On Oct. 21, Prince George residents will be voting for a member of parliament (MP) in either the Cariboo-Prince George or Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies riding.
PrinceGeorgeMatters has sent out a list of questions to those vying for a seat in the House of Commons.
Name: Heather Sapergia
Age: Over 50 years old
Running for: New Democratic Party of Canada, Cariboo-Prince George
Profession: Retired. I was a medical laboratory technologist for 44 years, then a College of New Caledonia (CNC) instructor until 2018
Neighbourhood you live in: High Glen
Previous political experience:
I was campaign support for 18 candidates in the 2014 B.C. municipal elections. I was a Regional Director for the Health Sciences Association, covering 70 per cent of B.C. from 2008 to 2014. I was the campaign manager for Bobby Deepak who ran for the NDP in the 2017 provincial election. I have been on several boards of non-profits as well as my professional societies.
Who is your political hero?
Tommy Douglas, a man of huge vision and courage.
In three sentences or less, what inspired you to enter the election race?
I desire to focus my past life experiences towards helping to create a better Canada for everyone.
What’s the number one local issue at the federal level?
The downturn in the forestry industry.
Beyond Prince George, what’s the number one issue facing Canada?
Affordability of healthcare, housing, and life in general for all Canadians.
What’s the best way for the country to deal with climate change?
We need economic diversity to quickly transition to more sustainable jobs.
What is the biggest issue facing your party’s chance at success?
It is lack of visibility.
Younger voters typically vote less than older voters. How will you engage and encourage young voters to participate in this election?
I have several millennials and even younger people working on my campaign using current social media tools. I am using my ability to engage with young people to make the political process relevant.
What is your party’s leader’s biggest flaw?
He has too big a heart.
How will you make sure Prince George continues to be prosperous via federal politics?
I will advocate for issues that resonate with all of us. I will communicate frequently with all constituents.
Once elected, your job is to represent your entire riding. How do you plan on representing individuals who didn’t vote for you?
I will treat them with the same respect we all deserve. I will listen to their concerns and act on them to the best of my ability.
What informs your political stance? What books, publications, relationships or experiences?
My relationship with my mom, who was the most loving, accepting person I have ever known, guides my actions. A book by Mahatma Gandi provides me with a framework for my politics. All Men are Brothers, and a quote from him, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed,” is a mantra for my strong environmental ethic. I am noting that although Gandi referred to men, I refer to all genders. My experiences as a volunteer working with children and vulnerable adults has taught me compassion and to stand up for those whose needs are greater than mine.
What local project or service would you advocate for more federal spending?
I would advocate for more supported, low income, low barrier housing with supports on-site.
Just got off the phone with Jagmeet Singh where he discussed the NDP plan for affordable housing. The NDP will build 500,000 units, including rental and co-op housing, keeping payments 30% or less of income. The NDP will partner with different agencies to get this done.
— Heather Sapergia (@Sapergia4MP) September 7, 2019
Was Justin Trudeau’s decision to buy the TransMountain pipeline a good one? Why or why not?
It is better for our country to publically own the pipeline so any decisions that are made about whether or not to continue with the pipeline are done in strong consultation with First Nations and the rest of the citizens of our country.
What’s your favourite place to go for a quiet cup of coffee?
On my couch in my living room, watching the birds in the trees outside, and the people walking by.
Who would play you in a film?
Julia Roberts (as she was in Erin Brockovich)
Complete the sentence...
When I’m not at home or at work, you can find me:...enjoying the outdoors either cycling or walking my dog.
The most random, yet interesting fact about me is:
I and seven other people had a private tea with Queen Elizabeth II at UNBC at the opening of the university.
Have you tried legal weed?
That is my campaign manager’s job.
