PPC candidate Ken Finlayson says he’s not very good at retirement; ‘Having been afflicted with an active interest in politics my entire life I now find myself drawn back into the political arena’

Thoughts on BC Politics and More has sent a questionnaire to Conservative, Green Party, Liberal, NDP, and Peoples Party of Canada candidates for the Kamloops Thompson Cariboo riding.  Over the next week and a half, the responses will be shared with you; not just as information for those in the riding, but perhaps as information to consider for candidates in your own riding – to be clarified or asked.

 

PPC leader Maxime Bernier with Kamloops
Thompson Cariboo candidate Ken Finlayson

 
Today, we’re sharing the first responses, which were returned by People Party of Canada candidate Ken Finlayson.  Before presenting his responses to the questions however, lets begin with information submitted by Ken about himself, and why he’s running.

Ken operates a small ranch near Lac La Hache, for non-resident owners from the lower mainland; it’s a semi retirement position he thought he’d try out a little more than year ago.

Well turns out Ken’s not very good at retirement and “so having been afflicted with an active interest in politics my entire life I now find myself drawn back into the political arena”.

Ken was born and raised into a farming and ranching family near North Battleford Saskatchewan where his family has been for six generations. “We got there just after the Indians did” Ken jokes.

“Basically, I’m conservative in my outlook. I wasn’t always but with age comes wisdom and I hope I’ve learned a little along the way. Reality if your willing to embrace it can be a great teacher. When I look at the division, uncertainty and suffocating government regulations besetting our nation today, I can’t just stand idly by and watch a great nation and a people I love with our potential and opportunity self destruct.

We can do better! We deserve better!

So here I am. The candidate for the “Peoples Party of Canada” in the “Kamloops - Thompson - Cariboo” riding of “Beautiful BC”. 

Now, here are Ken’s responses:

How has your work experience, and community involvement, impacted your decision to run as a candidate in the federal election?  
 ... long story but I've long been involved in politics

What do you believe are the three most important issues for the people of the Kamloops Thompson Cariboo riding? 
 ... the crisis in the forest industry, with two-thirds of workers laid off or facing layoffs ... the high cost of housing ... and taxes 

What are the three most important issues to Canadians as a whole? 
... cynicism about politicians generally ... Climate Change (its false) so people are needlessly concerned ... and taxes 

 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? 
... I agree. Parliament should be about more than just winning. It should be about good governance

What do you believe is the most important role for a Member of Parliament?
 ... Be an advocate for one’s constituents 

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? 
... it’s always better to be on the government side

Stay tuned ... and we'll continue to bring you the candidate responses over the next couple of weeks.