Kimberley’s Bill Green is the candidate for the Green Party in the riding of Kootenay-Columbia for the 2015 election.
“I believe there is a growing dismay with the present government,” he said. “People are thinking that it’s time for a change. The key is to convince them that the Green Party is the change they should make.”
Green, 62, is a biologist and manager who is the founder of the Canadian Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Commission. The group has been working to re-establish the salmon run up the Columbia River.
“I’ve always been drawn to water, fish and aquatic systems, both for recreation and work,” he said. “I have worked passionately to protect and care for aquatic ecosystems since the mid-1970’s.”
He said he would work to foster an environmentally sustainable, green economy in the region. He said the federal government could promote a green economy by adjusting tax policies, and providing incentives for green energy, more efficient construction standards, and green infrastructure.
Green finished third in the 2011 election, with 5.95 per cent of the vote in the riding.
He believes that MP David Wilks will not get away with skipping debates and forums this time around.
“The long gun registry is behind us. That’s no longer an issue. There are a broad range of issues and David Wilks will have to address them. He has to show up and speak to his government’s record.”
Green said he was campaigning to win the riding.
“Greens across the country have shown that Greens can get elected and bring a wide range of important issues forward at all levels of government” he said. “Most importantly, I want to give real representation to the people and communities of this riding in Parliament. We need to revive our democracy, we need a smart economy, and we need strong communities.”
With files from the Cranbrook Daily Townsman.