File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

MIKE GRENIER

Conservative riding nominee Grenier hopes to improve rural Internet connectivity, airport service

Feb 22, 2021 | 12:12 PM

KAMLOOPS — A longtime Kamloops resident and developer of Tobiano looking to replace Cathy McLeod as the next Conservative candidate in the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo riding says he wants to increase connectivity in rural areas and bring more major projects to the region.

Mike Grenier introduced himself as a conservative candidate in the riding during a Zoom call on Monday morning. He wants more developments like Sun Peaks and Tobiano, the latter of which he helped develop starting in 2008.

“Even in a resource land in our riding, we find ourselves in uncertain times,” said Grenier during the Zoom call. “We’ve concerned for our families. We’re concerned for our houses and our mortgages. We’re concerned for our businesses and our jobs. We’re impacted by COVID and a slowing economy.”

Grenier adds that far too many rural residents in the region don’t have the high-speed internet that’s needed to thrive, especially during the pandemic.

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“We still have no real rural Internet. The Liberal government tells us it’s coming in 2026 or 2030. Think about that,” said Grenier. “We can’t connect rural residents with on-screen healthcare providers, kids can’t connect with their school, our seniors can’t connect with their families, and even our households can’t connect to their employer and even their job search.”

Grenier ran for the BC Liberal nomination for Kamloops-North Thompson in 2016, losing to the now-MLA Peter Milobar. He’s been a federal Conservative member for seven years. With a snap election on the horizon this year, Grenier and his team are ready for a campaign if he’s nominated.

Grenier is a big proponent of the Kamloops Airport and is concerned about the departure of Air Canada last month. He would push for the return of regular service back to Fulton Field once the pandemic settles.

“One of the national carriers has dropped service to and from Kamloops Airport, including flights to Vancouver,” he noted. “How do we draw businesses, business people, clients to Kamloops if we can’t fly here? How do we keep Kamloops Airport relevant? After this pandemic, we need to renew Kamloops Airport service. We need to harness this major economic driver.”