major James F. Stone?

Jim grew up in Iowa on his fathers farm, and as he tells it:
“Of course my climb toward an education was by fixing aircraft during the day, and night school. Even though gasoline was 27 cents a gallon, I joined the Aire Force to make ends meet.”

After graduating from university he was drafted into the US Air Force. Jim served for 27 years, and during that time he obtained two Masters degrees. He earned the highest rank attainable as a Non Commissioned Officer. More than once, Jim turned down the opportunity to become a Commissioned Officer. 

He is a man firm in his beliefs, and convictions. When the US decided to renege on the promise for lifetime medical treatment for veterans, because of the National Budget, he volunteered to join Colonel Bud Day (Medal of Honor and Vietnam prisoner of war) to sue the US Government. That case resulted in what is known as 'Tricare for Life' – medical care for the retired veteran.

I met Jim in Tripoli, Libya when I was 12 years old. My father was stationed there, with the British Army. Jim was also stationed in Libya with the US Air Force. A bond grew between our two families, and since those years in Libya, my family and his have remained in contact. He is a very talented, capable and respected individual -- a father, a grandfather and a husband devoted to his wife Janet.