MAKING AN IMPACT | UBC has strong presence in North Okanagan region [A6]
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Mulcair likes spirit RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Tom Mulcair is confident Canadians, including those in the Okanagan, are looking for an alternative to negativity. The federal NDP leader spoke before about 100 people at the Vernon Recreation Complex Wednesday, and he says the turnout bodes well for the party. “It’s an area strongly Conservative but we saw the spirit in the hall,” he said, adding that many voters are being turned off by the messages from the Conservatives and the Liberals. “We have a positive message about what can be accomplished together.” As part of preparations for the 2015 federal election, Mulcair says his party is attempting to keep Prime Minister Stephen Harper accountable. “We’ve been taking him on. We’re the first real opposition he’s faced and he’s not enjoying it.” Mulcair says Canadians’ faith in the democratic system has been undermined by the Senate scandal and robocalls, and the Conservatives’ proposed election forms won’t help. “It should be called the rigged elections act,” he said, adding that he wants cross-country hearings on the legislation. Mulcair also touched on what he sees as a growing financial struggle for Canadians, and particularly many seniors who have to leave retirement and go back to work. “The people who built our country are being told they have to live in abject poverty,”
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Tom Mulcair, leader of Canada’s official opposition, speaks in Vernon Wednesday as part of a nationwide tour. Close to 100 people turned out to hear what the federal NDP leader had to say. he said, adding that there is also a need to engage more youth in the decision-making process. “Young people are being left a mass of social, economic and environmental inequalities on their backs.” Instead of shipping oil overseas, Mulcair says the natural resource should be used to create value-added jobs in Canada. During his stop, the issue of Canada Post abandoning door-to-door mail delivery was also raised. “There are a lot of Canadians that this affects, especially seniors and people with dis-
abilities,” said Colt Wilson, local Canadian Union of Postal Workers president. Mulcair says Canada Post has ran a profit in 17 of 18 years and the Crown corporation should expand into programs like banking, instead of cutting back services. “Canada would be the only developed country without door-to-door delivery.” Mulcair also vowed, if elected, to reopen Veterans Canada offices, closed by the Conservatives. But while much of Mulcair’s speech focused on Harper, he also took aim at Liberal leader Justin Trudeau.
“There is a track record with the Liberals of saying one thing during an election and doing the opposite when elected,” said Mulcair, adding that any attempts to unite forces to defeat the Conservatives have failed. “The Liberals are hopelessly arrogant and will not work with anyone else.” While meeting with the local media, Mulcair made a push for compulsory labelling for genetically modified food items, a major issue for a number of North Okanagan residents. “It’s part of public protection and people want to know what’s on their plate,” he said.
Homecoming for Olympian Hill planned Morning Star Staff
Kevin Hill and his family want to say thank you to Vernon and the North Okanagan for supporting Hill’s Olympic dream. The Canadian men’s snowboard cross athlete, who finished eighth in the event at Sochi (though he was in second place in his semifinal and racing toward a berth in the final race when he was
knocked down from behind by a Spanish racer) will be the guest of honour at a public gathering Wednesday, from 3 to 6 p.m., in the Grand Room at Kal Tire Place. The event is open to everyone. “Come on out and meet and welcome Kevin home from Sochi, and see and hear how your support helped make his experience truly Olympic-sized,” said Hill’s sis-
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ter, Shanda. The event Wednesday is a drop-in style, and support has been thrown in by Rancho Vignola, Tim Hortons, SaveOn-Foods, Sure Copy, the Real Canadian Superstore and City of Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky. The Vernon School District will be sending out a notice for kids and their parents to attend. There will be a draw for
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each one of Hill’s 10 limited edition World Cup racing jerseys for the kids. The Hills extended an invitation to the event to fellow Vernon Olympian Justin Dorey, who placed 12th in the first-ever men’s ski halfpipe. Dorey led the event after the first two runs, and, according to commentators and observers, was on his way to a gold-medal-winning
run when he crashed. Dorey, however, has said to the Hills he is unlikely to make the event as he will be spending time resting at his home in Whistler. “I just wanna say thanks for all the support over the years from you and your family, you guys are awesome and I really appreciate it,” wrote Dorey to the Hills in an e-mail.
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“I told him we will recognize him from afar as both he and Kevin have represented Canada and Vernon so well,” said Shanda. “For a sport that beats the snot out of their bodies, I’m definitely proud of them both for sticking it out.” Dorey’s father, Peter, owner of Olympia Cycle and Ski in Vernon, was in the crowd at Sochi cheering on his son.