THE VALUE OF AN INDEPENDENT

I will advocate for businesses of all sizes, from micro and small enterprises to mid and large corporations across sectors like food & beverage, tourism, technology, and services, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. By working closely with industry leaders and policymakers, I will push for solutions that offset the financial impact of minimum wage increases, such as tax incentives, grants, and streamlined regulations. My goal is to foster an environment where businesses can thrive while balancing fair wages with sustainable growth.

I support reducing or eliminating income taxes for the lowest income earners to ease financial burdens and help working families thrive. I also advocate for the complete removal of the fuel tax, lowering everyday costs for individuals and businesses alike. Additionally, I back the implementation of $10/day daycare to make childcare more affordable and accessible, empowering parents and boosting early childhood development.

We have a crime issue that is over the top here in Kelowna and across BC. I support ending free drug supply. I support ending the "Catch and Release" system.

It is my view that we need to work with our community experts to find a multi-faceted approach to this complex issue supporting our municipalities, shelters and first responders.

- Increase Law Enforcement support

- Stricter Sentencing for repeat offenders and offenders in general

- Continuing to support communities and municipalities in their efforts to get people off the streets and into homes.

I support:

- Universal healthcare. We all have access to a school and a teacher for our children, the same should go for a Family Dr.

- Increasing the number of healthcare practitioner recruits to BC from other countries and provinces using programs like the PNP

- Providing those interested in getting into nursing the opportunity to do so at no cost right after high school graduation

- Creating a Provincial Task Force to find a solution to reducing the number of Health Authorities to cut bureaucratic spending and put the money back into communities

- Access to personal information through a revitalized & modernized healthcare app including ways to sign into an ER queue as opposed to sitting in it

- Providing support for our healthcare staff, nurses and doctors to ease burnout

- Augmenting services offered at the Critical Care Centers, and increasing the number of CCC's in BC

I will support:

- Wildfire Prevention and Response Institute in BC leveraging cutting-edge technology, expert local and Indigenous knowledge

- A full-time firefighting service for BC. Right now, most of BC's fire fighting resources are deployed to other provinces. Other provinces use a permanent finance model.

- Collaboration with advanced technology and leading edge solutions from within BC. There are a wealth of tech companies right here in BC creating some cutting edge solutions. We need to be at the table with them.

Mental Health & Addictions often get lumped together when we talk about the drug crisis we face in BC.

This is a complex issue, to say the least.

I come from a critical thinking methodology where by I believe we need to investigate what is working in other countries as well as consult with our top psychologists, pediatricians and specialists to find the best multi-faceted approach.

In Finland, for instance, Involuntary commitment requires three criteria: 1) severe mental illness with impaired insight; 2) that a lack of treatment would worsen the condition or endanger the safety or security of the patient or others; 3) and other treatments or services are insufficient or inapplicable.

The approach we take will be unprecedented but we need to work together to get better systems in place.

I will advocate for direct policy action that provides immediate financial assistance to farmers and reduces the cost of production. My efforts will focus on securing innovative storage solutions and fostering technology collaborations to help farmers overcome climate challenges. By championing these critical policies, I will work to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure long-term sustainability for our farmers.

I support programs that incentivize innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of background. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can tap into diverse perspectives and ideas, driving economic growth and social progress. These initiatives not only fuel creativity but also help build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

As a graduate of the University of British Columbia Fine Arts, I know all too well the importance of the arts. My sister in law started a dance studio in Summerland and we are a very creative family to say the least! My husband, Todd, continues to paint every day and we have supported launching hundreds of artists careers right here in the Okanagan!

Long time resident and active community member Myles Bruckal

Norm Letnick

Jon Summerland, Okanagan Film Commissioner