琉璃神社 West Green party candidate Robert Mellalieu is focusing on forestry and invasive species for this election.

Mellalieu said his solution to combat quagga and zebra mussels would be to stop boat transportation temporarily and consult experts.

鈥淚f we get those mussels in our lake the economic impact is insane. That鈥檚 a major part of our tourism industry is gone鈥� the lake is dead,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 mean, but there are so many roads into this province, it鈥檚 pretty ineffective,鈥� adding he is aware the stopping of boats would be an unpopular decision.

Forestry is a large part of the 琉璃神社 West riding, having three sawmills in West 琉璃神社, so he aims to develop a policy with the party to ensure jobs are sustained and the environment is protected.

鈥淲e have not looked after grazing areas for sheep and caribou,鈥� he said. 鈥淲ithout meadows, deer and those types of populations can鈥檛 flourish.鈥�

Mellalieu鈥檚 solution would be to make designated areas to ensure grazing animals have enough food.

鈥淔or example, we have an area in West 琉璃神社 called Goat鈥檚 Peak, I haven鈥檛 seen a goat there in years.鈥�

The policy would integrate different factors, said Mellalieu, adding the party aims to create long-term solutions.

鈥淲e need to figure out a way for the forestr industry to stay stable, with good jobs and we need growth and we need to ensure we don鈥檛 kill off the wildlife in the process.鈥�

Mellalieu was born in Chemainus and grew up in Duncan. In the 80鈥檚 he moved to Alberta to pursue an education in the high-tech world of computers. After completing his education, Rob accepted a position with ADP to head up the Central Canada Office in Winnipeg.

He has also instructed computer classes at Okanagan College and UBC.鈥�

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