NanaimoNewsNOW reached out to each candidate in the 2019 provincial byelection, asking for a brief bio and answers to the same three questions surrounding important local issues.
The responses below are unedited.
Biography/contact info:
bill.walker@libertarian.bc.ca
@BillWalker4MLA
libertarian.bc.ca
I am 61 years old and I have worked and lived in Nanaimo for 25 years. I have been a mortgage broker, rental property owner and I have a degree in Urban Geography. I understand the housing market! I was on the board of Community Futures for many years.
Several years ago, I discovered Libertarianism having felt frustrated with the political choices that do not align with my values. I was drawn to the platform of individuality, freedom of choice and freedom of expression. I am tired of the forceful government intervention in our live, property and businesses that stifles our freedoms and productivity. I believe in free markets and eliminating regressive taxes that significantly ad to the cost of living. I want less government and lower taxes for the hard working, responsible, self determined people of this community. People know how to spend their money a lot better than the government!
Question 1: What is your top priority specific to Nanaimo which you would work to address if elected to the legislature?
Nanaimo is growing, we need more housing. We need more rental housing! The Canadian Rental Housing Index states that 23% of households are spending over 50% of income on rent & utilities. The vacancy rate stands at 1.5%. We need the barriers to rental housing removed.
The Residential Housing Act focuses primarily on tenants rights. The current governments Rental Housing Task Force made 23 recommendations with only three addressing the needs of landlords. Government policies need to encourage developers and investors to build more rental housing; with LESS government intervention, speedier approvals, lower taxes (for both landlords & tenants). The private market will increase the supply of rental units & increase the vacancy rate, resulting in a more competitive market. The current government’s reduction of allowable rental increases from 4.5 % to 2.5 % sends the wrong signal.
Question 2: The current approach to Nanaimo’s homelessness issue is causing much angst in the community. What made-in-Nanaimo solutions would you lobby for to address the crisis?
The current government solution to ghettoize the homeless, without community consultation or municipal approval, is clearly the wrong way to handle this situation. Petty crime has exploded in the Newcastle area! It is important to recognize that 70-80% of the homeless are men. Fentanyl overdoses are 80% men!
Along with better housing solutions, men need better access to social services. I believe that non-profits deliver better services at lower cost to the taxpayers…There is a MADE IN NANAIMO solution. The Men’s Centre (www.themenscentre.ca) which is supported by minimal tax payer support (Gaming Funding), volunteers & private donations. They provide an excellent resource for men at risk, but they need more support. They are severely underfunded in comparison to government (taxpayer) funding for women’s programs. With more support from the taxpayer funds & individuals, they will be able to better provide services to men with mental wellness issues, substance abuse, domestic disruption and other problems that often lead to homelessness.
Question 3: The current NDP government is taking steps to “cool” Nanaimo’s real estate market, lowering home values in the interim. Do you support this approach? Why or why not?
The speculation and vacancy tax is another example of government intervention of the worst kind. It is invasive, oppressive and authoritarian! It is like negative option billing (which is illegal for businesses under the Consumer Protection Act!).
This type of tax will not increase the supply of rental housing. The types of housing that are empty are generally not affordable or available for the rental market.
Furthermore, the premise that we are guilty until we prove ourselves innocent is a breach of due process. This is unacceptable in our society! If I want to speculate in real estate, that is my choice. If I want to leave my house vacant, that is my choice. This is another assault by government on our freedom of choice and our right to self determination! This type of forceful control of peoples’ lives and property must end!
