The First Set of Questions for our Candidates: Denesiuk Answers
By Sara Golling
This is the first of three sets of questions. If the answers arrive, the next set will appear next week. Each candidate’s responses are published as a separate article. Please read them all, and compare. All elections are importatnt, and we all need to be as well-informed as possible — and to vote.
Section I: Introduction
Q 1. What is your educational background?
Denesiuk: I graduated from Penticton Secondary School in 1976. Even in school I’d been active in public affairs, and I felt very honoured when my peers elected me Citizen of Year. My post secondary studies focused on business and governance: business through Okanagan College, and governance & risk management through the B.C. School Trustees Association, Canadian School Board Association, and Credit Union Director Achievement program. In 2011, I earned a certificate in advanced board governance from the Canadian Board Diversity Council.
Q 2. What experience do you have that will help you to understand the issues and contribute usefully to discussion in Parliament?
Denesiuk: I have long been an advocate for people in the Interior, at the local, provincial and national levels: as an elected school trustee, Board Chair, President of the B.C. School Trustees Association and Director of the Canadian School Board Association. I learned that in order to represent people effectively, you must first listen to them. Over the past 15 months — since my nomination as Federal Liberal Candidate in South Okanagan-West Kootenay — I have traveled throughout the riding to meet with people – around campfires, in coffee shops, back yards and community halls, around kitchen tables and on doorsteps. Each one of those interactions had a purpose – to hear ideas and concerns, and to talk about how we can build a better Canada. I believe that government exists for the sole purpose of making people’s lives better, and there are no short cuts when it comes to understanding the issues.
Q 3. Do you think it is possible for Parliament to function in a respectful fashion, to discuss issues without resorting to the personal and partisan attacks that seem to be a common feature? What are your views on how discussion should be conducted and for what primary purpose?
Denesiuk: As President of the B.C. School Trustees, I presided over meetings that involved 60 representatives, often with diverse views, from throughout B.C. It was a very powerful experience to observe how divergent views can be melded into a refined policy, through effective discussion and debate. I learned a very important lesson in that job, which I will carry with me as your representative in Ottawa: that it is not only possible for Parliament to function in a similarly respectful fashion, it is essential. The absence of effective and respectful debate results in the failure of government to represent the people it is meant to serve. As a facilitator, I worked with school boards throughout the province to help them work effectively as a team. I am good at bringing people together, and that is what I will do as Member of Parliament for the large and diverse riding of South Okanagan-West Kootenay.
Q 4. What role do you think science and scientific evidence should serve in government decisions on policy and legislation? Please explain your reasoning.
Denesiuk: The leader of the Liberal Party, Justin Trudeau, has publicly stated the need for evidence based policy. Policy that is ideologically driven results in flawed legislation. Scientific research is an invaluable tool that should inform government decision making. I might add that census data provides valuable information that can help governments identify trends, work to close gaps, and to then hold them accountable. A Liberal Government will bring back the long form census, in order to deploy support and resources directly to areas of need.
Q 5. Should Canadians have access to the findings of government funded research on such matters of public interest as — to give just one example of many — water quality in Canadian lakes, watercourses, and groundwater?
Denesiuk: Canadians need open access to the findings of government-funded research, such as research to do with water quality in Canadian Lakes, watercourses and groundwater. The Liberal Party has committed to ensuring that government is open by default. Inevitably, there will be times when scientific data is inconvenient, but that does not provide a reason to muzzle the science or the scientists. If Canada is to take her place as a world leader in research and innovation, government must encourage and support our scientists, and allow them to speak freely.
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