A Libertarian candidate is the latest person to file nomination papers to run in New Westminster in the May 14 provincial election. Lewis Clarke Dahlby, the Libertarian candidate joins Hector Bremner (B.C. Liberal Party), James Crosty (independent); Judy Darcy (B.C. NDP), Paul Forseth (B.C. Conservative Party) and Terry Teather (Green Party of B.C.)
One meeting left
New Westminster candidates have already attended three all-candidates events and have one to go in the campaign.
Following up on last week's district parent advisory council all-candidates meeting and Sundays' event hosted by the Queen's Park Residents' Association, the candidates attended a meeting held by The New Westminster Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
The next meeting will be on foot - Tenth to the Fraser, NEXT New West and New Westminster Environmental Partners are holding an all-candidates walk on Saturday at 5: 30 p.m. Candidates and community members will meet at Sapperton Park (at the corner of East Columbia and Sherbrooke streets).
After meeting at the park, people can stroll to River Market - giving candidates a chance to chat with community members and allowing each candidate a chance to address the crowd for five minutes.
Seniors' support
NDP candidate Judy Darcy believes New Westminster seniors will get more support from a New Democrat government.
The NDP is committing to $70 million over three years to enable seniors and people with chronic disabilities to receive home support and community care.
It's also committing to improving standards of residential care for seniors who can't remain at home by investing $35 million to improve basic services.
"This support is critically needed. I know from talking with seniors and their families with staff at RCH, Queen's Park Care Centre and other facilities how desperately needed this support is," Darcy said in a press release. "One in 10 hospital beds is being used by someone who should be receiving care elsewhere. We know that effective home support reduces the demands on our hospitals, but fundamentally it's the right thing to do for our seniors who want to live in their homes for as long as possible."
Livable income
The Green party is proposing a guaranteed livable income to eliminate poverty in British Columbia.
"It's time to eliminate poverty," said Green party leader Jane Sterk in a press release. "Families and individuals caught in the cycle of poverty have not been offered hope or a fair share in our province's wealth. The only way to really eliminate poverty is by instituting a guaranteed livable income."
Terry Teather is the B.C. Green Party candidate in New Westminster. Green Party candidates are pledging to introduce a bill, or support one in the legislature, to establish an expert commission to study how a guaranteed livable income can be implemented in B.C. - Theresa McManus
