Harpreet Bahohal 1-on-1

Over the next few weeks, Castanet News will feature each of the candidates seeking your vote in each of the four Central Okanagan ridings ahead of the Oct. 19 provincial election.

Today, we focus on NDP candidate Harpreet Badohal who is running in the Kelowna Mission riding.

Harpreet Badohal is hoping to transfer 15 years of working with governments in B.C. and Saskatchewan to an MLA seat working for the constituents of Kelowna-Mission.

During a one-on-one interview with Castanet News, Badohal says he decided to jump into the political arena as a way to serve his community in a better way.

“My purpose is for selfless service. I was already working with safety in the workplace, so this gives me an opportunity to serve the larger community,” he said.

Badohal, who is a registered health and safety professional, spoke out on a number of issues important to the constituents of his riding.

Health Care

“When I go door-to-door there are serious concerns about health care and, you’re right, when there are ER shutdowns, it directly affects residents of that particular area.

“It becomes difficult for residents to move from one area to another for services. It is important our residents get services where they are, and that’s where David Eby’s government has been taking action.”

He touts the new primary care centres opened in Kelowna and empowering pharmacists to write prescriptions for minor ailments.

“Our government has been taking action continuously and they have made investments at KGH in MRI machines to cut down on wait times and in gynecological cancer protection detection systems which help in early detection.”

Agriculture

“This issue with BC Tree Fruits is such a complex issue and it’s really unfortunate it has come to a point where it is going to insolvency.

“But the government has been trying to help them and I have been trying to communicate and translate those materials which will come from government.

“The biggest issue with the closure of BCTF is where will they take their fruit, their apples. The government has printed online web portals to connect growers with packinghouses and those have been very successful so the fruits can be properly taken care of.

“There are so many steps that have been taken but I’m not saying all that is sufficient. The problem is far from being solved.”

Personal Skill Set

“As a representative of the people, one key skill set is your ability to connect with the people in your riding, understand their problems and try to find a solution.

“In my particular case, I have about 15 years working with policy, I understand policy and have drafted policy.

“I have been involved with teams that have drafted policies and I understand that very well, whether it’s implementation of development. Also, my background of working in government for almost 15 years is helpful to take the role as a representative.”

You can see the complete interview in the player above.