MLA Tom Shypitka is embarking on a political tour in May that will take him through the Elk Valley.
Shypitka will visit Fernie Chamber of Commerce on May 23, Elkford Community Conference Centre on May 24 and Sparwood Chamber of Commerce on May 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. Residents will have the opportunity to talk to Shypitka directly about any concerns or issues they may have relevant to the local region.
This will be his first public tour since the pandemic.
“We’re really excited to get back out there again. I’ve been out there on one-on-ones with people during Covid and that was definitely good, but when you bring a collective of people together, the table gets pretty big sometimes,” he said.
“We throw out ideas. People sometimes have solutions to problems and I jot those down. Sometimes they’re very valuable and I take them to my caucus and we try to put them into policy and maybe challenge the government on why they’re not doing things a little better.”
The structure of the engagements will be fairly open-book and any topic that has political relevance can be discussed. Shypitka anticipates that some questions may revolve around affordability and the environment.
“Fernie, a lot of it’s going to be on housing. It’s really expensive in Fernie. Affordability is going to be a problem. Access to labour will probably be a big thing.”
“Once we get up to Sparwood and Elkford, it becomes more land-access issues with hunting groups, ATV groups. Those types of folks who would like to see more access in the backcountry.”
“Elkford and Sparwood are mining towns. There might be some issues around air quality, water quality.”
“Each community has its own niche that they want to dive into. I’m really excited to explore all of that.”
Shypitka will provide the public with his contact information so he can follow-up on questions that he cannot answer in-person.
“Just bring us your best ideas, bring us your concerns and questions. We’ll try to work collaboratively to make the East Kootenays the best place it can be.”
@gfrans15
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