Lake says climate changed everything for him in becoming riding’s Liberal candidate

Lake spoke directly to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, citing the struggles of area residents during the 2017 wildfires and the last two years of smoke that’s had an impact on people’s lives.

“If anyone knows the impact of climate change, it is people right here in Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo. It is like a war zone here Prime Minister in the summer,” noted Lake in front of 300 of his local supporters. “People leave so they can breathe clean air. People are worried. They suffer physically, they suffer mentally. Climate change has impacted the health of our forests. Hotter summers have made it easier for forest fires to grow and to threaten our community.”

“That’s what brought me off the sidelines was you and your government’s committment to taking action on climate change.”

RAW VIDEO: Terry Lake addresses Liberal supporters

Lake also emphasized the importance of a balanced focus on the environment with eyes on a strong economy.

“We know here, the TransMountain pipeline is an important project for the people of the Interior of B.C.,” he said. “Prime Minister, that pipeline is part of a comprehensive climate action plan that includes a limit on oil sands emissions, that includes a national price on carbon as we transition towards a low-carbon economy in a way that doesn’t strand the natural advantages that we have and the wealth that it brings.”

At the podium, Lake also referenced the party’s committment to deal with the opioid crisis, which he tackled as the B.C. Health Minister.

“Every day, three British Columbians lose their lives because of a toxic drug supply,” said a teary Lake on stage. “While the latest numbers show an improving situation here in British Columbia, it’s actually getting worse in Ontario, in a province where a Conservative government just cut public health funding, closing down overdose prevention sites that keep people alive.”

RAW VIDEO: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks

Prime Minister Trudeau said Tuesday it takes good people like Lake to step up and desire to serve the community.

“You know Terry, we know Terry. He’s an incredibly strong worker, a strong voice for the community,” he told supporters. “He’s been a Minister of Health, a Minister of Environment. But he’s always been an extraordinarily strong voice for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, and he’s going to be an amazing member of the next Liberal government.”

But Lake’s jump back into politics won’t come without its challenge. He was asked following the rally about joining a Liberal party that has been hit with scandal, namely the SNC-Lavalin affair in which Trudeau’s government have been accused of obstruction of justice in deferring prosecution of the Quebec-based construction giant.

MP Jody Wilson-Raybould, a former Liberal cabinet minister, accused Trudeau of pressuring her, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General at the time, to intervene.

WATCH: Lake confident in how Trudeau government handled SNC-Lavalin affair

Lake, who has done his own research on the matter, feels the government did nothing wrong.

“I am convinced there was no wrongdoing in this regard,” he told the media. “People were trying to do the very best to preserve jobs, to make sure that all avenues were explored before decisions were made. There was a difference in opinion, and I’ve had differences of opinion with my former leaders. We deal with those behind closed doors and then we come out as a team for the betterment of our constituents, and I think that’s what this party’s going to do.”

Lake will now start his campaign as he tries to win the Liberals’ first seat from this region since Len Marchand, Sr. was defeated in 1979.

by Chad Klassen

Lake says climate changed everything for him in becoming riding’s Liberal candidate

Our Community