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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

Having served in a minority and majority government, and opposition, I’ve come to recognize and value the important democratic process we have - each role is important ~~ Cathy McLeod


Today we continue with our profiles of candidates running in the electoral riding of Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo.  Up to now, we have been able to profile the People Party of Canada (PPC) candidate Ken Finlayson … along with the Green Party’s Iain Currie.
 
Cathy McLeod
Today I am pleased to provide the responses of Cathy McLeod, who is seeking re-election.  Before we begin however, here is a brief bio for Ms. McLeod

As MP for Kamloops - Thompson - Cariboo, Cathy McLeod served with dedication and integrity. In 2017, she was appointed as Shadow Minister for Indigenous and Northern Affairs. Previously, Cathy was a municipal councilor and then Mayor of Pemberton.

Cathy is a registered nurse, and managed health-care centres in Kamloops, Pemberton, Logan Lake and Chase. She earned her nursing degree from the University of Western Ontario, and completed a master’s degree in International Primary Health Care from the University of London in the U.K.

She and her husband, Gord, have been married for over 35 years. They live in Kamloops and have three adult children.

And now, on with the candidate profile questions, beginning with … 

How has your work experience, and community involvement, impacted your decision to run as a candidate in the federal election?


I have been proud to serve the riding of Kamloops - Thompson - Cariboo for 10-plus years and hope constituents feel I have worked hard and done a good job for them. I feel like I have the energy and passion to continue as MP, and there are a few unfinished pieces I would like to see through including the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, support for forestry communities impacted by the current crisis, and a new future for the agricultural research centre in Kamloops.


What do you believe are the three most important issues for the people of the Kamloops Thompson Cariboo riding?

The most important issues for the people in our riding are affordability, forestry, and the future rural-urban divide around areas like natural resource development.


What are the three most important issues to Canadians as a whole?

Similar to the local level, the key issues for Canadians overall are affordability, the environment, and a federal government that spends within its means, not saddling future generations with unacceptable deficits.


Would you agree with the following statement, “Good ideas for the betterment of Canadians can come from anywhere, and should be supported by all members of parliament, regardless of party affiliation” ... and why?

Absolutely there are non-partisan ideas that are simply for the betterment of our country and Canadians. It’s also important to note that what one person perceives as a good idea (i.e. the carbon tax), others perceive it as a burden that is ineffective toward its stated goal.


What do you believe is the most important role for a Member of Parliament?

An MP must represent her riding on many facets, from individual to community aspirations to business concerns; and be an effective MP in Ottawa on some of the significant issues and challenges we deal with, from health care to taxes, to legislation on things like medical assistance and dying.


In the past, this riding has been represented by the Liberals, NDP, and Conservatives, and on several occasions by the opposition or third party in the House of Commons. Do you believe it is better for an MP to be part of the government side of the house, to enable them to more fully serve constituents?

Having served as part of a minority government, majority government and the opposition, I have come to recognize and value the important democratic process we have in this country and that each role is important. As a member of the opposition, you can get things done, sometimes it just takes some additional creativity.


Based on previous political experience, what one thing do you believe you have been able to initiate, that has most benefited the people of Kamloops – Thompson - Cariboo?

I am most proud of the twinning of Highway 1, and all the lives that have been saved as a result of it. I advocated hard for that particular project.


FINAL COMMENT: I’d like to ask constituents of the Kamloops -Thompson - Cariboo for their vote on the 21st and will be honored to continue to serve as their MP.
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