The Provincial Election will be held on Saturday, October 24.
My Bulkley Lakes Now has reached out to each candidate running for MLA in the Bulkley Valley-Stikine riding for their response to the following questions:
- Tell us about yourself
- What do you think is the most important issue for the area and why?
- Why should someone vote for you?
- Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?
In alphabetical order (Last Name):
Frankie Abel, BC NDP:
My Bulkley Lakes Now reached out to Abel and did not hear back in time for publication.
Abel’s website can be found here.
Ed Ewald, BC Christian Heritage Party:
My Bulkley Lakes Now reached out to Ewald and did not receive answers in time for publication.
Ewald’s website can be found here.
Sharon Hartwell, BC Conservatives (Incumbent):
I was born and raised in the Bulkley Valley to a family who strongly believed in being community minded and actively participating in shaping the future of our communities. Whether looking at my recent time as an MLA, or back at my previous 20 years in local government, my time as a small communities representative at UBCM or my innovative program “Team BC, Small Communities Setting the Pace” My commitment has always been to raise the standards for small communities and allow them to have a voice.
On a national level, I was elected to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and became the Vice-Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure. I also sat on the Safety Committee representing communities in rail safety issues and served on the Environment Committee, which explored innovative technological solutions to enhance communities. I participated in all these committees to enhance opportunities in the northwest.
I have also owned and operated a small business, so I do understand the difficulties businesses are facing Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our communities, and we need to better support them.
Hartwell’s website can be found here.
2. What do you think is the most important issue for the area and why?
Sharon Hartwell, BC Conservatives (Incumbent):
In 2024 the main reason I decided to return to government was to advocate for better healthcare in the north. Both Smithers and Hazelton hospitals need to be replaced. Long Term Care Facilities are needed in most of our communities where our seniors can receive the care, support and quality of life they deserve, close to home and their families. We need to support our doctors, nurses, technicians, paramedics and others in the medical field.
We are losing too many people to drugs and alcohol. Communities need access to mental health and addiction treatment facilities, and they should be closer to home for support from families.
As chair of the Northwest Regional Hospital District, and as a board member for Northern Health I saw improvements to healthcare delivery, including the construction of new hospitals in Masset, Daajing Giids (formerly Queen Charlotte), Burns Lake, and Fort St John. At that time both Smithers and Hazelton were both in line for new hospitals.
In response to the need for people to access medical professionals outside our home communities, I initiated what is now known as the Northern Health Connections Bus which would provide vital transportation for medical appointments and post-hospital patient discharge.
3. Why should someone vote for you?
Sharon Hartwell, BC Conservatives (Incumbent):
I am a person who likes to find solutions. The economy in the north is slow, many mills have shut down and people are struggling. We need results, we need to cut red tape to allow for faster permitting and approvals. We need to provide incentives for communities to enhance growth. We need to invest in our infrastructure to encourage development, and support community growth.
My commitment is to be a strong voice for all the residents of Bulkley Valley – Stikine. Small communities know what their needs are and we need to be listening.
4. Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?
Sharon Hartwell, BC Conservatives (Incumbent):
(Editor’s Note: Hartwell did not provide a response to this question.)
Editor’s note: My Bulkley Lakes Now would like to thank the three candidates for taking the time to respond to our questions. Reading their responses should better prepare each voter for the candidate of their choice.
Voting stations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday at the following locations:
Something going on in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing pgnews@vistaradio.ca.
- Erwin Stege Community Centre – 4633 10th Avenue, New Hazelton
- Glenwood Community Hall – 13804 Telkwa High Road, Smithers
- Paul Lychak Evelyn Community Hall – 10162 Engman Road, Smithers
- Round Lake Hall – 13706 Round Lake Road, Telkwa
- St. Joseph’s Elementary School – 4054 Broadway Avenue, Smithers
- St. Peter’s Anglican Church – 4390 Government Street, Hazelton
- Telkwa Community Hall – 1380 Birch Street, Telkwa
- Witset Health Centre – 204 Beaver Road, Witset
