Adeana Young Questions & Answers

1. What inspired you to run as the Green Party candidate for Skeena-Bulkley Valley in this election?

I care passionately for the social and economic well-being of our region. The Green Party values are the best fit with my values of working together and having a strong democracy. It is important for food governance that parties work together. We’re not trying to take over, we’re working towards a strong democracy.

2. The Green Party emphasizes climate action and a green economy. How do you plan to address these issues specifically in Skeena-Bulkley Valley, given its reliance on resource-based industries?

The Skeena-Bulkley Valley is blessed with an abundance of sun, tidal energy, and geothermal possibilities. Working with indigenous communities, Townships and regional districts to name a few, we can find the economic green solutions.

As Members of Parliament, we can recognize the roles and responsibilities of Federal and Provincial laws and legislation. It would be my responsibility to ensure that our highest government is in line with our Provincial laws, and Indigenous laws.

3. Affordable housing is a key plank of the Green Party platform. What concrete steps would you take to improve housing affordability for residents in this riding?

This riding is blessed with cultural and demographic diversity. Affordability, however, is tied to this diversity. One of my priorities is to set clear rules on what affordability really means and ensure that the federal government has programs to fund the construction of affordable housing that takes this diversity into account. A home built and maintained in Old Massett costs more than one built in Terrace, for example.

We’ll strengthen the housing market regulations. Affordable housing means an individual or family should be able to pay their rent or mortgage with 30% of their regular income. Individuals and families shouldn’t be in competition with big corporations when it comes to the basic human rights of having a roof over their head.

4. Skeena-Bulkley Valley is home to many Indigenous communities. How will you work toward reconciliation and support Indigenous priorities if elected?

Indigenous communities have the right to self determination. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission have 94 calls to action and we will put those calls into action. We’ll help fund restorative justice programs that help heal victims and offenders, act on every call from the MMIWG inquiry. We’ll respect Indigenous rights and support Indigenous self-determination.

5. Healthcare access, including family doctors, is a growing concern across Canada. What solutions do you propose to expand healthcare services in our rural and remote region?

Canadians cherish our public healthcare system, but it’s being threatened by privatization and neglect. Our plan strengthens the foundation of Medicare while expanding it to include mental health, pharmacare, and dental care. We will make sure that your health card, not your credit card, determines the care you receive.

Rural and remote communities will receive guaranteed equitable funding for healthcare services and facilities. Mobile health clinics and telemedicine will expand to serve underserved areas. Community-based mental health services will receive dedicated stable funding. Indigenous-led health services will expand with permanent funding for land-based healing programs. Culturally appropriate and inclusive care will be mandated for all populations.

6. The Conservative candidate, Ellis Ross, has emphasized resource development and job creation. How would your approach to economic development differ, and how would it benefit local communities?

Moving to clean energy means big changes. We’ll guarantee good wages during the change and provide training for jobs. We’ll support strong unions to protect workers’ rights. We’ll create good jobs while fighting climate change. This is how we’ll build an economy that works for everyone. We’ll make sure Indigenous and rural communities benefit from new opportunities in clean energy.

7. The Green Party advocates for fair taxation. Can you explain how your tax policies would impact small businesses and working families in Skeena-Bulkley Valley?

Our first major policy to address income inequality is eliminating all federal income taxes on earnings under $40,000. For someone with an income of $40,000, this means up to $3,644 more in their pocket each year – enough to help with monthly rent, reduce debt, or build emergency savings. We’ll close loopholes and make sure corporations contribute to the services we all use and depend on.

8. Climate change poses risks like wildfires and flooding in northwestern BC. What specific measures would you push for to help our communities adapt and become more resilient?

Climate change is real. As a global collective, we must act to slow down climate change. Canada may be falling behind in climate action and it’s our responsibility to act immediately.

Being resilient is to be in survival mode. We need to live. A Green economy will help get us out of survival mode. At a local level, measures such as sustainable energy production and corridors, changes to building codes, supporting emergency preparedness training are just a few of the suggestions that come to mind.

9. The NDP incumbent, Taylor Bachrach, has highlighted national programs like dental care and pharmacare. How does the Green Party’s vision for social programs differ, and what would you prioritize for this riding?

In the words of our co-leader Elizabeth May:

"Overtaking the NDP isn't a goal. Ensuring we have good government and a strong Parliament is our goal,".

Free dental care and universal pharmacare along with free education and guaranteed basic income have been on the Green Party of Canada platform over several elections. In 2019, the NDP got on board with free dental and this is exactly what parliamentary cooperation looks like. Real results.

10. Transportation and infrastructure challenges, like Highway 16 safety, are ongoing issues here. What’s your plan to address these concerns if you’re elected?

Safety along Highway 16 is an issue that is very near to the hearts of people in the riding who have lost loved ones. It's time to move away from studies and put plans and recommendations into action. For instance:

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has committed $10.2 million through 2024/25 in provincial and federal funding for the Highway 16.

It is important that the safety plan is supported and reviewed.

11. How do you intend to balance the diverse interests in Skeena-Bulkley Valley, from urban areas like Smithers to remote coastal communities like Haida Gwaii?

The Green Party of Canada doesn’t let party lines interfere with democracy. Working towards consensus for what works in community and supporting Indigenous communities with their rights to self determination. Gin ‘waadluwan gud ahl kwaagiidang - everything depends on everything else. These balances will need a holistic approach and will require maintaining the relationships that have been fostered to date. I will work with the communities and allow them to speak to their diverse needs.

12. The Green Party has historically struggled to gain traction in this riding. What strategies will you use to connect with voters and build support by April 28?

"Overtaking the NDP isn't a goal. Ensuring we have good government and a strong Parliament is our goal,".I’m still a Green Party advocate outside of campaign and election times.

13. With the election coinciding with international pressures, such as the Trump administration’s policies, how would you advocate for Skeena-Bulkley Valley on the national and global stage?

As a local MP, my role is to support my communities with all levels of government to address external global pressures. As a team, we will use our collective voices to identify how we want to been seen on the national and global stage.

14. What role do you see renewable energy playing in the future of our riding, and how would you support its development?

The Skeena-Bulkey Valley is rich in resources - but these resources are sun, air, water, biodiversity and lands. Each of these resources can potentially provide renewable energy. By diversifying our energy sources, we build a strong and resilient network that is not reliant on just one source.

15. Finally, what’s your message to voters who might be undecided about supporting the Green Party in this election?

Vote with your values - Having choice is about democracy - strategic voting doesn’t work and undermines democracy.

The Kitimat Area team contacted each candidate for Member of Parliament for Skeena Bulkley Valley for the April 28th Canadian Federal Election. We submitted a list of questions to each candidate that highlight key issues in the election and highlighted key parts of each candidates election platform. We are publishing the answers in order of when they were first received. Adeana Young. Answers received April 14, 2025