DONEGAL WILSON - BC Conservative Party -- CANDIDATE ANSWERS

DONEGAL WILSON
BC Conservative Party Candidate
BOUNDARY-SIMILKAMEEN

DONEGAL WILSON SAYS:
A big thank you to you and the entire South Okanagan Chamber team for taking the time to gather these questions and providing me with an opportunity to share more about myself and the Conservative Party of BC’s plan to bring common sense back to BC. I come from a ranching background, and my family has been involved in running a vineyard in Keremeos. My husband and I run a small engine repair business in the community, so I understand the pressures facing small business owners firsthand. I appreciate the effort you put into advocating for our local businesses and industries, and I welcome the chance to outline how our policies can help address the challenges facing rural businesses, agriculture, and our communities.

1. The cost of doing business in rural BC is increasing. What is your position on addressing the following challenges?

a. Commercial Insurance Costs:
Rural businesses are essential to BC’s economy, and increasing insurance costs are driving many to consider shutting down. Our plan includes reviewing the regulatory burdens and I will advocate for an environment where smaller providers can compete, ensuring businesses can access affordable coverage. Additionally, I will advocate for options that support businesses that are left uninsurable by existing markets, reducing the risk of closures.

b. ICBC and No-Fault Insurance:
ICBC's no-fault system has limited options for small business owners and independent contractors. A BC Conservative government would implement the "Ending the ICBC Monopoly" policy to introduce competition in the auto insurance market. This would ensure that drivers and businesses can access competitive rates and coverage options, preventing the financial burden created by rising ICBC premiums.

c. Minimum Wage Increases:
I understand that minimum wage increases, while intended to support workers, can strain rural businesses. I believe in supporting businesses through tax reductions and reduced compliance costs, which will allow them to balance fair wages with financial sustainability

d. Taxes:
We are committed to lowering the tax burden for small businesses, which includes eliminating the carbon tax and reviewing taxes that impact rural communities disproportionately. By reducing operational costs, we aim to create a more competitive and supportive environment for rural businesses to thrive.

e. Distribution Costs:
To address the challenges of high distribution costs in rural areas, our infrastructure plan will focus on improving transportation networks, removing the carbon tax, reducing barriers to shipping and logistics, and supporting regional distribution hubs. This will help lower costs and ensure that rural businesses can access markets more efficiently

2. Supporting the Winery Industry:

a. Stance on “No Safe Amount of Alcohol” Policy:
The Conservative Party of BC believes in respecting the local industries that drive our economy. I will advocate for the removal of the CCSA's "no safe amount of alcohol" policy, which I believe is an overreach that threatens to stigmatize responsible businesses. My focus will be on responsible consumption education rather than punitive policies that harm BC’s wine culture and economy.

b. Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) Sales Caps:
I understand that arbitrary sales caps are harming our local wineries, especially as they recover from the impacts of COVID-19. I will advocate for reviewing LDB policies to ensure fair market access for all BC wineries..

c. Replant Program Challenges:
Our “Grown in BC” Agricultural Plan prioritizes support for farmers and wineries, including revisiting replanting program guidelines to ensure they reflect the realities of small and medium-sized producers. We will work with industry stakeholders to develop a more flexible and supportive program that is responsive to the tight timelines needed to replant.

3. Supporting the Agriculture Industry:

a. Labour Shortage:
We believe in addressing the labour shortage by advocating for changes to the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program to allow more flexibility for BC farmers and small businesses. Additionally, I would advocate for a provincial program for training local workers and enhancing agricultural career paths to make these jobs more attractive to British Columbians.

b. Closure of BC Tree Fruits Plant:
We condemn the NDP’s neglect of BC’s agricultural sector, which has led to closures like the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative. Our plan includes creating a regional food-processing strategy, providing grants and incentives for new and existing facilities to expand their capacity, and supporting cooperative ventures to fill the gap left by the closure. This will not only support local growers but also enhance food security and sustainability for our province

4. Collaboration with Chambers, Municipalities, and Community Organizations:

Strong communities are built through collaboration, not division. If elected, I will prioritize open and ongoing communication with your Chamber of Commerce, local governments, tourism boards, and other stakeholders. I am committed to being accessible, hosting regular meetings, and ensuring all voices are heard.  It is a core principle of the Conservative Party of BC that we vote for our Riding First and our Party Second.   This ensures that I can always work collaboratively towards shared goals, setting aside any party lines when necessary, to achieve positive outcomes for our communities.

The overarching theme of our campaign is to "Bring Common Sense Back to BC." This is about vision, not division, and I am committed to working with everyone—regardless of political affiliation—to build a brighter future for Boundary Similkameen and all of rural BC.