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October 15, 2015 - 3:02 PM
We don’t endorse any single candidate. Our comments on these answers are an assessment of whether the candidate gave a candid answer as we asked for (REAL) or relied on party platforms, leadership or attacks on rivals for their answers (PUPPET).
To understand this post, please read this first.
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OUR TAKE: Robert Mellalieu walks a fine line in our questionnaire; on nearly every question he offers a unique answer but backed by party platform. We scored him an even four out of seven in being a real person, a real candidate. If you are thinking of voting Green in the new riding of Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, feel confident a strong local candidate has your back.
1. The number one concern I hear from voters is:
Voters are torn between voting on principle and voting strategically. The Harper Conservatives have the largest campaign budget with which can steer public debate through an expensive and cleverly crafted campaign apparatus. The number one concern is about how one may use their vote to replace the Conservative Party government. The Green Party advocates voting by one’s principles.
OUR TAKE: This is undoubtedly a concern, however the answer is a little gratuitous. PUPPET
2. As an MP, what could you do to ensure zebra/quagga mussels stay out of B.C. water systems?
I would work to develop boater consciousness, self-inspection and self-regulation. The zebra/quagga mussels arrive through recreational tourism (boats) and generate very expensive problems for boats, docks and water intakes. The Okanagan Basin Water Board, The Province of BC and the Federal Government and the recreational tourism industry all have an interest in this problem. Official measures may include closer inspection and even quarantine of affected watercraft moving between watersheds.
There is no magic bullet. In situations like this the government needs to use a three layered approach 1) Advertise - Use of advertising to educate people of the problem and solutions. 2) Make it easy to do the right thing - Creating and promote the use of cleaning stations. 3) Law - Then finally a legal requirement to not transport the muscles
OUR TAKE: One of the best answers we've seen on this important issue. REAL
3. Do you personally believe in criminal penalties for recreational marijuana use?
No.
OUR TAKE: Simple question, simple answer. REAL
4. Name one example of an issue you disagree with your party on. How would you reconcile that disagreement?
I have not found a point of disagreement but I expect that I may and in such case I will debate the matter with my colleagues to resolve the issue – that’s the practice of politics, isn’t it?
OUR TAKE: We find it hard to believe among all the issues out there, you can't find one thing you disagree with. We almost like the answer to part two enough to call this a real answer, but can't do it. PUPPET
5. Do you believe the federal government is doing enough to deal with mental health in our communities, in our courts and in our prisons? What can it do better
Canada has a major responsibility for the mental health of all of its citizens. To do better Canada should restrain and reform self-defeating activities. That way, everyone’s mental health will improve. What we do to the earth we do to ourselves. In Canada, as in so much of the so-called “developed world” there are human routines such as fossil fuel exploitation, run-away pollution and rabid consumerism that suggest mental illness. The Greens propose a more sustainable economy based upon alternative energy and conservation in earth friendly societies. For sure, there are mental health gains in that.
OUR TAKE: Driving as a symptom of mental illness? The answer shows a 10,000 foot approach to the problem and the candidate doesn't address the specifics of courts and prisons. PUPPET
6. Do you believe the federal government is doing enough to help veterans? What can it do better?
No, Veterans have not been treated fairly. These veterans have offered their lives for the good of Canada! We MUST do better. They fight in foreign lands for our sovereignty – they should not need to fight at home for what they are due – disgraceful. Greens at the local and global level advance the cause of non-violent resolution of conflict. Let’s put less focus on ‘valor in foreign fields’ and practice more diplomacy, more reflection and more restraint in sending our people on these awful chores.
OUR TAKE: Seems like an honest answer, if a little short on specifics. REAL
7. Do you believe a minority government can be effective?
Yes. History shows us that many great things have been done with a minority government
OUR TAKE: Seems to cover it. REAL
8. BONUS Will you declare your support for increasing openness and transparency in government and commit to interviews by the news media once elected? Yes or No.
Yes, Yes
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