"I challenge my fellow Kamloops - South Thompson candidates, Todd Stone and Tom Friedman, to make the same clear and unambiguous statement!"

Today my campaign team and I put together the following Media Release, which was sent out to radio, newspaper, and TV here in Kamloops.

The voters of Kamloops - South Thompson will soon make their choice for MLA.  But who will stand up for the best interests of this riding?  

 

Will it be Liberal Todd Stone voting with the docile herd according to the direction of the party whips?  Or NDP Tom Friedman, tied to a party beholden to big union interests?  Or a clear alternative; Peter Sharp of the BC Conservatives. 

 

"Kamloops South needs an MLA who will speak his mind, and represent the best interests of the voters who have elected him -- even if that runs counter to the stated position of the party." stated Kamloops - South Thompson BC Conservative candidate Peter Sharp. 

 

"I have personally received an assurance from party leader John Cummins, while in Kamloops, that he expects his MLA’s to vote according to their constituents wishes." Sharp continued.

 

John Cummins is also on the record (Vancouver Sun - May 3) saying: “You put your constituents ahead of the party. Manning used to tell us that. It’s the folks at home that elect you. You’ve got to put their interests ahead of the party.  I believed that; I still do.” 

 

Continued Sharp, "The position my party takes is clear; you should have Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA's) who listen to you, first and foremost.  I have a leader who backs that up 100 percent."

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.

"Dinner with the Leader" ... a night of good food and great company

BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins

KAMLOOPS CAMPAIGN UPDATE:

The Kamloops BC Conservative Party Constituency Associations invite you to join them for, "Dinner with the Leader" ... a night of good food and great company.

Join BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins on Tuesday April 30th in the Banquet Room at Vittorio's Italian Restaurant (1820 Rogers Place).

Doors open at 6pm -- Dinner at 6:30pm -- Door prize -- Silent Auction -- and more.

Tickets for this special event are just $35.00 each and must be purchased in advance.

Tickets are available at the campaign office weekdays between 10am and 2pm (324 Victoria Street), or by calling (778)471-4335. You can also email your ticket request to sharp4mla@gmail.com.

Please bring a friend, and help support the BC Conservative campaign here in Kamloops.


A message from the Peter Sharp Campaign Team
We're BC Conservatives -- We Believe in BC
Help us keep Kamloops Sharp

What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?

Recently I was contacted by Rajeshwari (Raj), Managing Editor, for Insight, a publication with Glacier Media Group. Insight is a bi-monthly regional publication that highlights the Indo-Canadian lifestyle and community.

The reason he contacted me, was to ask if I would provide responses to a number of questions he was posing to other candidates in our area.  I was delighted to have the opportunity, and I have decided to also share these responses with you today. 


l. What do you believe are the most important overall provincial issues that must be addressed in the next election?  

It would be natural to answer this with what most people would expect to hear; that would be the protection of Health Care, Education, and Social Services.  These are certainly very important, however there is something else which I believe tops all others -- that is the issue of accountability and integrity in government.

This is not something new, but with all the scandals plaguing the BC Liberal government, it is once again at the forefront for many people.  Words are easy to say, and I too have been accused of issuing 'motherhood statements'; however I know the principles and commitment of BC Conservative members -- MLA's are first and foremost to represent the wishes of the people who have elected them to office.

This is something which I take very seriously, and something which was just re-enforced to me again in a personal way by our party leader John Cummins when he was recently in Kamloops. 

I believe in the everyday common sense of British Columbian's, and it is that common sense that will go with me to Victoria when I am elected.


2. What are the changes you propose to make in your riding and for the province? 

If there was just one single major change I could make, that would be to be able 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 believe it makes any difference if they vote or not.  

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


3.  What do you feel are your best qualities as a political candidate? 

Kamloops is my home by choice, and it is where my family and I have resided for over 20 years. 

I have served my community as a policeman, a city councilor, a member of the Thompson Nicola Regional District board of directors, as chairman of our regional hospital district board, plus 15 other committees and local non-profit community groups and organizations. 

Through these opportunities I have been able to put my own personal skills to use in a number of ways.  More importantly however, I have learned from others how to better serve my community by seeking out the wisdom of others, and then putting that knowledge to practical use. 

Now retired, I believe I have the time, the energy and the desire to be the elected 'representative' for the people of Kamloops South Thompson. 


4. Do you think a special campaign is necessary to win the "ethnic" vote like Indo-Canadians?  

We are all Canadians -- we are all British Columbian's.  Some of us have lived here for several generations, and some are relative new-comers who will have the opportunity to add to, and become part of, the growing fabric of our province. 

There is no one individual, or ethnic group, that should be singled out for a special focus by unethical backroom manipulators within some political party's.  To do so, in my opinion is one of the most disrespectful things that a political party can do.  


5.  What is the most important issue facing in your riding today?

There are a number of important issues for our riding, however I believe the biggest is the problems confronting Doctors, Nurses, and other front-line workers and staff at Royal Inland Hospital. 

We now have a situation where the top 13 administrators of the Interior Health Authority are earning $3.3 million dollars a year -- an average of a quarter of a million dollars each.  In fact, there are over 2,600 people in administrative and executive roles, who are supervising a staff of 18,000.  One for every 7 people seems a little excessive to me, and I think we would be better served by having more front line people.

Meantime will have an aging hospital that had an entire operating room closed and its equipment removed -- 100s of beds closed ... patients being looked after in hallways, and an Emergency Room that itself is in a state of emergency time and time again. 

We need to, I believe, listen to the people providing the most direct level of service to see how things can be improved, where changes need to be made, and how we can get more doctors and nurses into the interior, northern and rural communities that are desperately under-served.  


Do you have a question you'd like an answer to?  I'd like to encourage you to contact me; I'll do my very best to provide you with an answer. 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops. 

I'm Peter Sharps -- I'm a BC Conservative -- and "I Believe In BC!"

I will always remember this day for the rest of my life. Thank you all so much

Friday March 22nd will be a day that I will always remember. 

It was the day that I had the privilege, along with our BC Conservative Party leader  John Cummins and his wife Sue Cummins, to open OUR Kamloops South Thompson Campaign Office on Victoria Street.  

And it was a great day for a grand opening.  All the local news media, including radio and TV were present, and John Cummins conducted an impromptu news conference right off the bat, even before things officially got underway. 

The weather cooperated so that the three Highland Pipers were able to pipe me up Victoria Street to the new office.  There John and I cut the ribbon together.  

That was followed by the "Official Campaign Opening Haircut" from my all time favorite barber, John DeCicco.  

A good crowd showed up to help celebrate.  I really felt humbled at the amount of support that I am getting from everyone.  

I would like to thank John and Sue Cummins for taking time out of their busy schedule, to risk the snowy Coquihalla Highway, to be here for me. 

To all my Kamloops South Thompson Constituency Association Board Members, without whose help I could not have come this far. 

To all the Kamloops media for covering this special event.  

To all the party members who showed up as well as friends and supporters. 

And especially to my wife, Dyanne, without whose support I could not have started on this adventure. 

THANK YOU!

I will always remember this day for the rest of my life.  Thank you all so much. 

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops. 

I'm Peter Sharp -- I'm a BC Conservative -- and I Believe in BC!

ADVISORY: BC Conservative open Kamloops South Thompson Campaign Office

This Friday will mark the official kick-off, to the Peter Sharp election campaign, for the riding of Kamloops South Thompson. 

"I'm delighted with the hard work of our campaign in finding what I believe to be an excellent location, where we will be able to meet and talk to voters during the days ahead, to May 14th when ballots will be cast", stated Sharp.

"We as BC Conservatives are going in to this campaign saying 'We BELIEVE in BC'."

"That's more than just a catchy slogan", Sharp continued.  "We do believe in BC ... in the resourcefulness of our people, in our ability to dream and achieve big dreams, in our ability to create the kinds of jobs where people can raise a family and own a home, and our ability to be the job-driver of the Canadian economy." 

"YES ... we believe in BC!"

BC Conservative candidate Peter Sharp will be joined by several friends, from the Kamloops Pipeband Society, as they pipe him up Victoria Street to the campaign office.

The campaign office, at 324 Victoria Street, will then have an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

On hand for the occasion, will be BC Conservative party leader John Cummins. 

“Peter is an outstanding candidate for our party,” said John Cummins.  “Peter has a lengthy record of public service, both with the RCMP and as an elected city councilor.  I'm proud to have him on our team.” 

Also playing a role in the festivities will be long-time friend, and barber, John DeCicco. Like Peter, John is also a former Kamloops City Councillor.

Said Peter, "On budget day the Finance Minister has a new pair of shoes.  I've asked my friend John to come across the street from his barber shop to give me the 'official campaign kick-off haircut'.  I am delighted he has agreed!"

Members of the public are invited to stop by for the opening celebration, which will continue through to 6pm.

We will spend less than projected revenues, and we will do it protecting the three cores services; Health Care, Education, and Social Services

SHARP:  We will spend less than projected revenues, and we will do it protecting the three core services; Health Care, Education, and Social Services 

For Immediate Release:  March 6th, 2013

KAMLOOPS:  Meeting with over two dozen members of the news media yesterday in Vancouver, BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins announced a major plank in the 2013 Election platform; the parties Budgetand Fiscal Framework for the next 5 years.  

 

Kamloops South Thompson BC Conservative party candidate Peter Sharp, commenting on the plan, stated:

"Our budget outline is the framework we will be taking in to the elections.  It is one based on economic growth expected by Central One Credit Union; these are not numbers we have cherry picked from someone favorable to our party." 

 

Sharp continued:
"In our 5 year plan, we will spend less than our projected government revenues -- and we will do it protecting the three cores services we as BC Conservatives -- and all British Columbians -- want to see maintained; Health Care, Education, and Social Services.  Each will have increased financial resources and budgets over the term of this 5 year fiscal framework."

 

The BC Liberals have thrown up their hands and said things are bad so we'll just go ahead and spend money anyway.  They have not done what is needed to give the provinces visionaries the spark to create, and go ahead with, the jobs we need to really get the economy going. 

 

"We need to create an environment where our children, the next generation of business leaders, can begin to create more wealth and revenue for the provinces -- and to give the people of BC REAL jobs they can earn a good living at." 

 

BC Conservatives will be looking for efficiencies in government and it's ministries ... there are savings to be found without cutting front-line workers as the BC Liberals have down during their term in office.  

 

"Efficiencies are there, and government and its' ministries don't have to look hard to find them", stated Sharp. 

Former Surrey-Tynehead BC Liberal Party riding executive member asking; “What’s worse, four years of the NDP or four more years of the BC Liberals?”

BC Conservatives are on a roll across the province – but this really began before issues within the BC Liberal Party came to the forefront.

We have been putting forward clear and concise policy ideas that make sense -- and next Tuesday we will have our proposed budget announced for each and every British Columbian to see and read.

These include our Alternative Throne Speech --- and our Spending Smarter policy paper.  Next Tuesday, our party leader John Cummins will present what a BC Conservative Party Budget will look like.

Meantime -- BC Liberals across the province are becoming disillusioned and upset by what is happen to their party by those at the top -- as an announcement from one Liberal riding association executive member clearly stated.

Surrey-Tynehead riding boundaries

Here in his own words, is what Surrey-Tynehead BC Liberal Riding Association had to say, in a personal opinion piece entitled; “Why I Quit the BC Liberals” (March 1, 2013)

You may actually have heard elsewhere, but today I have resigned my post as the Vice President of the Surrey-Tynehead BC Liberal Riding Association and have requested my membership be terminated immediately with the BC Liberal Party.

My resignation has nothing to do with the riding per se, nor with Dave Hayer — the best MLA in BC — nor with the riding’s acclaimed candidate, Amrik Virk, but rather with the pattern of arrogance, deceit, and downright unethical behaviour of the BC Liberal Party.

BC Conservatives will release their election-platform Budget and Fiscal Framework

STAY TUNED ... I am delighted to let you know that the BC Conservative Party will unveil "the most comprehensive, detailed" pre-election budget framework in provincial history. It takes place next Tuesday --- see the following:


LANGLEY, BC, MAR. 1, 2013 - The BC Conservatives will release their election-platform Budget and Fiscal Framework, for the years 2013 /14 through to 2017 /18, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, on Tuesday, March 5, at 10:30 am.

The Budget Framework provides an extremely detailed projection of government revenues and expenditures under a BC Conservative government. It also fulfills the BC Conservatives' long-standing pledge to repeal the Carbon Tax.

Moreover, unlike the recent BC Liberal Budget, which covers just a three-year period, the BC Conservatives' five-year plan extends through to the 2017 general election - thereby covering the entire mandate of the next provincial government.

"This is the most-comprehensive and detailed election-platform Budget Framework ever seen in British Columbia," said party leader, John Cummins. "We promised that we would present voters with a fully-costed platform - and we've delivered.

I will have more on this following the announcement on Tuesday ... Peter Sharp