A few days before the NDP’s nomination day in Hope, candidate Aaron Sam spoke to The Standard to talk about how he would help Hope.
Sam said he has spoken to community members in Hope and heard concerns of the local economy.
“I believe that government can create an environment to support local businesses, promote entrepreneurship and just foster an environment so we can promote and support the local economy,” said Sam.
He also highlighted how he would like to look at ways to keep tourists in town for longer than just a brief stopover.
“If we are able to stimulate the economy, we would be able to hopefully address some of the issues of poverty, crime and homelessness,” said Sam.
He also said seniors face cost of living challenges, saying that the NDP will look at hydro rates and ICBC premiums and eliminating MSP premiums.
Sam also said that both seniors and youth can benefit from governments investing in public transit so that they can be mobile.
Sam believes he is the NDP’s best chance this May to beat the BC Liberals. Asked how he plans to convince people in Fraser-Nicola that he is better than his nomination competitor Harry Lali, Sam highlighted that Lali ran against Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart four years ago and lost.
Sam said he has been a lawyer for over 10 years and has experience negotiating with government officials, and as chief of the Lower Nicola Indian Band, he has advocated for his constituents for many years.
“I have lots of experience and the fact of the matter is I’ve been successfully elected chief on two different occasions by substantial margins,” said Sam.