Ellis Ross Questions & Answers 1 of 2

1. You’ve had a notable career as a leader with the Haisla Nation and as an MLA for Skeena. What inspired you to transition from provincial to federal politics and run for Skeena—Bulkley Valley?

The Haisla and other First Nation leaders turned things around in BC by advocating for economic development and First Nations’ inclusion. I was asked to run for MP more than once and felt honoured to be asked to help turn Canada around.

2. How will your experience as Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation and as a provincial MLA shape your approach as a potential MP?

I learned about environmental issues, Aboriginal rights and title, economic development and governmental structures in my days as Haisla Chief Councillor. I learned about the Westminster model of governance that included processes and how Bills were turned into legislation and regulation. As MLA, I visited many communities and learned about their respective issues in Skeena-Bulkley Valley depending on location and circumstances. All this experience will help me serve as MP if I am elected.

3. You’ve been a strong advocate for resource development, particularly LNG projects like LNG Canada. What specific plans do you have to promote sustainable economic growth in Skeena—Bulkley Valley?

There is incredible opportunity in our region that have been ignored or stifled just because permits were withheld by government. Forestry is provincial but the amount of job loss has devastated communities like Houston.

4. Pierre Poilievre has promised to streamline natural resource projects. How would you work with him to ensure First Nations and local communities benefit directly from these initiatives?

I understand through experience what an environmental assessment is and what Aboriginal rights and title is, especially the Haida court case of 2004 that changed the landscape for many First Nations and BC. I also understand what it is like to try get people out of poverty and unemployment and as a recovering alcoholic, I understand how difficult addictions can be. I also have ideas on how to lessen government Indian Act oversight for those First Nations that have funding agreements with Ottawa. I truly believe most First Nations want to be independent and want their people to have a future. Overall, I try to put people at the front of government decisions.

5. The Conservative Party emphasizes axing the carbon tax. How do you see this impacting affordability for families in Skeena—Bulkley Valley, where fuel and heating costs are significant?

The carbon tax affects everything from direct costs to home heating to personal vehicle fuels to groceries. When goods are transported, the transporter is charged a carbon tax that gets passed onto us as consumers. The same goes for farmers. Internationally, Canadian businesses will be able to compete with other countries that don’t have a carbon tax.

6. What other measures would you support to address the rising cost of housing and groceries in northwestern British Columbia?

Many things go into the cost of living including the amount of taxes, carrier charges for natural gas heating for Skeena- Bulkley Valley residents or even childcare. USA tariffs seem to be on everyone’s minds but even furniture is getting tariffed by Canada.

7. Rural and remote areas like Skeena—Bulkley Valley often face healthcare shortages. What solutions do you propose to improve access to doctors, nurses, and mental health services in the riding?

It is a recruitment and retention issue more than anything. Many First Nations know what it’s like to recruit professionals in an extremely competitive market. It has to be an all-hands-on deck mentality to attract medical professionals, meaning municipalities, First Nations, provincial governments and federal government must work together.

There are many people in Canada that have been trained overseas but are not allowed to practice in Canada. The Conservatives have proposed a blue seal program where a person can challenge the test and if successful, can practise in Canada.

8. You’ve spoken about the drug crisis. How would you address addiction and overdose issues in the region—through enforcement, treatment, or a combination of both?

The three-year drug experiment in BC between the federal and provincial government has been a disaster. Treatment, similar to other jurisdictions is years overdue. I helped the local First Nations in our region capture the attention of the BC government when I was the MLA. The proposal was initially rejected but we got it back on the BC government agenda.

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. Ellis Ross Answers received April 11, 2025

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