GD's Political Animal: Libertarian Party of British Columbia

Showing posts with label Libertarian Party of British Columbia. Show all posts

Friday, October 18, 2024

BC Libertarians (1): Alex Joehl

Four candidates are carrying the Libertarian banner in British Columbia (B.C.) this election. B.C. Libertarian Party (BCLP) leader Alex Joehl is running in Langley-Abbotsford.

Who's running in Langley-Abbotsford | Abbotsford News | Matthew Claxton:

Alex Joehl.

October 18, 2024 -"Alex Joehl

Running with the BC Libertarians

Candidate’s age: 42
What neighbourhood of Langley/Aldergrove/Abbotsford do you live in? Murrayville
How many years have you lived in Langley or Abbotsford? Nine years
Have you held political office in past? No
Profession: Meat department manager at a grocery store

"I’ve lived and worked in Langley since 2015 with my wife and son. Being one of the only Langley-Abbotsford candidate that actually lives in this riding’s boundaries, I know the challenges it faces. Population growth has put upward pressure on housing prices and our hospitals in Langley and Abbotsford struggle to keep up with demand.

"Libertarian principles are ingrained in us before pre-school – Don’t hurt people, don’t take their stuff. I have made it my goal to educate people about our philosophy every opportunity I get, running for MLA twice, MP three times, as well as in local elections.

"I’m proud to be leader of the BC Libertarian Party, who have been advocating for lower taxes, more choice, and real freedom since 1986....

"Langley has long been an attractive destination for its combination of rural areas and a modest urban centre. SkyTrain is coming and with it will bring a spike in demand to the surrounding area. We’ll need more housing, and fast.... Victoria can help Langley by revisiting the Residential Tenancy Act and making it more attractive to build rental housing and be a landlord. There are also layers of requirements that add to the cost of building homes, like the Energy Step Code, which must be paused. Non-arable land within the ALR [Agricultural Land Reserve] should be released....

"[W]hat about those also struggling with addiction? The war on drugs has failed. People should have the opportunity to purchase drugs from reputable businesses, instead of ... toxic street drugs.

"We’ll need to upgrade medical service immediately – Access to a waiting line is not health care. B.C. needs to allow residents to get the best care they can obtain, even if that’s outside the public system. Yes, more doctors and nurses is a no-brainer, but how will we fund it? By cutting the bureaucracy.... Germany has the same doctors per capita as Canada, but less than one-tenth of the administrators."

BC Libertarians (2): Robert Johnson

Four candidates are carrying the Libertarian banner in British Columbia (B.C.) this election. Covid libertarian Robert Johnson is running in Vernon-Lumby.

Vernon-Lumby Libertarian candidate hopes to ‘act the jester’ to point out follies of other parties | Vernon Matters | Liam Verster:

Robert Johnson.

October 8, 2024 - "A small-government advocate hopes to point out the failings of B.C.’s legacy parties with his campaign for MLA. Robert Johnson, the B.C. Libertarian Party candidate for Vernon-Lumby, was born and raised in Alberta, and moved to Salmon Arm in 2009, where he currently lives and works as a part-time dentist.

“'I’m only running in Vernon because of the ridiculous political system we have where everyone’s worried about vote splitting and stuff, because we’ve got all these conservative and independent candidates running against each other,' Johnson told Vernon Matters.... 'I’m not really trying to win this election, I’m just trying to play the court jester. I could have done that anywhere; it wouldn’t have mattered.'

"Johnson expanded on his view of 'acting the jester.' 'There’s something called "post-truth world," which in my mind is there is no such thing as the truth. You’ve got your truth, I’ve got my truth, your subjective experience is true for you. I don’t want to live like that,' the Libertarian candidate said.

So the court jester is like from the Emperor Has No Clothes, it’s the person that tells the truth to the king, and there’s some quote from somebody that says "If you’re going to tell the truth, you need to make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you." So all I’ve been trying to do for the past four and a half year[s] is point out what’s really going on around here, and everyone that’s been doing that has been called names and ostracized and has had their lives destroyed. We’re not going to pretend that didn’t happen.'

"He added he did not agree with the COVID-19 pandemic measures, stating there 'were a lot of things that shouldn’t have been a [topic of] conversation, nevermind something that we actually did.'

"Johnson does not have any political experience, and said he is running to show that 'most Canadians are pretty ignorant when it comes to politics,' and that though he said he described himself as politically ignorant as well, he felt 'it seems to [be] like it doesn’t actually matter which one of these party wins any of these elections, there’s no real meaningful difference in what goes on and things just seem to be getting worse.'

"Johnson, one of just four Libertarian candidates in all of B.C., added he believes the Libertarians to be 'the personal freedom, personal responsibility party' and that individuals 'know better how to live your lives than the government'. He said a Libertarian government would leave people alone to live their lives with minimal red tape and less government interference."

Thursday, October 17, 2024

BC Libertarians (3) Damyn Tassie

Four candidates are carrying the Libertarian banner in British Columbia (B.C.) this election. Entrepreneur Damyn Tassie, a first-time Libertarian candidate, is running in Surrey - White Rock.

Meet the candidates: Surrey-White Rock | Surrey Now - Leader | Black Press Media Staff:

Oct 7, 2024 - "The Peace Arch News reached out to all the local candidates in the B.C. provincial election with a questionnaire allowing them to introduce themselves to voters. Candidates were all given the same questions, word counts and deadlines....

Damyn Tassie.

"CANDIDATE: Damyn Tassie, Libertarian

"WHERE DO YOU LIVE? South Surrey

"ONE-SENTENCE BIO.... As an entrepreneur and traveller, I am a first-time candidate who believes strongly in empowering every resident of British Columbia to have full autonomy over their financial and social associations.

"WHY SHOULD YOU BE ELECTED?... I emphasize the importance of being realistic about the present, however, I am also very optimistic about the future. This is why I joined the B.C. Libertarian Party. I hold the view that a centralized authority cannot effectively address all the challenges facing our province, as evidenced by the ongoing difficulties we have experienced in recent years.

"I believe that promoting affordability, personal freedom, and fostering cooperation/competition through free markets can lead to meaningful solutions. This does not imply that we should disregard the need for support for those in our province who require assistance, and it is essential to have measures in place to protect citizens from exploitative business practices. But it is clear that we have reached a point where excessive regulation and taxation are inhibiting our productivity and undermining our ability to cultivate a sustainable economy.

"TOP 3 PRIORITY ISSUES:

Accountability in Government Spending
Removing “Red Tape” Regulations
Implementing Flat Tax"

BC Libertarians (4) Lewis Dahlby

Four candidates are carrying the Libertarian banner in British Columbia (B.C.) this election. Long-time Libertarian Lewis Dahlby, who has stood for the BCLP since the 1980s, is running in Port Coquitlam.

Lewis Clarke Dahlby | Yourvote.ca

Lewis Clarke Dahlby.

"Lewis Clarke Dahlby was born in Chilliwack B.C. in 1954. He’s married & lives in Port Coquitlam. He has 2 daughters, 28 & 31. He is a landlord & runs a Trucking & Excavating Business.

"Lewis first became a Libertarian in 1979 after watching a 10 part series by Milton Friedman called "Free to Choose". Soon after he tried to get approval to live in a 12 x 68 foot mobile home on his father's 15 acres in Coquitlam. He was denied but went ahead anyway because he believed nobody else should tell him what kind of home he can live in.

"Lewis decided to run for the B.C. Libertarian Party soon after it was formed in 1986. With the late Bill Tomlinson helping to get signatures Lewis just missed getting the nomination because of lack of signatures.

"He then was able to run for the first time in 1988 as the Libertarian candidate for Mission Coquitlam. He has run about a dozen times federally and provincially since then. "

"Lewis believes democracy is a morally valid concept only if you have the consent of every single participant. He also believes that greater overall freedom leads to greater prosperity."

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

McIntyre elected BC Libertarian leader

Penticton local chosen as Libertarian Party leader | Castanet - Chelsea Powrie:

May 20, 2021 - "Penticton politician and resident Keith MacIntyre has been elected as the new leader of the BC Libertarian Party.

MacIntyre ran as MLA for Penticton in the last provincial election. He is also currently running in a local Penticton city council byelection to fill an empty seat.

"In a press release, MacIntyre shared how honoured he is to be chosen as leader.

"'I saw the party come together and exceed all expectations during the last provincial election. We can build off of that momentum and field a full slate of 87 candidates in the 2024 provincial election,' MacIntyre said, adding that he believes his party stands for individual freedoms, invoking current conflicts in Penticton.

“'In Penticton where I live, the Horgan government is bullying the municipality on three separate fronts: forcing a homeless shelter, closing an addiction centre, and demanding a million dollars after the fact for a Primary Care Network,' MacIntyre said.

The party also chose Sandra Filosof-Schipper, a former candidate in Vancouver-Fairview, as deputy leader."

https://www.castanet.net/news/Penticton/334591/Penticton-local-chosen-as-Libertarian-Party-leader

Monday, October 19, 2020

More British Columbia Libertarian candidates

BC Libertarian Party has announced Craven as North Coast candidate for riding | The Northern View - K-J Millar:

October 5, 2020 - "Kitimat resident, Jody Craven has been announced as the British Columbia Libertarian Party candidate for the North Coast Riding MLA position in the upcoming Oct. 24 provincial election, the party announced in press release on Oct. 5. Issues that are listed in the press release as being important to Craven are solutions to provide more job security in the fishing industry and insurance for British Columbians.

"'The ICBC monopoly needs to go and we need to open the door for competition in auto insurance,' Craven said. 'As MLA, I’d also like to sit down with local fishermen and together come up with solutions to provide more job security in their industry.' Craven said blue collar jobs are very important to him and this region having worked for UNIFOR 2301 and Rio Tinto Alcan Inc. for the past 34 years.... Craven isn’t a stranger to political candidacy, having run in the 2019 federal election as a representative for the People’s Party of Canada."

Libertarian Party puts forward candidate in Cariboo-Chilcotin | BC Local News - staff:

October 6, 2020 - "James Buckley feels it’s the right time to run for politics. Buckley, 43, has been declared the BC Libertarian candidate for the Cariboo-Chilcotin in the Oct. 24 election. It’s the first time his party has run a candidate in the riding and the first time Buckley has thrown his hat in the ring for a seat.

"Although he has always been interested in politics, the 100 Mile resident says it wasn’t until four years ago that he discovered the Libertarian party, which had similar views to his own.... He said the Libertarian Party is a 'people-oriented party. It’s all about freedom, lower taxes and having the right to decide what you want, as long as it’s not harmful to anyone else.'"

BC VOTES 2020: A candidate guide for Port Moody-Coquitlam | Tri-City News:

October 17, 2020 - "Hi my name is Logan Smith. I grew up in Port Moody and Coquitlam. My mother worked at Royal Columbian Hospital as a cleaner and my father worked for Waste Management cleaning up the cities. I grew up with parents cleaning up this province and I wish to serve you by cleaning up the mess the governments’ of yesterday and today have made....

"The biggest issue the people of B.C. is to get back to normal and to be able to meet the economic challenges we are to face moving forward. This is to be done by getting government out of our lives....

"The BC Libertarian Party looks to get ride of the senseless regulation and taxes. Also work with municipalities to relaxes zoning bylaws.

"Our party’s number one issue is to get back to normal. We have seen a rise in overdoes deaths and suicides as a result of the lockdowns, with no plan on ending it. We will end the state of emergency and open this province with each individual playing their part in keeping them [safe] and the community as a whole safe."

New Westminster Libertarian doing double duty in 2020 election campaign | New Westminster Record - Theresa McManus:

October 16, 2020 - "Don Wilson is doing double duty with the BC Libertarians. Wilson, who is the leader of the BC Libertarian Party, is also the party’s candidate in the New Westminster riding. He was elected as the party’s leader in 2018, after joining the party the year before.

"'The provincial election was only a couple months away and I was trying to find a political home. I was an odd political creature, fiscally conservative but socially liberal,' he said in a statement to the Record. 'I first encountered libertarian ideas in 2012 seeing Ron Paul's effort to become the Republican Nominee for U.S. president. He spoke against wars of aggression; he articulated a clearly defined role for government and preached a tolerance for others. His message resonated for me like a bell. It wasn't until I found the BC Libertarian Party in 2017 that made the connection between what Dr. Paul was saying and the libertarian political philosophy. I was hooked. I became a candidate right away and ran for president at the next annual general meeting in late 2017. The following year I was elected party leader, a post I have been honoured to hold since.”

"According to Wilson, the BC Libertarian Party, which is fielding 25 candidates in ridings across B.C., puts an emphasis on limited government, civil liberties and the protection of private property rights."

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

More Libertarians running in British Columbia

Terry Tiessen to run as Libertarian candidate in Nelson-Creston | Nelson Star:

Deptember 28, 2020 - "The BC Libertarian Party has announced Terry Tiessen as its candidate for Nelson-Creston in the Oct. 24 provincial election. Tiessen said in a statement Monday he has previously worked for Greenpeace, a reading centre in Slocan and the Humane Society.

"'I have lived in the Nelson area for 30 wonderful years now, choosing to raise my three children in the beauty and the culture of the Kootenays,' he said. 'It was in 2017 that I decided if I wanted to persevere and leave a world for those children that ha[s] impenetrable individual, property and privacy rights, I would have to join and run for the BC Libertarian Party.'"

September 29, 2020 - "The BC Libertarian Party today (Sept. 29) announced Kyle Geronazzo will be representing them in the Kelowna-Lake Country riding. The nominee explained in an email he’s running because he doesn’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ solution.

"'You are the most qualified person to make decisions in your lift, and I believe that you should have more power to do so,' he said.... He further explained when he ran in the 2018 by-election, he discovered first hand how ‘sick and tired’ people were of the current two-party system, which he said often leads people into choosing the ‘lesser of two evils’. 'I’m here to add another voice on the matter, an option that is not the ‘lesser’ of anything, but a real alternative.'"

September 29, 2020 - "BC Libertarian Party candidate Alex Joehl will be running in Langley East. 'I really like being an option for people,' the Murrayville resident told the Langley Advance Times..... It is the second time that Joehl has been on the ballot in Langley-East, having run in 2017. Joehl has also run federally with the Libertarian Party of Canada three times, most recently in 2019 in Langley-Aldergrove, and also finished third in the mayoral race in the Township of Langley in 2018....

"Joehl moved to Langley five years ago with his wife and son. His campaign bio says 'you’ll find him all over town, coaching youth roller and ball hockey, volunteering in the kitchen at the Gateway of Hope, or working at the Real Canadian Superstore, where he has been the Meat Department Manager since 2012. And though this former sports writer no longer is reporting on the local sports scene, you may run into him playing beer league hockey. Finding the BC Libertarian has given him hope that we can make a real difference in reducing the size of government and taking back our individual freedoms and live as freely as we all deserve.'"

October 2, 2020 - "The BC Libertarian Party will have a candidate on the ballot in Chilliwack for the upcoming provincial election. Andrew Coombes, a tradesperson who worked on the construction of the Abbotsford hospital, is throwing his hat in the ring, running on a platform of government accountability....

"Of particular relevance to voters in the Fraser Valley, Coombes also has his sights set on the Agricultural Land Reserve and what he calls 'unfair and draconian rules regarding how you can use your own land.' 'Why is it that the government decides what can be done on private property?' he questioned. 'Why are some greenhouses permitted on ALR land but not a farm-to-table restaurant? We should be encouraging entrepreneurship, not discouraging it. I look forward to spreading the message of liberty.'"

Monday, September 28, 2020

BC Libertarians step up to run in snap election

Libertarian Party announces Penticton candidate | InfoNews.ca - Steve Arstad:

September 24, 2020 - "The Penticton provincial riding has a new B.C. Libertarian candidate in time for this year's snap Oct. 24 election. Keith MacIntyre has been selected to run for the Libertarian Party, which ran 30 candidates in the 2017 election, according to a media release. The party said in the release issued today, Sept. 24, it is 'committed to providing British Columbians with more choice in the delivery of services, lower taxes, and real freedom.' MacIntyre has been a Penticton resident for 10 years. He owns Big Bear Software and is president of the Okanagan School of the Arts."

September 25, 2020 - "A third candidate has entered the Prince George-Mackenzie race for the 2020 provincial election. Raymond Rodgers of the BC Libertarian Party will join BC Liberal candidate and two-term MLA Mike Morris, along with BC NDP candidate Joan Atkinson, the current mayor of Mackenzie. Rodgers is described as a journeyman electrician in the mining, forestry and oil ... sectors who has lived in Salmon Valley for the past 1.5 years. "

September 26, 2020 - "BC Liberal Party and incumbent Shirley Bond has her second challenger in the Prince George-Valemount riding. The BC Libertarian announced today (Sept. 26) Sean Robson has been acclaimed the candidate for the seat.... Robson would have been the third candidate in the riding but the BC Ecosocialist Party saw candidate Stuart Parker resign.... Robson, who has lived in Prince George for 27 years, drives a logging truck for a locally owned and operated contractor while also being a father. "

"September 27, 2020 - "The BC Libertarian party has acclaimed its candidate for the Kelowna West riding. Matt Badura announced Saturday, Sept. 26, he will be taking on the riding’s incumbent BC Liberal Ben Stewart in the upcoming provincial election slated for Oct. 24. So far, the two are the only confirmed candidates in the riding. Badura has been a Kelowna resident for the past four years. He works as a project manager in the construction industry."

Monday, September 16, 2019

BC Libertarian welcomes PPC competition

Burnaby Libertarian sees Bernier's People's Party as allies, not a threat | Burnaby Now - Dustin Godfrey:

September 15, 2019 - "New Westminster-Burnaby’s Libertarian Party candidate says there are no existential questions for his party with a competing libertarian-leaning brand with broad coverage in the upcoming election. Neeraj Murarka, New West's B.C. Libertarian Party candidate 2017 and B.C. director of the federal Libertarian Party, is replacing Rex Brocki in New West-Burnaby, with Brocki set to run up against NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh in Burnaby South under the Libertarian banner.

"Brocki tallied 2.6 per cent of the vote in New West-Burnaby in 2015, which Murarka admitted will be a challenge to meet.... His own name recognition won’t be the only challenge to the Libertarians in New West-Burnaby, though. The People’s Party of Canada, run by former Conservative Party leadership contender Maxime Bernier, has received significant press coverage in the year since its September 2018 formation. That’s particularly true, given the PPC hasn’t even breached the five per cent mark in either CBC’s poll tracker or fellow poll aggregate 338Canada since the party’s creation.

"That name recognition could steal what little sway the Libertarians wield. But although the Libertarians considered a merger with the PPC last year, Murarka said the party doesn’t have any question about where it stands with a competing libertarian brand in the mix.

"Murarka called the People’s Party a more 'practical' rendition of his own party. Where the PPC could conceivably snag a seat or two in October, Murarka sees his party as the more principled libertarian brand. 'They’re basically doing whatever is necessary to get into office,' Murarka said.

"While he said the PPC concedes parts of a libertarian platform to get into office, Murarka says the party could push libertarian ideals into the mainstream.... 'If they manage to disrupt things, just manage to get a seat, I would be, honestly, very happy,' Murarka said. I don’t see them as the enemy; I’m not going to vote for them because I’m running, myself. But I think that both of our parties are kind of on the same level'....

"Murarka said his main issue this election is getting more voter involvement in the choices of government – more referendums and more decentralized control of Parliament. 'I want ,,, the voters to get to make those decisions, whether it relates to taxes, foreign policy, foreign intervention, military, spending, welfare – all those things.'”

Read more: https://www.burnabynow.com/federal-election-2019/burnaby-libertarian-sees-bernier-s-people-s-party-as-allies-not-a-threat-1.23946692
'via Blog this'

Friday, January 18, 2019

Walker runs for B.C. Libertarians in Nanaimo

Nanaimo byelection candidate fights government intervention | Times Colonist - Carla Wilson:

"The B.C. Libertarian Party candidate in Nanaimo is urging citizens to rethink how much government they want in their lives.

"'I’m basically trying to get a message of freedom out there,' Bill Walker said. 'Take responsibility for yourself, your family, your community'....

"Walker, 60, has lived in Nanaimo for 25 years. He grew up in Vancouver and earned a bachelor’s degree in urban geography from McGill University. He has spent the bulk of his career as a mortgage broker and owns Coast Finance Corp. in Nanaimo. He also has a seven-room inn in Tofino.

"Walker joined the Libertarian Party five years ago. He said the party does not believe government should be intervening all the time. He also ran in the 2017 provincial election.

"There isn’t a campaign budget for the campaign, Walker said. He is being helped by a couple of friends.

"Walker, an advocate of private medical clinics in B.C., said such clinics would improve the public system by reducing waits. 'This is about freedom of choice.'

"He is opposed to government intervention in rental accommodation, saying that more rental properties could have been built in past years, and in favour of turning the Insurance Corp. of B.C. into a co-operative operation.

Read more: https://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/nanaimo-byelection-candidate-fights-government-intervention-1.23602844
'via Blog this'

Thursday, September 27, 2018

BC Libertarian running for township mayor

Libertarian Alex Joehl runs for Township mayor - Langley Times:

September 6, 2018 - "A member of the Libertarian Party has announced his candidacy for Township Mayor. In a Facebook post, Alex Joehl said he will challenge incumbent mayor Jack Froese for the position in the Oct. 20 municipal election.

'There are many amazing people already doing great work here in the Township, but I feel that there are some other ideas out there that will better serve the residents of this town,' Joehl wrote.

"'We’re not trying to serve the majority of Langleyites, we need to serve ALL of them – while we are all unique, no one is special. Government has a track record of being patronizing to its public, even if it is more benevolent than malicious most of the time. But city hall should be here to support the residents, not dictate their lives.'

"This is the first time Joehl is throwing his hat into a municipal race, after running in both federal and provincial elections in the past.... Joehl ran for Langley East MLA in the 2017 provincial election under the Libertarian Party. He also ran in two federal elections for the Libertarian Party of Canada ... in 2008 and ... in 2011.

"According to the Libertarian Party of Canada website, the party’s mission is to 'reduce the responsibilities and expense of government. This, so that we may each manage our lives to mutually fulfill our needs by the free and voluntary exchange of our efforts and property for the value that best realizes our happiness.'"

Read more: https://www.langleytimes.com/municipal-election/libertarian-alex-joehl-runs-for-township-mayor/
'via Blog this'

Alex Joehl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.joehl

Friday, January 26, 2018

BC Libertarian leader campaigning in Kelowna

Libertarian leader coming to Kelowna - Kelowna Capital News - Kevin Parnell:

January 24, 2018 - "After announcing himself with an electronic billboard attack on ICBC, the Libertarian candidate in the Kelowna West byelection will officially kick off his campaign this weekend, by hosting the leader of the BC Libertarian Party.

"Party leader Clayton Welwood will join candidate Kyle Geronazzo at a Kelowna event at Dakoda’s Sports Bar and Grill.

"At the event Geronazzo says he will be making a speech and outlining his campaign platform as well as taking questions from the public and media in advance of the Feb. 14 byelection to replace Christy Clark.

"The arrival of party leader Welwood is a continuation of party leaders to the riding. Andrew Weaver was in West Kelowna to support candidate Robert Stupka and several Liberal leadership hopefuls have been in the riding.... BC premier John Horgan has said he will be in the riding to support candidate Shelley Cook....

"As for Welwood, the native of North Vancouver joined the BC Libertarian Party after the 2015 federal election and was elected party leader at its most recent convention.

"The party had 29 candidates in last year’s provincial election and Welwood says he has set a goal of running a full slate of candidates in the 2021 B.C. election."

Read more: https://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/libertarian-leader-coming-to-kelowna/
'via Blog this'

Monday, January 22, 2018

BC Libertarian campaigns on insurance monopoly

Kelowna West Libertarian goes after ICBC - Kelowna Capital News - Alistair Waters:

January 19, 2018 - "He may be new to politics, but Kelowna West Libertarian candidate Kyle Geronazzo is wasting no time making a visible entrance into the campaign.

"Geronazzo has taken out an ad on a large electronic billboard on the Westside, advertising his campaign and asking the public if they are 'being ripped off by ICBC.'

"The young candidate is going after the provincial auto insurer, saying British Columbians are been getting “gouged” on their auto insurance premiums.

"'While prices have come down for collision, loss-of-use and other coverages since private insurers were allowed to compete with ICBC, for third-party liability coverage the opposite has happened,' said Geronazzo in a news release... Geronazzo is one of four candidates in the Kelowna West byelection race....

"'While ICBC performs important functions as a regulator, its insurance business is a Frankenstein that combines the worst parts of public and private sector organizations. In good times, it can make profits, but these can be pilfered by governments to balance their books. In bad times, the ratepayers have to pick up the tab with higher premiums.'

"And he predicted more bad times are ahead, saying ICBC has warned it could raise rates by more than 40 per cent over the next five years.

"Geronazzo said more competition is needed and he is advocating removing ICBC’s monopoly on basic auto liability insurance to create what he says would be a truly competitive insurance market.

"'Virtually every other jurisdiction in North America has gone this route and it hasn’t been a disaster,' says Geronazzo. 'In fact, premiums have gone down and the level of customer satisfaction has gone up.'"

Read more: https://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/kelowna-west-libertarian-goes-after-icbc/
'via Blog this'

Monday, December 11, 2017

BC Libertarian in Kelowna West byelection

B.C. Libertarian candidate running in Kelowna West byelection - InfoNews:

December 9, 2017 - "A fourth candidate has thrown his hat into the ring in the upcoming byelection in Kelowna West riding. Kyle Geronazzo is running for the B.C. Libertarian Party.

"Geronazzo says he decided to run for the Libertarian Party because he doesn’t think the province’s two big parties have the interests of the people at heart.

"'They want you to help them help themselves, whereas I want to help you help yourself,” he says in a video posted to his Facebook page....

"'I pin myself as a family man at hear and believe that giving the next generation more choices in their economic freedoms is the key to creating a more prosperous future for us all,” he says....

"The byelection in Kelowna West was called following the resignation of former Premier and B.C. Liberal leader Christy Clark after her government lost a confidence vote weeks after the general election."

Read more: https://infotel.ca/newsitem/bc-libertarian-candidate-running-in-kelowna-west-byelection/it48407
'via Blog this'

Monday, May 8, 2017

BC Libertarian Michael Cambridge interviewed

BC Libertarian candidate calls for less government regulation - Melanie Green, Squamish Chief:

May 3,2017 - "One more contender is joining the provincial race to represent the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding. Michael Cambridge, a Squamish resident, is the BC Libertarian Party candidate....

Q: Can you explain what you – as a member of the BC Libertarian Party – stand for in regards to government? A: Essentially, we believe that no individual or group has a right to initiate force on another individual, that we own the fruits of our labour and that we are personally responsible for our actions. All are pretty easy to agree with on the surface, but the implications can lead to some challenging conclusions, for sure....

Q: How would you deal with affordability in Squamish? A: Removing artificial barriers, eliminate the obstacles to finding and/or renting a home and allow supply to meet demand. Government puts up artificial barriers in the name of sustainable growth and safety, but ultimately this leads to a lack of affordable homes for residents.... Over 80 per cent of the land in Vancouver is zoned for single-family residential only. We would work with municipalities to reduce development costs, streamline building permit processes and simplify and accelerate rezoning.

Q: What is your position on education? A: Parents have a right to choose where their kids go to school and how they are educated. I know that there isn’t one method of schooling that will work for every child. We have a platform that aims to empower parents to choose what they feel is right for their children....

Q: Do you support regional transit? If so, how would that work for Squamish and where would the cost be? A: I think we need to eliminate government monopoly on public transportation. Allowing individuals to use apps like Uber and Lyft would be a step in the right direction. We should make it easier for private companies and individuals to compete in this area. Our party believes competition leads to efficiency and lower prices for consumers."

Read more: http://www.squamishchief.com/news/local-news/bc-libertarian-candidate-calls-for-less-government-regulation-1.18151334
'via Blog this'

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

BC Libertarian Josh Steffler optimistic (video)

BCLocalNews.com - CANDIDATE PROFILE: Libertarian voices optimism for chances in Esquimalt-Metchosin - Joel Tansey:

April 29, 2017 - "When asked how far away the province is from having a representative from the BC Libertarian Party in the legislature, Esquimalt-Metchosin candidate Josh Steffler – one of 30 candidates for the party in the May 9 election – isn’t shy about his answer.

"'I think we’ll get one this time around. We’ve got 30 chances to get one MLA and I think I’ll be the one,' he said. 'We’re where the Green Party was five or maybe 10 years ago … It only takes one member to get elected to really bring legitimacy to that idea and it takes off.'

"While he grew up in Langford, Steffler now lives in Esquimalt with his wife and three children.... When not working as a baker at Country Grocer or producing Freedom Free For All, a local cable access show he puts together with friends that features a news and interview format, Steffler shares many of the same hobbies as others in the Capital Region, including hiking and kayaking.

"Steffler says it was American politician Ron Paul who awakened him to the idea of Libertarianism. '(He) cured me of my socialism,' he added.

"The MLA hopeful believes in smaller government and advocates for privatization of some health care and education services to create competition. But he also believes police, fire and court services should remain publicly funded. As for BC Ferries, he sees a need for a private competitor on that front, as well."

Read more: http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/420841053.html
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Friday, April 28, 2017

Bradshaw wants BC voters to have more options (video)

Kamloops-South Thompson candidate profile: Jessica Bradshaw (Libertarian) - Kamloops This Week - Cam Fortems:

April 24, 2017 -"Jessica Bradshaw was looking for something a little different on the ballot for the May 9 provincial election.... 'I want people to have another option,' said the Libertarian candidate in Kamloops-South Thompson. 'I [was] looking for one and couldn’t find it. So I became one'....

"She is joining a long list of Libertarian candidates across B.C. The party is running a candidate in nearly half of B.C.’s 87 ridings. It pledges to repeal the carbon tax, bring in school vouchers to let parents take children to private or public school and allow private medical care — stripping away many of the rules and regulations of living in B.C. The party would allow private competition to agencies including BC Hydro, ICBC and WorksafeBC.

"''It’s not like I don’t like rules,' she said. 'It’s just regulations and rules government sets out have done more damage than benefit. It’s overregulation that causes issues with people.'

"The party also advocates for decriminalization of drug use. 'I think the illegality of it forces a lot of addicts to the point where they’re getting fentanyl. If it were decriminalized or legalized it would bring up the safety factor. It puts them at less risk'.....

"Bradshaw said she is largely a one-woman campaign at this point.... 'I’m going it alone. Other people have campaign teams and I’m just doing it myself.'"

Read more: https://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/kamloops-south-thompson-candidate-profile-jessica-bradshaw-libertarian/
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Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Axe the carbon tax, says BC Libertarian Rempel

250 News | BC Libertarian Candidate Takes Aim at Carbon Tax - Greg Fry:

April 15, 2015- "Fort Fraser, B.C. – 'B.C. may be leading the country in job growth, but we’re sure not benefitting from it in the Interior.'

"That from Jon Rempel, BC Libertarian candidate in Nechako Lakes.

"'They (BC Liberals) talk about how great the economy is in B.C. – well the only places the economy is doing good is the Okanagan, the Lower Mainland and Victoria.'

"The Fort Fraser resident says he’d also like to 'axe the tax' – the carbon tax that is.

"'The single biggest damaging thing for the economy in the Central Interior has been the carbon tax. We think we should axe it,' says Remple.

"'There’s been no proof that it’s done anything to improve the climate and it’s a poor tax. It costs a lot to administer and it’s not truly revenue neutral. It also affects poor people disproportionately.'

"The businessman, heavy equipment operator, prospector and political hopeful says he likes his chances come election day May 9.

"'Yeah I do. I think I’ve got a real good chance actually. I’m finding people support the ideas of more freedom, lower taxes and more consumer choice when it comes to things like ICBC.'"

"Rempel is one of three declared candidates in the riding."

Read more: http://www.250news.com/2017/04/15/libertarian-candidate-takes-aim-at-carbon-tax/
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Saturday, April 15, 2017

BC Libertarians critique Trudeau's cannabis bill

BC Libertarian Party Response to Cannabis Legalization 2018 | BC Libertarian Party - Keith Komar:

April 3, 2017 - "Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada 'leaked' some information on their pending roll out of legalization in July 2018. Here are the main points that were addressed:

The Federal Government will be in charge of making sure Cannabis is 'safe and secure'
4 Plants per household
Provinces ... to decide how to distribute & sell Cannabis and set prices
Ottawa will set minimum age of 18 but provinces may opt for a higher age limit

"[T]he BC Libertarian Party would like to discuss its plan for legalization under these regulations....

"As a place to start in BC, we would promote the dispensary option as the way forward with general retail sales, but we would also like to include, bars, cafes, nightclubs, vapour lounges etc. in this model, as they would be high income generating business ventures, helping our tourism industry greatly.... [T]he Licensed Producer / mail order model does not provide sufficient access to people who require Cannabis as a medicine. People deserve access to safe, quality medicine and the dispensary model has worked the best so far to provide that.

"We would also ensure that Craft Cannabis was included in our 'rights' as a province to regulate. BC Cannabis is world renowned and we will not allow Ottawa to squeeze us out of the economic equation. This is, and always will be, OUR industry and the BC Libertarian Party will not stand aside and watch the economic benefits be taken away from us.

"We would accept 18 years old as 'legal age' for recreational Cannabis use.

The ... rule that says we will only be allowed to grow 4 plants .. is a completely absurd, authoritarian rule that serves only one purpose: to ensure that people will continue to be consumers in this market. It is not acceptable and we would challenge it in court.... How do you enforce this?” What does the 4 plant per house street patrol cost? And how much authority will they have to make sure that people aren't growing 6 plants in their garden?....

"There is still another issue left untouched.... The federal government has refused to put a halt to the arrests of Canadians who are guilty of nothing more than possession of a plant. We cannot allow this to continue. One of the first orders of business for the Libertarians in Victoria would be to stop police from arresting people for Cannabis distribution, possession and consumption. We would then work with municipalities to set up legal framework to allow the Craft industry to 'come out of the closet' and flourish in a free market. This would be a huge economic boost to this province and [it] would be a travesty if we let the federal government push us out of the production of this plant.

"This election has become the most important election ever to the Cannabis community in B.C. Whoever we elect to Victoria this cycle will be in charge of rolling out legalization. Not one major party has been willing to go on the public record for whatever reason, but the B.C. Libertarian Party believes that the people of this province have spoken on this issue, the experts have given us their best advice and now it is time to end prohibition on this plant and allow the citizens of BC to enjoy its many uses."

Read more: http://www.libertarian.bc.ca/single-post/2017/04/03/BC-Libertarian-Party-Response-to-Cannabis-Legalization-2018
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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

BC election called; Komar running in Kootenay

Third candidate enters Kootenay East election race - Cranbrook News - Barry Coulter:

April 11, 2017 - "The 29-day provincial election campaign is underway, with the dropping of the writ today, Tuesday, April 11.

"And there is a third candidate in the riding of East Kootenay. Keith Komar of Cranbrook has entered the campaign, carrying the flag for the Liberatarian Party, which advocates for individual liberty, free markets, civil rights, low taxes, and limited government.

"'We believe in economic and social freedom,” Komar told the Townsman. “The freedom from taxation is the same as the freedom of same sex marriages'....

"Kumar, a bricklayer by trade and a single father of two, was motivated to throw his hat into the ring through great dissatisfaction with the two main B.C. parties (and the only two up to now in Kootenay East)....

"The BC Libertarian Party first ran candidates in the 1986 provincial election. This time, the Libertarians are fielding their biggest ever slate, with 30 candidates across the province, according to www.libertarian.bc.ca.

"'We have several strong local candidates like myself who are well spoken and pragmatic in approach,' Komar said. 'We hope that people will see the effort we are making to balance freedoms with the State.'

"The main plank of Komar’s campaign is Cannabis legalization.

"'Whoever wins this election will be in charge on rolling out how the province handles the retail end of things and I would hate to see a huge economic opportunity lost in the Craft Cannabis industry,' he said.

"'Ultimately, our whole platform is about choice. Choice in Education, choice in Healthcare, choice in your insurance providers. People are smart enough to make their own choices and the cost of administrating the nanny state is stifling us.'"

Read more: http://www.cranbrooktownsman.com/breaking_news/419085854.html
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