Tell us, briefly, about your background, where you call home, your political experience and why you decided to run this year?
My name is Dennis Adamson, I live in Yale, B.C. and I am serving my fourth term as Electoral Area Director.
The Liberals only support the corporate friends, and the NDP are only looking after the cities because they believe that’s where the vote is. I want to be the voice for small town, rural B.C. and raise issues that are important to the people of Fraser-Nicola, such as jobs and economic development, small business survival, fighting climate change, health care access for small communities, affordability, transportation infrastructure, and Indigenous issues.
What do you see as the top three issues facing Hope and area currently and over the next decade?
The top three issues facing Hope and area currently and over the next decade is the twin issue of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy. We need to get control and get rid of the virus in our province so the economy can start firing on all cylinders again. I will advocate to attract new business that is sustainable, with good-paying jobs to the area. Hope is now starting to grow, and growth requires infrastructure needs such as water and sewer. I will fight in Victoria to get funding.
How do you balance Hope’s needs with the needs of the more economically depressed communities in the district?
I don’t believe you need to balance Hope and area’s needs against other communities in the district. Many of the other communities in the Fraser-Nicola riding face the same issues like lack of transportation, access to healthcare, and tourism. This riding was not put together simply for geography’s sake, but for the similar needs of the constituents within it.
BC Housing is planning for a 52-unit supportive housing building in Hope. How do you see this proposed build filling the need in the community and what other, if any, housing investments would you advocate for if elected?
Fifty two units of supportive housing is a good start. I would also like to see more affordable housing for seniors to be built using local jobs as well as houses for families. I would like to make sure these buildings are zero-net energy buildings so the cost of living there would be lowered.
What kind of a relationship do you think an MLA should have with First Nations in the district and, if elected, what are concrete steps you would take to build this relationship?
I believe an MLA should have positive working relationship with First Nations with mutual respect. We need to establish a partnership. We are both working to better the area, to do it together makes it easier.
Tell us one surprising or unique thing about yourself.
One surprising thing about me is back in the 80s I wrote a song called Area Code 709 with Eddie Coffey, a Newfoundland entertainer and it was a hit!