‘It’s time for Northeast B.C. to move into this century”: NDP Candidate Cory Longley

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – The NDP candidate in Northeast B.C. has his eyes set on “positive, progressive change that the riding hasn’t seen in 50 years”.

Cory Longley is a plumber hailing from Dawson Creek who believes it’s time for Prince George- Peace River- Northern Rockies to “move into this century.”

“We have some of the poorest communication infrastructures in the country. Like literally, we have communities where you’re still on dial-up,” says Longley.

Longley refuses to mince words regarding incumbent Conservative Bob Zimmer, who has occupied the riding since 2011. He questions Zimmer’s lack of support for the fight against the opioid crisis in the riding and improving Indigenous relations.

Longley also points to Zimmer’s 2015 comments on Indigenous women, which he apologized for earlier this year, and his vote against a bill banning conversion therapy.

Longley says he is not trying to throw dirt on Zimmer’s name, just hold him accountable.

“‘I’m not bringing up anything new, and this is not dirt. I do not have to go through the guy’s garbage to find stuff. This is what he does in public. This is who represents this riding right now. It’s time for a change.”

Communication infrastructure, transportation and housing affordability are Longley’s main focuses.

The pandemic helped show the importance of reliable internet and cellular coverage when everybody was working or learning from home.

“Bandwidth is king, and if you don’t have it, you can’t communicate.”

Longley also believes there needs to be a push to increase transportation options.

“If I don’t have my own vehicle or someone willing to look after me and take me for a drive, I’m hooped. I can’t pop on the Greyhound anymore.”

The NDP  also plans on targeting the price of housing, with Longley saying residents shouldn’t pay more than 30 per cent of their income for their home.

For the constituents still getting to know Longley, he describes himself as never afraid to speak the truth to power and an extremely hard worker.

“I’m sure that every one of these candidates is going to work hard for you. I’m just going to work harder.”

Advanced voting takes place for four days, starting September 10th.

The 2021 Federal Election will be held on September 20th.

The candidates looking to fill the Northeast B.C. seat are Amir Alavi (Liberal Party), Ryan Dyck (PPC), Phil Hewkin (Canada’s Fourth Front), David Jeffers (Maverick Party), Catharine Kendall (Green Party), Cory Grizz Longley (NDP), and incumbent Bob Zimmer (Conservative Party).