ELECTION 2025: Meet the Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies candidates

The Federal Election is set for Monday, April 28th.

My PG Now reached out to each candidate running to become the Member of Parliament for the Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies riding for their responses to the following four questions:

1. Tell us about yourself?
2. What makes you the best candidate to represent your riding?
3. What are the most important issues in your riding and why?
4. What is your position on tariffs?
5. Are there any final thoughts on any topics that you would like to share?

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER (Last name)

Mary Forbes, Green Party:

I am a former oil patch archaeologist that now makes her living providing “trash talks and nature walks”.

From dump tours, recycling bin audits and zero waste pow-wows to class and community presentations on local flora and fauna I am a life long learner who excells in communication and relationship building.

One of my favorite jobs is providing free recycled bikes and maintenance workshops on location in Indigenous communities around the province. What started as a program with the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society Waste Wise program has expanded beyond their service region to anywhere my traveling bike shop( cube truck) and trailer full of free bikes is invited to as Feral Bike Recycling.

If you have seen rainbow fish on a fence that is me again as the northern co-ordinator for Steam of Dreams Mural Society teaching kids through art that “All Drains Lead to Fish Habitat”.

In 2013 I was recognized with a Community Achievement Award for my work in heritage and sustainable education.

In 2011 I was awarded Gold for best Interpretive program in a cross Canada competition while I worked for Parks Canada in Lake Louise by the professional association Interpretation Canada.

Shortly after graduation from SFU I was employed by the RCMP in the Picton investigation as a search technition and was part of the team that provided closure for families for some of Northern BC’s MMIWG.

Each of these and many more experience has lead me to this moment. “Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.”- unknown author

Cory Longley, NDP:

My PG Now reached out numerous times to Longley to participate, but he did not return a response prior to publication time.

Longley’s profile on the NDP website can be found here.

Peter Njenga, Liberal Party:

Seeing a community of vibrant character full of investment potential, Peter has seen firsthand the opportunities and challenges that middle-class families face every day and understands the priorities and issues of the region. These include the need for support of our forest industry during, and after, any U.S. tariffs, creating more affordable housing and reducing homelessness, supporting farmers, investing in industry, and supporting our healthcare system. Families in the region need a trusted and persistent voice in our federal government who will champion a stronger middle class and help build an economy that works for all Canadians. As your Liberal Candidate, Peter is ready to work with Mark Carney and the Liberal Team to invest in our middle class, and build the strongest economy in the G7.

Peter will never stop working hard to build a better future for the families of Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies and to provide everyone an equal and fair chance at success.

David Watson, People’s Party:

I am currently serving as Postmaster in Bear Lake, British Columbia, working under Canada Post. I have been married to my wife Sandra for 45 years, and had four children, one of whom sadly passed away at a young age.

Our other three children, Lindsay, Charlene, and Vincent, have grown into strong and intelligent adults. I also have four grandchildren.

I also enjoy gardening, construction, and traditional living, with a deep respect for nature.

Bob Zimmer, Conservative Party (incumbent):

Born in Dawson Creek, BC and raised in Fort St. John, BC, I began my career working for my Dad’s carpentry business. I obtained my Red Seal Journeyman Carpentry Certification and went on to own my own construction business.

I received an undergraduate degree from Trinity Western University in human kinetics and history/political science as well as a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia, while working as the head coach for Langley’s TWU varsity rugby team. I then moved back to Fort St. John, where I taught for seven years and built several homes.

I was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Prince George-Peace River in 2011 and then re-elected MP for Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies in 2015, 2019 and again in 2021.

In the last Parliament, I served as Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs and Arctic Sovereignty; Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Outdoor Caucus and recently formed the all-Party Rugby Caucus on Parliament Hill.

I am an honorary member of the Fort St. John Sunrise Rotary Club and volunteer for many local events and organizations. I attend my local church with my wife Val, our daughter Bobbie and our three sons, Kristian, David and Tim.

What makes you the best candidate to represent your riding?

Forbes:

If elected MP I promise to not embarrass you in the House of Commons, to represent you with dignity and respect.

I will hear your conserns and work tirelessly to find solutions and bring items directly to the ministers who can affect change.

I will consult with you on decisions and I will communicate back to you in person or in whatever formats works best for you.

I want to be a champion of Truth and Reconsiliation to advance the fight for the Rights of Indigenous people as recognized by the UN.

I am an ally to my queer daughter and all the LGBTQ2S+ community.

I will seek out those who need my work but do not have to capacity to find me themselves. Children in care, prisioners, homeless, elderly and people with unique and diverse abilities. To hold up the least of us is to hold up us all.

Njenga:

I care for the people and issues that affect them. For example. Visit http://drnjengafoundation.org.

Watson:

A lifetime of experience in numerous fields gives me a broad experience to draw from. Sales & Management, Construction & Renovation, Building & Running a business in Prince George. Investment Portfolio Consulting, financial services sales and management; in the CAF Reserves, Commanding Officer of two different Cadet corps army & air, Biathlon Coach, Computer / Network Technician.

The amount of people I have spoken with, I can’t even begin to count, but it gives me a firm foundation in the breadth and scope of people in general, the lives they live, the problems they face, not only in the areas I have traversed more locally, but also in a larger sphere through contacts around the world. All of my conversations have led me to an appreciation for the richness of the human spirit– the true strength we all have. I bring truth to the campaign mine and all those who believe in the PPC and a stronger Citizen movement in the country.

Zimmer:

I originally ran to be your representative to make a difference. Since then, I have worked hard and have made a difference locally and nationally.

Locally, we assist anyone who walks through our office doors with issues around taxes, immigration, passports and countless other problems; we stand up for you. We have a saying in our offices, “We help people” and we do.

Nationally, I have represented our riding as Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs and Arctic Sovereignty, I have also actively represented our agricultural community, law-abiding firearms owners, and the outdoor community. I am running to be your MP because I care about our country and our riding.

If I am re-elected and we form government, we will put Canada First.

What are the most important issues (up to three) in your riding and why?

Forbes:

1. Distance and access to health care is a major concern, from closed emergency rooms to a shortage of family doctors. People in the north deserve parity of care for physical, mental, dental and vision health. The toxic drug supply is the #1 killer of children age 12-21 in BC, and is more pronounced in indigenous communities
2. Truth and Reconciliation demands that all 94 TRC calls to action, the MMIWG call to justice and Indigenous led end to the Indian Act be addressed. Indigenous leadership should be treated as the Nation to Nation relationship it is and as has been identified in the UN rights of Indigenous people.
3. Global Weirding (it’s not just warmer) resulting in catastrophic wildfires, floods, droughts, heat domes, lower snow pack, affects everyone especially our most vulnerable residents. Deadlines have been marked and passed several times. We need to act now on the climate crisis with local food supplies, clean water and move towards a future without dependance on fossil fuels.

Njenga:

1. Tariffs
2. Development and investment
3. Housing affordability

Watson:

The most important issues in this riding are the same issues all of Canada is facing. All the standard issues are present of course, Housing, Healthcare, Affordability and many others… But also I’m speaking about the seriously wrecked disgusting oppressive government we’ve been living under, especially, the last ten years when they slipped in China style operations courtesy of Justin Trudeau although this does go back farther than him all the way back to the Papa potato – Pierre Trudeau and the so called Conservatives.

Who was speaking out for Canadians when they shut down most of the country? No, not everything. They didn’t shut down Big Box Stores, they didn’t shut down almost all big businesses and services just thousands and thousands of small businesses and at the same time created massive divisiveness in this country.

They had people so afraid and isolated, they couldn’t even take their children to a park to get some sunshine and fresh air. Issues! How about how many churches were burned down?

How about all of the lies and scandals that our old mainstay, that once was a good solid radio station, CBC, chose not to report on. And our media is supposed to hold governments to account. Shame on them all!
Talk to some of your neighbours! And you may get a better understanding of what the government has truly done. People need to “get informed” because a short couple of paragraphs days before the election is pitiful. It just doesn’t cut it!

The economic, emotional and spiritual climate in Canada is BAD. No need for fancy words here. Try finding a veterinarian. Try getting a human being on the line. Wonder where meritocracy went? The economic gold standard is currently dead. In a wasteland of rubble created by the worst kind of corruption humankind could have imagined.
But don’t worry, folks, the government says with their token statements: “We’re in for a soft landing.” and so much rubbish. We aren’t landing. We’re crashing.

Zimmer:

Affordability is the #1 issue we’ve been hearing at the doors this election. Paycheques that used to cover all the family expenses just a few years ago are now falling short, month after month. Also, the epidemic of crime in our streets and frequent deaths by overdose must be addressed.

To address affordability, we Conservatives will cut income tax by 15%, dropping the tax rate on the lowest income tax bracket from 15% to 12.75%, meaning the average Canadian worker earning $57,000 will save $900, with two income families saving $1,800 a year.

To stop the crime on our streets, Conservatives will stop criminals convicted of three serious offences from getting bail, probation, parole, or house arrest, and keep violent criminals behind bars longer to protect victims and our communities.

We will also impose life sentences for anyone who is convicted of 5 or more counts of human trafficking, importing or exporting ten or more illegal firearms or fentanyl trafficking.

To save lives from overdoses, we Conservatives will invest in recovery, cut off federal funding for opioids and defund drug dens, so we can bring our loved ones home drug free.

We will:

1. Fund treatment for 50,000 Canadians in treatment centres with a proven record of success at getting people off drugs.

2. Ban taxpayer-funded drug dens from being located within 500 metres of schools, daycares, playgrounds, parks, and seniors’ homes and impose strict new oversight rules.

3. Crack down on the Liberals’ reckless experiments with free access to illegal drugs that allow provinces to operate drug sites with no oversight.

4. Pause any new federal exemptions until evidence justifies they support recovery.

5. Existing federal sites will be required to focus on connecting users with treatment, meet stricter regulatory standards, or be shut down.

6. End the exemption for fly-by-night provincially-regulated sites.

What is your position on tariffs?

Forbes:

Tariffs are going to hurt workers and consumers on both side of the border. This is an attack on our sovereignty, as stated by the American president who wants to expand his empire and gain unfettered access to Canadian resources. This is an opportunity to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and improve relationships with counties that share Canadian values.

Njenga:

Mark Carney’s approach to handling Tariffs and Trump is the best approach.

Watson:

Let’s talk about tariffs. No. Let’s not. Look, what is wrong in Canada, no matter what The Conservatives, Liberals and NDP want to say it cannot be blamed on the USA and Trump. They do want to blame him and the US because it gives them a target to aim at and distract an entire country.

They’ve had years to make positive changes on this side of the border and all they’ve done is sold out to China. Let’s talk about food security here. Let’s talk about getting rid of stupid marketing boards. Let’s talk about waste. Let’s talk about real incentives for recycling. Let’s talk about respect for your neighbours. Let’s talk about aunts and uncles looking after the kids after their graveyard shift. Let’s talk about quality education. Let’s talk about music and art.

The real answers my friends, is blowing in the wind, but it’s a lot of hot air, while the deeper issues go unnoticed by poor people trying to earn a living and care for loved ones.

Zimmer:

President Trump has unleashed unjustified, illegal tariffs on Canada. We Conservatives will unleash a generational economic boom here at home to ensure that no one can ever do this to Canada again.

The only thing we control is what we do at home. And the best way to stand up for ourselves is to be strong here. Unleashing our industry, cutting taxes on our workers, zero capital gains taxes on Canadian reinvestment, building more homes, building LNG plants, building pipelines, building mines and building our own economic fortress here in Canada is the ONLY WAY to stand up to President Trump.

Are there any final thoughts on any topic that you would like to share?

Forbes:

Every Green vote is a clear message to whomever forms government that the Green platform resonates with constituents in this riding. Vote for leadership with a dream for the future, and has a plan to protect you from a nightmare.

Njenga:

This beautiful riding should agree to elect someone who will be voting yes in parliament, voting for issues that positively affect citizens such as universal health care. That is me.

Watson:

The thing I find most striking about the deception that is and has been promulgated for a long time and that it is going on right in front of us. The good and bad are both being made to look the same, but they are not.

Now is the time we come together in unity not fear.

I would ask that people vote based upon their values. Not party politics. It is your top priority to figure out your purpose based on your personal assets and talents. Your next move should be to go after it– in this world and beyond. This is truth. It is good. And it works. Not for a select few. But for every soul. I wish that for each and everyone.

Zimmer:

Lastly, Canadians want a change in the Federal government. They are tired of Liberal corruption and reckless spending. They are tired of radicals shutting down our resource sector jobs. Resource sector jobs that help us feed our families and help us keep warm in winter. They want a government that stands up for them. We will put Canada First, for a change.