The New Democratic Party’s (NDP) candidate for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, Cynthia Egli, has been a lifelong supporter of the party and noted since she has two children who’ll be voting in the upcoming federal election, she wanted someone trustworthy on the ballot, which in part prompted her to put her name forward.
“I want someone on that ballot that has the same values as the NDP and (party leader) Jagmeet Singh and I do,” said Egli.
“I’m pretty excited. It’s a huge learning curve. Just a week ago I was not thinking I was going to be running for the federal NDP, but here I am. It’s the right thing to do.”
Though Egli is fairly new to politics and is still getting familiar with the minutiae of her party’s platforms, she said employment and economy are huge issues in the riding and the NDP’s plan to create 300,000 jobs through home conversions and green energy initiatives would be a good start in alleviating some of the pressures of unemployment in the area.
https://www.clearwatertimes.com/federal-election/ndp-will-tackle-housing-crisis-with-affordable-housing-and-up-to-5000-in-rental-support/
Another issue she said she feels strongly about is healthcare and universal pharmacare, as many of the people she talks to in her community complain of having to choose between their prescriptions and other necessities, which Egli said is unacceptable.
“(I’m a firm believer) in expanding prescription drug coverage so every single Canadian can have prescription drugs as well as expanding medicare, fully covered dental, vision and mental health services,” she said.
“It’s about choices and the government right now chose to put $4.5 billion into a pipeline for prosperity when there are people in Canada that can’t afford their medications, that can’t afford the hearing aids they need. That don’t have drinking water that’s safe.”
Those concerned with climate action would also do well to take a look at the NDP’s platforms, she added, because the new democrats are the only party she believes have confirmed legislation calling for a Green New Deal that addresses climate change and systematic inequality.
Elgi said voters should also consider the NDP because the issues of affordable housing and job security have arisen from bouncing back and forth between liberal and conservative governments and if constituents continue voting for the same parties they always have, nothing will change.
“I’m not afraid to stand up and I’m not afraid to put my name down on the ballot. I’m not afraid to try,” said Egli.
“Some of the other candidates are highly respected and that in itself is scary, but Jagmeet Singh and the NDP have sole recognition of human rights, Indigenous rights and equality for all in this country.”
Perhaps most importantly, Egli said everyone just needs to get out and vote on Oct. 21.
newsroom@clearwatertimes.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter