Prince George, B.C.- New Democrat Leader Carole James says if elected, she would call for a public inquiry into the sale of B.C. Rail.  Speaking on the Meisner program this morning on CFIS FM, James says after the inquiry, regardless of the outcome, there is little that could be done.

On the matter of forestry, she says the best learning she could do for her job is to live in the north and marry into a forestry family.  

James says too often, the political pendulum in B.C. has swung too far, “Whether it be the NDP of the past, or the current Liberals, I really believe in a balanced approach,” she says throwing out all ideas just because the previous government came up with them, is wrong.

The new democrats score well on issues of housing and homelessness “It is no longer an East Side Vancouver issue, “ says James “We need to invest in affordable housing, and Government needs to get back into providing housing and working with partners.” She wants to use the $250 million dollars already in the provincial government housing trust to build 2400 affordable housing units, a project she says would also create jobs.

She also believes the health care budget could be used more wisely “One example is home care support, it is much more cost effective. It is much more cost effective to look after seniors in their own homes.” 

As for schools, “ I think in some cases, where there is declining enrolment, there may need to be school closures.”  She says the government should be revitalizing rural B.C. so families don’t leave those areas.

As for the  Recognition and Reconciliation  Act which  deals with  First Nations, James says she  doesn't disagree  with some of the principles being discussed, but there was no ACT to discuss .  As for a veto, she says  consultation is the first road to take. She says  its important to  make sure  First Nations  are consulted on any project, but she won't  comment further until  an actual piece of legislation is developed.