Editor:
As a former federal NDP candidate for Cariboo/PG, I experienced first-hand being hamstrung by a political party.
I was told what to say on issues, not to present any of my own ideas and to always toe the party line.
Unfortunately, this was at the peak of the beetle kill disaster in this area and my staff and I tried desperately to get some policy on the beetle kill issue from the federal NDP in Ottawa.
Although I was constantly being questioned about the issue on the street and at forums, there was nothing I could say.
No policy on the beetle kill came before election day and, quite frankly, it was embarrassing. Candidates and elected representatives must have the freedom to speak out and for this reason I wholeheartedly support our independent candidate for Cariboo North.
As a resident of Quesnel, I have been impressed by the hard work of Bob Simpson’s office and by Bob in particular.
He’s worked on behalf of all the residents of the riding, especially those in need of serious help, regardless of their political
views, personal priorities and beliefs.
And no MLA has worked harder for the benefit of all of the residents of BC to keep us informed on important issues. For all of these reasons, I am proud to support Bob Simpson, independent candidate for Cariboo North.
Alfred Trudeau
Quesnel