Huck Galbraith

2026 Election Candidate

Environmental

In Enderby's Official Community Plan, "agricultural land, green space, and open natural areas are valued and preserved within the community by promoting higher density and clustered development". Please give local examples of 'good' and 'not good' building development in Enderby, and state why.

Good development means utilizing vacant or underused commercial and residential lots and infill.

Bad development is over-regulation that makes it too costly to build inward, forcing developers towards agricultural land that drives our local economy.

Enderby has experienced significant climate impacts for the last few years. How do you propose to address this crisis, both in preparing ahead for disasters like drought, wildfires, heat domes and floods, as well as reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that lead to climate change?

Our primary focus must be practical disaster mitigation and protecting lives and property. We will invest in upgrading our water storage infrastructure for droughts, expanding fire smart programs around city borders, Rather than imposing costly carbon mandates on Industries and residents. If we could sell our gas to China and India, Canada would reduce global emissions by 50%.

Do you support the use of public funds to contribute to acquiring natural lands for environmental conservation purposes? Under what conditions would the perceived need for more housing, businesses, roads and other infrastructure prompt you to trade away natural lands with high ecological value for urban expansion?

Public funds should only be used for land acquisition if it directly protects core infrastructure, like our watershed, or serves as a functional public park.

If urban expansion is absolutely necessary for housing or jobs, we must look to lower-value, non-agricultural land first and work with First Nations and landowners.

Drought, contamination, increasing demand are just some of the water issues we face in Enderby. What actions would you prioritise to protect our river, creeks, aquifers, and groundwater for home and agricultural water sources, habitat for fish and wildlife, and human recreation?

Consult with First Nations. We must prioritize upgrading our water treatment plant, creating and enforcing strict laws against illegal dumping or industrial contamination, and working alongside our agricultural sector, water-conservation strategies

Social

In smaller communities, we need to be creative in how we help one another; how do you see the role of local government in this?

"The role of local government is crucial , to be a partner, create new social programs, reinforce established ones , We can help by cutting red tape, waiving permit fees, and providing municipal spaces for our incredible local non-profits, faith-based groups, and service clubs who are already doing the heavy lifting.

How do we tackle misinformation and growing distrust in local government as well as uncivil behaviour on social media and in person?

Open door policy, transparency in how tax dollars are spent, keeping council debates focused on issues , local and collaborative, communicating clearly and factually. Citizens need to feel their elected officials are listening, and fulfilling their interests and providing meaningful information.

What personal and/or professional experience has most shaped your understanding of Truth and Reconciliation, and how would it influence your decisions as a municipal elected official?

My understanding is shaped by first hand knowledge from the Splatsin community, also other First Nations communities. Mary Greyeyes is my auntie, she was the First Indigenous woman in the Canadian Armed Forces in WW2.

Reconciliation happens when all people move forward, together, through economic partnership, mutual respect, and open, truthful dialogue. As Mayor, I will ensure we work collaboratively on shared infrastructure and economic projects that benefit all peoples

Cultural

How do you personally engage with arts, culture and heritage in Enderby, and how do you think local government should support these features of our community?

I whole heartedly support our local heritage by attending community events and shopping locally. Local government’s role is to maintain our historic public spaces and market Enderby as a vibrant cultural destination, helping to draw regional tourism dollars that keep our local arts and heritage societies financially self-sustaining.

Economic

What is your understanding of how small local governments can support our economic development, including the success of our small local businesses?

Businesses are the economic drivers, creating jobs. We support them by keeping municipal commercial taxes low, speeding up business license approvals, and having perpetual business licenses, reducing the time and cost it takes to deal with the city.

What is one action the municipality should take to strengthen our local food system and improve access to healthy, affordable food? Why that action?

Support farmers to sell directly to consumers, from their properties or through expanded local markets. Keeps costs lower for families, increases food security.

Health

As Mayor / Councilor, how would you work to attract and retain medical professionals in Enderby?

In 2022, Enderby tasked me with improving healthcare for our community, I persistently advocated, and the first year, increased the local lab hours from 3 days a week to 5. The following year I personally helped to recruit Dr. Husni Abdalla

How will you ensure that our planning of our built environment, our programs and our policies support the diverse physical and mental health needs of our population?

I will ensure our sidewalks, crosswalks, and public facilities are fully accessible so seniors and those with mobility challenges can stay active. By focusing on core recreation infrastructure—like walkable paths and safe public spaces. We support the physical and mental well-being of all residents.

General

Enderby has constant traffic congestion on Hwy. 97A without a solution in sight from the Ministry of Transportation. What ideas do you have to pressure the province into finding a solution?

With directives from first Nations, municipalities,regional district leaders, and local business associations to present a unified economic case continuously highlight the safety risks and the cost of lost productivity to demand that the province prioritizes funding for a long-term highway solution