The Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com have sent out a questionnaire to each of the candidates in the Moose Jaw — Lake Centre — Lanigan riding. We will be publishing these results in order they were received.
Name: Gillian Walker (They, them)
Age: 28
Running for: Green Party
Profession: Student/Training Specialist
Currently residing in (city or neighbourhood): Saskatoon
Previous political experience:
None.
Who is your political hero?
I don’t have one.
What inspired you to enter the election race?
I wanted to help people and being a MP would give me a platform to do so.
What’s the number one local issue at the federal level?
The Environment, everything else is secondary if our earth can no longer support humanity.
Beyond Moose Jaw, what’s the number one issue facing Canada?
A breakdown in trust in our government. Politicians are regarded poorly in the public eye. I believe we are ready for a shift. I would like to see MP’s fostering community and becoming ambassadors for our government. It is a MP’s job to help their constituents understand what is being voted on and give frequent opportunities for feedback. Election day should not be the only day Canadians feel like they have any say.
Is there an issue that people are focusing too much?
Not an issue, but a behaviour. Politicians should allow their platform to speak for its self. Representatives that feel the need to attack others, make me sceptical about how strong their platform is.
Is there an issue that doesn’t get enough attention?
Indigenous Rights
Why did you choose to run for your particular party?
Simply put, the Green Party is the only party with a platform that has any chance of saving our planet from global warming. Also I wanted to run for a party that celebrates diversity, indigenous rights, and LGBT+ people like myself.
What is the biggest issue facing your party’s chance at success?
Defensive voting. People are used to voting because they are afraid. We are led by parties to believe that they are the only vote to make sure another party doesn’t gain majority. This has got to stop. It is my firm belief that people should vote to make their values heard. Only then can our democratic government truly represent us.
How will you engage and encourage young voters to participate in this election?
I am hopeful that we will see the largest turnout of young voters to date. The internet is our greatest asset. We are more connected than ever, and it is the young people at the forefront. Our riding is large so my plan is to engage and encourage participation online.
What is your party’s leader’s biggest flaw?
She cannot be everywhere at once. Changing the hearts and minds of others takes time and requires building relations. If Ms. May could be everywhere listening to all Canadian she would. So us party members have the responsibility to be there when she cannot.
Once elected, your job is to represent your entire riding. How do you plan on representing individuals who didn’t vote for you?
As a Green Party candidate my votes are my own and will not be whipped. I intend to create a system for Moose Jaw – Lake Centre – Lanigan that allows me to communicate goings on in parliament and ask for feedback to best represent my constituents.
What informs your political stance? What books, publications, relationships or experiences?
My political stance has been shaped by my experiences and those around me. I feel protective of those in minority groups and want to help create supports and services so that our communities strive for equity, not equality.
What local project or service would you advocate for more federal spending?
Health care. Time and time again studies show that strong programs work to prevent issues and in the long term save our families and governments money.
What is something people don’t know about you?
My vice is purchasing and building Lego.
