From healthcare provider, to receiving one of the first contracts to manage public services in a BC provincial park, Loraina Stephen has seen it all. You see, BC Parks doesn’t use government employees to maintain its facilities – it contracts out the work to local citizens, like Loraina and the team her company oversees. Loraina runs the visitor centre; Loraina manages the campgrounds; and yes, Loraina’s team even cleans the outhouses. Why is this story interesting? Well, it’s because Loraina has a unique view on stewardship, the role of parks in rural economies and the importance of nature to our health care. We met Loraina in the shadow of Mount Robson – at the trailhead to Kinney Lake – to hear her story.
What do you think?
- Do you believe the privatization of public services, like BC Park facilities, is an innovative approach in a cash-strapped system
- Do we need more privatization or less? Does it help local economies, as Loraina argues? Does it create buy-in for protected areas with constituencies who would otherwise not support them?
- Do you believe nature supports our health and our health care system?
- How can we encourage more people to get outside and appreciate parks like Mount Robson?