Gibsons resident Larry Koopman is running for the New Democratic Party in the next federal election in the riding of West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country. Squamish Chief reporter Jennifer Thuncher caught up with Koopman to chat about issues important to voters in Squamish.
Q: Let’s get right to an issue top of mind for Squamish residents. Where do you stand on the proposed Woodfibre LNG plant slated for southwest of Squamish?
A: I just believe the negatives effects far outweigh the positives that it is going to bring to our community. I live in Gibsons; Howe Sound is my backyard. I was in Squamish last weekend – all the recreation that was happening in the Sound; it was boaters, there were sailors, it was kayakers. I just can’t see these huge LNG tankers going up and back and forth in a very narrow body of water, I just don’t think it is the right place.
I think there is a lot more job growth and a lot more economic spinoff through the encouraging of small business development and making it easier for small businesses. That is one of the things we [NDP] are proposing: a tax relief for small businesses from 11 per cent to nine per cent. Personally I think that is a more positive direction.
I am a strong believer that we must grow and develop a modern and clean renewable energy sector. This is where the jobs are, and this is where we are really going to grow our economy.
Q: We have just had the Supreme Court decision allowing edible marijuana as a medical marijuana alternative. What is your take on medical marijuana and also on allowing storefront dispensaries?
A: The laws are not clear and that is the confusion. You have to establish clear guidelines, and there have to be clear bylaws, and you have to look at the proper regulation of the industry.
Something I don’t think has been done is detailed research into examining the effectiveness of medical marijuana. You hear of all sorts of positive stories on people getting relief from their symptoms of medical marijuana, so how can you dispute that, but is there scientific evidence?
I don’t think there has been enough research. We need to pursue a public health approach to marijuana and treatment and harm reduction.
Q: One of the other huge issues right now impacting Squamish is a lack of affordable housing. What is the solution to that problem, in your view?
A: That bodes well for the need for a national housing strategy. It has to be addressed. All and all, there has to be more affordable housing units that meet the needs of working families.
Q: Finally, why should a Squamish resident vote for you come fall?
A: Why should a Squamish person vote for me, someone living in Gibsons? We are all connected to Howe Sound. I would care as much about Squamish as I do about Gibsons as I would about West Vancouver. You look at the needs and you consult with the constituents, you hear the concerns and you talk about ideas to grow.
One point that I did want to mention that is very important to me and to the party is our commitment to environmental protection. We have committed to reintroduce an updated version of Jack Layton’s Climate action bill, the Climate Change Accountability Act. This bill will require the government to establish a plan to avoid catastrophic climate change and meet science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas to 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050.
For more on Koopman’s campaign platform, go to larrykoopman.ndp.ca. Koopman will be up against incumbent John Weston of the Conservative Party, the Liberal Party’s Pam Goldsmith-Jones and the Green Party’s Ken Melamed. Voters go to the polls on Monday, Oct. 19. Watch for future Q & As with the other candidates in The Chief.
