In anticipation of the upcoming Provincial Election, we asked the three candidates running for MLA in our riding of West Vancouver - Sea to Sky questions about how they would address issues here on Bowen Island. These are the answers from Yuri Fulmer, who is running for the Conservative Party.
What is your professional/political background?
I have been self employed for almost 30 years. I started as a cashier in the drive thru of an A&W in North Vancouver and have been fortunate to have built a business that includes investments in some of the most sustainable and progressive companies in Canada, including Goodly Foods and Intelligent City. I am also the Chancellor of Capilano University, Global Chair of United Way, and was previously the Chair of BC Ferries. This is my very first venture into politics.
What motivated you to run for office?
I am a father of two small children. I want my kids to be able to thrive in BC, not struggle to pay rent, and not have a healthcare system in crisis. I want to make our province the thriving place it once was. I want to take a Common Sense approach to government. I want our community to thrive again.
This election will mark the first time since 1991 where the riding won’t have a BC Liberal/BC United MLA. Why should voters choose you and your party for the new road forward?
The Conservatives are the only party offering a Common Sense approach. We will make housing more affordable with the Rustad Rebate. We will tackle the healthcare crisis and improve access for everyone. We will reduce taxes so British Columbians have more money in their pockets. We will get industry working again to rebuild our economy. And we will bring back a balanced budget.
What do you see as the top priorities for Bowen in the upcoming term?
I know Bowen Islanders are understandably frustrated with the ferry service. As a former Board Chair of BC Ferries I know what is needed to get this fixed. When I was on the Board, the Bowen Island route was the most on time route in the system, and it can be again. There are relatively simple fixes – it just needs someone who understands how the ferry system works.
Affordability is the other issue I hear. Our policies are designed to put money back in everyone’s pockets.
What steps will you take to address the current state of the Bowen ferry route?
I know this file intimately and understand how to solve it. Bowen Islanders need to rely on the ferry. Locals should be able to reserve the ferry and should have priority when travelling to work or for medical appointments. We need marshalling on the Bowen side to ensure that visitors understand the system, and to enforce the priority for locals. We need to cap the number of day trippers who walk on the ferry and jam up the system. These are some Common Sense changes we can make immediately.
What efforts will you make to bring more frequent and wide-ranging public transit service to the island?
Let’s fix the ferry first! Then let’s make sure that transit meets the ACTUAL ferry times, not the scheduled ferry times. Public transit is environmentally friendly and better for people’s pocket books. The BC Conservatives have committed to getting the Sea to Sky communities moving with good, reliable public transportation.
How would you tackle the lack of affordable housing and rental housing on Bowen?
The Conservative Party is committed to making existing housing more affordable with the Rustad Rebate, where your mortgage or rent becomes tax deductible. We need to reduce the barriers to permitting so that people can add additional units on their property for rentals. Permit times need to be sped up dramatically. This will increase the supply of housing on the Island which will help bring workers onto the Island.
What are your plans to address climate change, especially for island and coastal communities?
Our riding (West Vancouver - Sea to Sky) is by far the most beautiful in the province, and we need to keep it that way. We need to ensure that our communities thrive, while reducing our environmental footprint. British Columbians need to be able to afford rent and put food on their tables, while balancing our need to protect our environment for future generations.
What will your approach to tourism on Bowen be, and how can communities such as ours strike a balance between the tourism economy and issues that arise from it (ferry capacity, increased strain on island services such as emergency, infrastructure, etc.) while also continuing to maintain a rural character?
We need to prioritize Bowen Islanders and make sure that the ferry, as well as infrastructure and services serve the residents of Bowen first. Where there is additional capacity, we need to welcome tourists to support our local businesses.
Bowen is facing significant infrastructure costs in the coming years including water, sewage and roads. How will your party assist with supporting these projects?
The Conservatives have the most comprehensive approach to infrastructure investment of all of the parties. We are committed to supporting local government in building out the projects they need to support their communities.
How will you stay engaged with Bowen if elected?
As a resident of West Vancouver I am a short ferry ride away. My kids and I love Bowen Island, and I have been a grateful visitor for over 20 years. I will be first and foremost your MLA and will work hard to listen regularly and action the needs of Bowen Islanders.
