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OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
VOL. 99 NO. 65
Candidates weigh in on party financial report
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AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter After Elections BC released the 2012 annual finance reports, Cariboo-North candidates are speaking out. Independent Bob Simpson noted a “swing in NDP donations.” “There’s a significant increase in corporate donations,” he said. “Many of which have never contributed to the NDP before.” NDP candidate Duncan Barnett said he feels the donations are “an indication people are looking for a change.” “And the NDP is a change for the better,” he said, adding 60 per cent of the party’s donations still come from individual donors. Representing the Liberals, Coralee Oakes said her party’s donation list is testament to its strength. “People are enthusiastic about our free-enterprise party and that is shown through the donations we received in the past year,” she said. “British Columbians know that this election is a clear choice between our vision of economic growth and the reckless policies of the NDP. The strength of our fundraising, along with our outstanding team of candidates, prove that British Columbians are keen to support our vision.” Both Barnett and Simpson spoke to reforming campaign financing. “This is more evidence we need to ban corporate and union donations,” Simpson said. Barnett agreed, adding “Initially there was no problem with corporate and union donating but it’s gone to such an extent it might distort the process.” “I think it’s reasonable to limit or stop these donations. If the public agrees, they should vote for an NDP government.” The 2012 financial reports for registered political parties deadline for filing was April 2, 2013. The reports had to include the following: • political contributions accepted; • assets, liabilities, surplus or deficit as of Dec. 31, 2012; • total dollar amount of income tax receipts issued; • transfers of money, goods or services received and given; • fundraising function information; • other income received and expenditures made; • loans and guarantees. The complete report can be viewed at, http://bit. ly/10zRWFW
Hardeep Bhangu Optometrist 15 years of experience as an Optometrist and has now returned to his hometown. Call and book your appointment today.
QUESNEL FAMILY OPTOMETRIC CENTER 455 McLean St. 250-992-5417
Spring is in the air For those attending the Seedy Saturday event at CNC, there was definitely a sense that spring, planting and the season of growing was just around the corner, despite the previous night’s snowfall. This juinior gardener was decorating her peat pot before planting the seeds she hopes will grow big and strong. For more photos see the Friday Observer. Annie Gallant photo
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber Caroline Mitchell! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
VOTE
CORALEE OAKES In the Advance Polls, May 8, 9, 10 & 11 8 am - 8 pm at the Seniors’ Centre All voters are eligible to vote in the Advance Polls or on election day May 14th. Contact Coralee at:
250-992-9025 • www.coraleeoakes.ca www.facebook.com/teamcoralee www.twitter.com/coraleeoakes coralee@bcliberals.com Authorized by Peter McLoughin, the Official Financial Agent for Coralee Oakes BC Liberal Candidate, Cariboo North. Tel:250-992-9025