TUESDAY JUNE 16, 2015
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B.C. LIBERAL CAUCUS MEETING
Training in focus Exclusive interview with premier, page A5 JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
In a speech reminiscent of her campaign focus more than two years ago, Premier Christy Clark highlighted the differences she believed voters should note between her B.C. Liberal Party and the NDP when she spoke to chamber of commerce members Thursday in Parksville. Clark and the B.C. Liberal caucus were in Parksville last week for meetings and the breakfast, sponsored jointly by the chambers of commerce from Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Nanaimo, was one of the few public events for the MLAs. “It’s my view that British Columbians don’t want their government to be bigger — we want our economy to be bigger,” said Clark. “If we get out of your way, we respect your ability to do that. We take a fundamentally different view than the NDP — in their view, the government knows better.” Clark also spoke about the importance of balancing the budget and B.C. Liberal programs that are helping those on social assistance, especially single parents, through training, with help to pay for that training and associated costs of daycare and transportation. “Writing a bigger (social assistance) cheque, doesn’t get people off the treadmill,” said the premier. After her speech, Clark mingled with locals for a few minutes and then left the main hall to speak with The NEWS in an exclusive interview that focussed on issues of concern for many in Parksville Qualiucm Beach. See page A5 inside today for an account of that interview.
AUREN RUVINSKY PHOTO
The Salvation Army Food Bank’s Lisa Clason stands beside some empty shelves at the food bank.
FOOD BANK FEELING THE PRESSURE
More seniors are seeking help AUREN RUVINSKY
writer@pqbnews.com
The Salvation Army Food Bank is looking for help to fill its shelves. Due to a combination of fewer food drives than previous years and a shift in the types of clients, the regional food bank based in French Creek is at it’s lowest point in a long time. “We are seeing more seniors and fewer families,” said coordinator Lisa Clason, estimating the number of seniors has increased 25 per cent in the last six months.
They currently have 423 registered clients and she was happy to report that various government family incentives appear to be kicking in and reducing the number of families. She did say that while they have fewer families, those families appear to be growing. With the food bank’s point system, letting people shop for what they want, and encouraging healthier foods, Clason said they are always short on proteins, which they then
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have to buy. Right now they are in particular need of juice, canned vegetables (not cream corn or tomato soup), tuna, cereal, peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, Mr. Noodle and Kraft Dinner. She said they are always happy to accept cash, which they shop with for needed items and can often get really good sales or bulk deals. She also encouraged people to contribute through Save-On Foods’ current bag sales food drive.
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