Housing affordability and unemployment are some of the main issues Green party candidate Alison Shaw will be focusing on in her 琉璃神社-Lake Country riding.

鈥淎s we know, 琉璃神社 has one of the highest unemployment rates in Canada. We also know a lot of the residents within our riding are flying off to diverse locations for work and the instability that brings to families,鈥� said Shaw. 鈥淚 think the biggest priority in my riding right now is job creation.鈥�

The Green party plans to create ways for small and medium businesses to thrive in communities, encouraging entrepreneurialism with training and education, said Shaw.

鈥淲e are anticipating, based on the research and what global trends are suggesting that a significant proportion of the unskilled labour force in B.C. and the rest of Canada is going to be replaced by automation and technology,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e confronting the issues of the 21st century. So what the Greens are thinking through is how to ensure communities are able to continue to thrive under these rapidly changing conditions.鈥�

Implementing a livable wage is part of the Green party strategy to ensure vulnerable people, people with disabilities, seniors, under or unemployed have an income, said Shaw.

鈥淚t offers the possibilities of exploring opportunities for people rather than looking for the next buck, they can think about what they鈥檙e passionate about and talented in.鈥�

She also recommends the province pilot a study on basic income. Studies should also be conducted with various levels of government in order to determine what affordable housing looks like, she said.

Shaw is a local business owner with a PhD in sustainability and passion for community.

According to the BC Greens policy document, the party is driven by five main themes: health, safety, the standard of living, ecological balance, and responsible government.

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鈥擟arli Berry