I am committed to strengthening the local economy by reducing our reliance on goods and services from outside the region and encouraging a stable and sustainable economy.

Strategies designed to reduce personal, household and public debt and supporting entrepreneurial activity should be encouraged. Big box retailers, foreign-owned banks and other businesses that strip resources out of the local economy could be challenged as residents increase their financial literacy and commitment to productive sector and a sustainable economy.

Regional welfare reform should be supported that strengthens labour regulations, increases access to quality training opportunities and provides a universal minimum income while reducing long-term access to the unemployment benefit.

An exploration on developing an alternative regional economy based either on the establishment of a local currency or increased non-monetary exchange of goods and services should be encouraged.