Provincial Election 2020 by North Shore News Features

PROVINCIAL ELECTION 2020

BC VOTES

Get out and vote on October 24 your voice matters

INSIDE: ■ Candidate Q&As for all North Shore ridings

■ OP-ED: Commit yourself to democracy

■ Riding proﬁles: What matters most

■ Candidate proﬁles: In their own words

PROVINCIAL ELECTION B2 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

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PROVINCIAL ELECTION north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

What will you say when they ask:

Where were you Sat, Oct 24, 2020, at 7pm EST? In a time like no other, an event like no other, celebrates a community like no other Take Back the Light that COVID and cancer have tried to take away Register at LightTheNight.ca for your access link to this historic 2 hour family friendly event! Broadcast will be live across YouTube, LightTheNight.ca and Facebook.

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At LiUNA Local 1611, we ﬁght for higher wages, safer sites, full pensions, and real beneﬁts so that you’re building a career instead of simply doing a job. Right now, we’re recruiting for positions at major infrastructure projects across British Columbia.

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| B3

PROVINCIAL ELECTION B4 | BC VOTES

north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

NORTH VANCOUVER – SEYMOUR

Provincial Election 2020 Read up on local issues and get the latest news on election day on our BC VOTES 2020 page at nsnews.com.

Susie Chant NDP

Jane Thornthwaite Liberal

Harrison Johnston Green Party

Clayton Welwood Libertarian

incumbent

Age

Do you live in riding? For how long?

Yes. For 34 years.

Yes, I moved to Lynn Valley when I was three years old.

Yes. For 31 years.

Yes. Seven years.

What should be done to address housing affordability?

The BC NDP would continue to stabilize the housing market, establish an income-tested renters rebate, reduce construction costs on affordable builds, scrap outdated and expensive parking requirements, and continue the builds of supportive housing.

As a young person who is being priced out of the North Shore, this is very important to me. We need to ensure nobody has to spend more than 30 per cent of their income on housing.

We need to reduce skyrocketing strata insurance premiums and incentivize municipalities to build diverse needs-based housing by reducing red tape.

Increase housing supply and reduce its cost by reducing the property transfer tax, making the BC Building Code simply a guideline, and converting some Crown land near cities to private ownership.

How would your government combat climate change?

Protect more old-growth forests and clean water sources, phasing out single -use plastics, make polluters pay for cleanup of industrial waste.

I will listen to scientists instead of making political decisions. End all subsidies to the fracking industry. Stop forcing pipelines through unceded Indigenous territory.

Re-establish B.C. as a climate emissions reduction leader. Focus on clean choices in transportation and commit to a revenue-neutral carbon tax.

Eliminate fossil fuel subsidies. Scrap the Clean BC Plan and create an Innovation Fund that would pay B.C. producers for CO2 capture and sequestration.

What specific action would your government take to help your constituents with the economic impact of COVID-19?

One-time $1,000 recovery benefit for households, rent freezes until the end of 2021, rental caps after that, and an income-tested $400 rental rebate.

Renters, students and essential workers all need more support from the government. If they have money to spend, small businesses and the broader community will benefit.

Commit to a small business income tax cut and a PST cut to give small businesses the chance to recover and once again become competitive.

End the state of emergency (except for health orders for long-term care homes) and allow business to return to normal.

How would your government deal with traffic congestion and support expanding transit?

Support alternate commuting options such as bike lanes and car share, and promote affordable housing where people work.

I will prioritize investments in public transit infrastructure in North Vancouver. We need rapid transit across Burrard Inlet as soon as possible.

Transportation options remain a priority. Finish the Lower Lynn interchanges and invest in rapid transit for the North Shore.

End the Passenger Transportation Board to allow private bus service and deregulate taxis and ride-hailing. Toll bridges and traffic choke points to reduce congestion.

How would your government resolve the crisis in longterm care?

Already working on increasing workforce by 7,000, looking at improving wages and promoting fulltime employment, increased oversight of care facilities, enhanced services in the home.

Private companies have shown they will always prioritize their profits over our seniors. We need to bring long-term care back into the public health-care system.

Create a Seniors’ Home Care Tax Credit to help provide the care they deserve and invest in building private-room care homes.

Modernize B.C.’s wrongful death laws so families who lose loved ones due to sub-standard care can hold care home owners liable.

What should be done to reduce poverty?

Review and revise income levels for folks on welfare, disability, and employment insurance. Increase availability of supported/subsidized housing stock. Subsidized training programs.

Safe housing, healthy food and public transit should be guaranteed to all British Columbians. The government should provide these things to everyone in need.

Develop a comprehensive mental health and addictions strategy to combat poverty and provide rent assistance. Reduce the tax burden on small businesses and families.

End state of emergency, allow people to get back to work. Triple the basic income tax exemption. Eliminate clawback of welfare for recipients who work.

Do you support decriminalization of all drugs as a strategy to resolve the opioid crisis?

A strategy that has been suggested is that of decriminalizing the possession of drugs in a quantity that is clearly for personal use only.

Yes, I support the safe decriminalization of drug users as recommended by Dr. Bonnie Henry. Criminalization of drug users does not solve anything!

Decriminalization alone will not fix our overdose crisis. We need prevention, more treatment beds, and ensure people are diverted into the health system.

Yes, the BC Libertarian Party has advocated this for 34 years. We would authorize non-profit Compassion Clubs to serve opioid addicts, subject to municipal approval.

Candidate’s website Twitter Facebook

susiechant.bcndp.ca @susiechant_nvs susiechantnvs

harrisonjohnston.ca @Harrison4NV harrison4nv

janethornthwaite.com @JThornthwaite JThornthwaite

libertarian.bc.ca @BC_Libertarians votewelwood

PROVINCIAL ELECTION north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

BC VOTES | B5

RIDING PROFILE: NORTH VANCOUVER-SEYMOUR

Housing affordability and traffic are perennial issues JANE SEYD

jseyd@nsnews.com

One of the wealthiest suburban ridings in Metro Vancouver, North VancouverSeymour is also a Liberal stronghold on the North Shore.

The riding has reliably voted Liberal – and before that, Social Credit – in every provincial election since 1975. Jane Thornthwaite, the current Liberal MLA, has represented the riding for three terms already, since 2009 when she won with 59 per cent of the vote. Since then, the Liberal’s vote share in the riding has slipped – in the 2017 Thornthwaite’s share was down to 47 per cent while the second-place NDP candidate garnered 34 per cent of the vote. The Greens posted the highest vote count the party had ever managed in the riding in 2017, with just under 18 per cent of the vote. This election there are three candidates challenging Thornthwaite: registered nurse Susie Chant of the NDP, university student Harrison Johnston of the Green Party and Clayton Welwood of the Libertarian Party. Locally, much of the riding falls into the District of North Vancouver, stretching from Indian Arm and Burrard Inlet on the south and east to the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing. The riding includes suburban neighbourhoods above Highway 1 and east of Lonsdale Avenue and Montroyal Boulevard.

Demographically, the approximately 41,800 registered voters in North Vancouver Seymour tend to be older and wealthier than average. In the last census people here reported incomes of over $104,000. While the area’s natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreation contribute to an interest in environmental issues, when it comes to the ballot box, voters have tended to stick with what they know. Voters in this part of North Vancouver helped federal Liberal Terry Beech hang on to his seat despite the controversy over the TransMountain pipeline. It remains to be seen whether Thornthwaite’s recent ill-advised sexist comments about fellow MLA Bowinn Ma will have any impact on the vote. The issues: TRANSPORTATION Transportation remains a perennial issue in North Vancouver, where traffic gridlock has impacted businesses’ ability to hire employees, local residents’ ability to get to work and even the cost of materials being delivered to the North Shore for major projects. Residents hope a North Vancouver highway interchange project – started under the Liberals and continued under the NDP – that is nearing completion will help. But they also want better access to rapid transit

that would link to other areas of the Lower Mainland. A study is currently underway that is looking into both the geotechnical and economic feasibility of options in a very preliminary manner. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY Housing affordability is another constant issue in the riding. Prices for single-family homes hover around $1.6 million. Many people who have grown up in the area find their children can’t afford to stay here when they reach adulthood, and downsizers face limited options. Many of the area’s limited number of apartments and condos are reaching the end of their lifespan. Redevelopment of those buildings has inevitably led to displacement of existing renters. Vacancy rates are low and rents are high – and getting higher - in North Vancouver. And while there is an urgent need for affordable housing, many of those currently living in the riding aren’t keen to see a lot of increased density, fearing that will lead to more traffic congestion. COVID-19 HEADACHES The pandemic has brought a series of blows to North Vancouver. On the health front, the first long-term care home to suffer an outbreak of the virus at the Lynn Valley Care Centre was in the riding. Lessons were

The North Vancouver-Seymour electoral district is outlined on a map. ELECTIONS BC learned from the way the virus tore through the care home, but not before 20 people died and many of the serious shortcomings in care for the elderly were revealed. Since then, businesses in the riding have said the pandemic has also left them reeling, without many of their regular customers, difficulty getting employees and government help that is either too little or too late.

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PROVINCIAL ELECTION B6 | BC VOTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

north shore news nsnews.com

NORTH VANCOUVER – LONSDALE

Provincial Election 2020 RIDING PROFILE: NORTH VANCOUVERLONSDALE

Read up on local issues and get the latest news on election day on our BC VOTES 2020 page at nsnews.com.

’Lyn Anglin Liberal

Christopher Hakes Green Party

Bowinn Ma NDP incumbent

Age

Do you live in riding? For how long?

Yes, for 20 years.

Yes, for three years.

Yes.

What should be done to address housing affordability?

We need to vastly increase supply. By cutting taxes, removing red tape, and implementing policies to curb skyrocketing strata insurance premiums, we can lower costs for families and promote construction projects on the North Shore.

$500 million toward grants for low and moderate income households that are paying more than 30 per cent of their income in rent. A means test distinguishes this plan from that of the NDP.

Housing must be prioritized as homes for people, not investment assets. Continue to moderate the market by tackling speculation, while building homes that people need and improving housing security for people who rent.

How would your government combat climate change?

Our vision of responsible resource development, a revenue-neutral carbon tax, and investing in clean energy alternatives will create and reach progressive climate action targets.

Carbon neutral B.C. by 2045. Set sectoral targets. End oil and gas subsidies and redirect that money to spurring innovation.

A rapid transition away from fossil fuel reliance is necessary. CleanBC puts us on the path to a cleaner, better future with a low-carbon economy.

What specific action would your government take to help your constituents with the economic impact of COVID-19?

We would reduce the tax burden and give businesses and families opportunity to recover by eliminating the PST and the two per cent tax on small businesses.

Create a $300-million rent subsidy for SMEs and programs to support tourism operators. Sixmonth rent subsidy for SMEs who pay $50,000 or less monthly rent.

We’ve worked swiftly throughout the pandemic to address the needs of people and will further supplement those measures with a recovery benefit (up to $1,000).

How would your government deal with traffic congestion and support expanding transit?

Removing Community Benefit Agreements from infrastructure projects, supporting both shortterm and long-term public transit initiatives, providing tax breaks on e-bikes and transportation alternatives.

Prioritize investments in electrifying transit systems, including partnering with federal government to accelerate support for BC Transit and TransLink’s efforts to electrify bus fleets.

We’ve taken the first concrete steps towards a rapid transit solution for the North Shore in addition to making record investments into public transit service.

How would your government resolve the crisis in longterm care?

Our $1-billion investment in longterm care and home-care tax credit will ensure seniors live at home longer and get quality care at longterm facilities.

End public funding for private long-term care homes, give greater powers/independence to province’s seniors advocate, provide care workers with better pay and benefits.

We will further increase funding, hire additional staff, build new public long-term care homes, replace aging facilities (Evergreen House), and hold private operators accountable.

What should be done to reduce poverty?

Improving funding for skills training, reducing tax burdens on businesses and families, and investing more in mental health and addictions services.

Increase income assistance, disability assistance and shelter allowance by 10 per cent a year, starting this fall and continuing for five years.

Further increase disability and income assistance rates, provide more supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness, increase minimum wage, expand affordable childcare.

Do you support decriminalization of all drugs as a strategy to resolve the opioid crisis?

I believe individuals should have access to safe injection sites as well as greater mental health and addictions resources.

This is complicated in 25 words or less, but in broad strokes, yes.

We support decriminalizing simple possession of small amounts for personal use as one of many important measures needed to save lives during this crisis.

Candidate’s website Twitter Facebook

bcliberals.com/team/lyn-anglin/ @lyn_anglin lynanglin2020

n/a n/a n/a

bowinnma.ca @BowinnMa BowinnMa

Lonsdalites like their voices heard ELISIA SEEBER

eseeber@nsnews.com

Once known as a Liberal safe zone, the NDP took the reins of the vibrant North VancouverLonsdale riding in an upset victory in the 2017 provincial election, and early projections suggest it could stay that way come Oct. 24.

The NDP won a seat on the North Shore for the first time in over two decades, when Liberal candidate Naomi Yamamoto, a two-term Liberal MLA and cabinet minister, lost her seat to NDP candidate Bowinn Ma. Ma won the Lonsdale riding for the NDP by 1,450 votes; voters cast 10,786 ballots for Ma (44 per cent of the total) compared to 9,336 for Yamamoto (39 per cent of the total). Green Party candidate Richard Warrington finished with 3,617 votes (15.07 per cent) and Libertarian Donald Wilson netted 270 (1.12 per cent). Ma will now defend her seat against newcomers BC Liberal candidate ’Lyn Anglin and BC Greens candidate Christopher Hakes. Prior to this, Lonsdalites almost always chose a B.C. Liberal to represent them, but the margins were often close. Looking back, Yamamoto won the seat for a second time in 2013 by a margin of just 4.89 per cent over the NDP’s Craig Keating. If the 2017 election is anything to go off, Lonsdalites like to have their voices heard, with the highest early voter turnout on the North Shore, where 23 per cent of people had cast their ballots by the time regular polls opened. Further to this, 65.68 per cent of the riding’s registered voters cast ballots. The 18-square-kilometre riding stretches from Park Royal east to the Seymour River, including parts of the District of West Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver, and the bulk of the Squamish Nation’s reserve land. With a mix of heavy industry, light industry, commercial and retail, the riding is known for its diversity as well as its dense population. According to Statistics Canada, over the past five years the City of North Vancouver’s population has grown 9.8 per cent, an average of 1.96 per cent per year. In its latest Continued on page B7

PROVINCIAL ELECTION north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

BC VOTES | B7

Getting out to vote confirms a commitment to democracy MURRAY MOLLARD

Contributing writer

Nobody said democracy would be easy.

WHISTLER, BC

In fact, it is quite hard. Millions of us, each a sovereign in our own right – figuring out how we are going to live together and make our own rules that apply to all. To do this well and inclusively requires conversations and exchanges of ideas – conversations that are sometimes anger-ridden and divisive. It is all the more important, then, to elect and include people skilled in facilitating constructive dialogue in our democratic institutions who can forge common ground among us. We must always remember that we share our common humanity and the belief in freedom to lead a good life, whatever our idea of that good life may be. And so, we are asked to vote in another election. Odd, isn’t it, how they just keep popping up? But this is the deal we were born into if we were lucky enough to be born in Canada. Or what we signed up for if we immigrated from another country to become a citizen. And, with Remembrance Day around the corner, what fellow citizens died for. As well, a reality that Indigenous peoples were excluded from for so many years and who and are still negotiating or litigating to regain their dignity and autonomy in most of British Columbia. Voting and elections – and all the difficult challenges posed by democracy – are what distinguish our society from so many others.

After all, on one level, we are not much different than people in Russia, Belarus or China – pick your autocracy. Our citizens, like theirs, wake to their day full of working, studying and raising their families. Their free time, like ours, is spent enjoying friends, family or a hobby. So, what distinguishes us really from our friends in Russia, Belarus and China? Freedom and the burden of the work necessary to govern ourselves. And for those of you who think this election is completely unnecessary during a pandemic, you can take a page out of some democracy activists’ playbook. Now I’m not suggesting you eat your ballot – as happened in a case I once worked on defending the rights of citizens to protest in a past election. Nor am I encouraging anyone to spoil a ballot. But there is no rule against submitting a ballot with no preferred candidate. By doing so, you can register your frustrations with our politicians in a democratic way while fulfilling your duty as a citizen to vote. Or, you can vote for the candidate and party you feel will best represent your wishes, values and interests in the B.C. legislature. So, no excuses. Grab your mask, get informed and get out and vote. But wait! If you really want to show off your commitment to democracy, talk up the election and encourage your friends, family, neighbours and beyond to get out and vote too. Tell your voting story on We Vote North

Shore, wevotens.ca. If you have kids, nieces or nephews, or know a first-time voter, take them to the polls with you and tell them why voting is important. Research suggests that if young adults vote when they are first eligible, they are more likely to become lifelong voters, and that encouragement from someone they know is the best way to get

undecided adults to vote. Voting is both a right and responsibility of citizens in a democracy. Exercise it. Fulfill it. And get ready for the all-important democratic work we need to do together coming up in between elections. Murray Mollard is executive director of North Shore Community Resources.

Small business recovery is key Continued from page B7 projections on Oct. 14, polling aggregator 338Canada.com predicted Lonsdale was a safe riding for the NDP. The big issues: SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY/COVID TESTING With the pandemic causing new and overwhelming hurdles, small business owners are looking for leadership which will best support their needs through troubling times. A survey by North Vancouver Chamber this month found many business owners outlined COVID-related issues that were affecting daily operations, from access to rapid testing that would allow their employees to quickly return to work, to employee confidence in public transit safety. TRANSPORTATION While the city centre is walkable and offers a variety of restaurants, cafés, and

shops to peruse, voters in this dense and growing population will be looking for a leader who puts rapid transit as a top priority. The province has long-listed six potential routes for a rapid transit line connecting the North Shore to the other side of Burrard Inlet, but it has yet to become a reality, with geotechnical and economic feasibility studies underway to find the best way forward. HOUSING AFFORDABILITY Housing and rent affordability are ongoing issues for the riding. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in North Vancouver is listed as $1,954 by the Rent Board of Canada, with the maximum cost for a one-bedroom at a whopping $2,400. According to Statistics Canada’s 2016 census, the cost of housing has continued to rise in the City of North Vancouver with 35.8 per cent of households spending 30 per cent or more on shelter, exceeding the regional average by two per cent.

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PROVINCIAL ELECTION B8 | BC VOTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

north shore news nsnews.com

WEST VANCOUVER - SEA TO SKY

Provincial Election 2020 RIDING PROFILE: WEST VANCOUVERSEA TO SKY

Read up on local issues and get the latest news on election day on our BC VOTES 2020 page at nsnews.com.

Keith Murdoch NDP

Jordan Sturdy Liberal

Jeremy Valeriote Green Party

incumbent

Age

Do you live in riding? For how long?

No.

Yes. For 32 years.

Yes. For over two years.

What should be done to address housing affordability?

Maintain the speculation tax – because it’s working. Cap rent increases. Invest in new affordable housing projects, like the 25,000 homes that the NDP already started/completed over the past three years.

Housing costs are driven by the demand created when over 40,000 people newly arrive in B.C. annually. Increasing supply of developable transit-oriented land, reducing approval costs and timelines and increase resources for BC Housing.

Greens have supported attention to housing after 16 years of BC Liberal neglect. But we need to do better. We propose $500 million for grants to low-income earners paying over 30 per cent of income on rent.

How would your government combat climate change?

We will commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 by requiring greener buildings, reducing industrial emissions, expanding public transportation and investing in carbon capture technology.

Encourage investment/adoption of green technology including Clean Energy Vehicle infrastructure, improve regional transit systems, support energy efficiency building retrofits, manage waste systems for GHG reductions.

End subsidies to fracking, oil and gas including Woodfibre LNG. Transition support to workers in fossil fuel sector for clean energy future.

What specific action would your government take to help your constituents with the economic impact of COVID-19?

Invest an additional $3 billion a year over three years to build new schools, hospitals and more — creating 18,000 new jobs a year.

Support families and employment opportunities, investment in small businesses by eliminating the PST and small business income tax and provide loan guarantees for tourism/hospitality.

Immediate $300 million rent subsidy for small business and programs to support tourism operators for the next six months, not waiting for NDP task force.

How would your government deal with traffic congestion and support expanding transit?

The NDP are making record investments to improve roads, bridges and transit and will commit to establishing regional public transit along the Sea to Sky.

Rapidly refine the Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit crossing concepts to a preferred route and develop the plan to a value for funding stage.

We need regional transit, and a new MLA to finally make this happen. Collaborate with local government instead of dictating as in the past.

How would your government resolve the crisis in longterm care?

Continue to act upon the expert advice of Dr. Bonnie Henry. Hire 7,000 health-care workers in long-term care. Build better public long-term care homes.

Reduce pressure on care facilities by supporting seniors staying in their own homes longer and upgrade care facilities to single occupancy rooms where desired.

Shift from for-profit to public, non-profit, community-based and co-op. Integrate residents into communities, connecting youth. Recognize care workers as a profession with equitable wages and benefits.

What should be done to reduce poverty?

We will introduce our Poverty Reduction Plan, continue addressing housing affordability issues, and expand $10/day childcare.

Do you support decriminalization of all drugs as a strategy to resolve the opioid crisis?

We respect the advice of healthcare officials who have advocated for the decriminalization of drugs and support decriminalization of possession of small amounts of drugs.

Decriminalization of all drugs is not a panacea. Access to the right treatment and recovery options in combination with appropriate housing should be the priority.

keithmurdoch.bcndp.ca. @KeithAMurdoch1 KeithAMurdoch

votejordan.ca @jordansturdy jordanwestvanseatosky

Candidate’s website Twitter Facebook

Grow the economy so everyone has a job opportunity and ensure affordable housing and transportation options are available, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable.

We need systemic change. Invest in mental health ($1 billion over four years), affordable housing and livable wages while addressing systemic racism and inequality. Yes. Dr. Bonnie Henry and many experts and front-line workers support this. We need safe, regulated supply to save lives. Look to Portugal for successful model.

Voters are mix of urban and rural residents BEN BENGTSON

bbengtson@nsnews.com

What does a sprawling stretch of land that fronts both Burrard Inlet and Howe Sound and also includes Whistler’s sublime peaks, Squamish’s natural charms and some of West Vancouver’s most affluent waterfront communities have in common?

They’re all part of the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding. Despite the provincial riding’s disparate concerns and mix of urban and rural residents, it has been a Liberal stronghold for almost 30 years. West Vancouver-Sea to Sky is at the western edge of the North Shore’s four ridings and includes the province’s magnificently scenic drive from 28th Street in West Vancouver all the way into Pemberton. Jordan Sturdy, the former mayor of Pemberton, has been the MLA since 2013. He’ll be running again for the Liberals this election, where his challengers include NDP candidate Keith Murdoch and Jeremy Valeriote of the Green Party of BC. While the riding has been reliably Liberal for years, the Green Party has made notable inroads this century. For decades the Liberals could expect to garner more than 50 per cent of the popular vote every election cycle, but that dipped to 42 per cent during the 2017 provincial election. At 28 per cent, the Green Party posted its best ever result in the riding that election, while the NDP took home 27 per cent of the vote. The riding demographics vary widely and include everyone from wealthy homeowners on the edge of West Bay to service workers and ski bums in Whistler and Pemberton, as well as recent transplants, tourism workers and suburban commuters in Squamish and Bowen Island. The big issues: TRANSPORTATION

bcgreens.ca/jeremy_valeriote @Jvaleriote74 JerValeriote

With more and more people moving to the region every year, Continued on page B9

PROVINCIAL ELECTION north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

RIDING PROFILE: WEST VANCOUVER-CAPILANO

Newcomers fill this ballot BRENT RICHTER

brichter@nsnews.com

It’s been the safest of safe ridings for the BC Liberals for decades, but for the first time in a generation, the ballot is filled with newcomers.

Five-term BC Liberal MLA Ralph Sultan announced last year that he wouldn’t be seeking re-election. The party appointed non-profit CEO Karin Kirkpatrick to hold the seat for the party. The NDP has chosen constituency assistant Amelia Hill for the uphill battle. The Green Party of BC has nominated SFU lecturer and tech PhD Rasoul Narimani for the ballot. And Anton Shendryk, the only independent candidate running on the North Shore, is looking to make his mark. The Liberals routinely take 60 per cent or more of the popular vote, although that fell to 57 per cent in 2017. In that same election, the NDP and Greens posted their best ever result in the riding at 23 and 19 per cent, respectively. Former West Van mayor Mike Smith used to grumble that voters in West VancouverCapilano were so reliably Liberal, the party could ignore the riding’s needs once they were in office. Approximately 56 per cent of the riding’s eligible voters cast ballots in 2017, down from 60 per cent in the 2013 election. Running from Upper Lonsdale in the east to Rodgers Creek in the west, the riding encompasses the British Properties,

Ambleside, Dundarave, Grousewoods, Edgemont, Delbrook and Pemberton Heights – mostly neighbourhoods with high-end single-family homes. The big issues: TAXES There was a small-scale revolt in 2018 when the NDP introduced a new school tax that would hike fees by 0.2 per cent on properties valued at more than $3 million and 0.4 per cent on homes assessed at more than $4 million. The luxury homes in the riding have also been coveted by speculators and subject to further taxes introduced by the NDP aimed at raising revenue and cooling the housing market. TRANSPORTATION Home to Lions Gate Bridge, one of the great bottlenecks of the Canadian West, traffic and transportation are always issues in the riding. But finding a palatable solution is easier said than done. No party has plans to expand the bridge and the electorate on the western side of the Capilano River spurned RapidBus (B-Line bus) service extending past Park Royal in 2019. HOUSING The riding has some of the highest housing prices in Canada, along with some of the lowest rental vacancy rates. West Vancouver council has been looking for ways to house its local workforce.

Regional transit, tourism are key election issues

Continued from page B8 people in bedroom communities in the riding, such as Squamish, are concerned with how they’re getting around – or not getting around. There’s a lack of regional public transportation between the winding Sea to Sky corridor and the Lower Mainland, where many people have to commute to work. While improving highway safety for automobile drivers (and bikers) is a perennial concern, adding bus routes or, say, high-speed rail from Vancouver to the Sea to Sky is also talked about as a potential solution for reducing emissions and moving people around at the same time. And everyone knows West Vancouver has been plagued with less-than-ideal transit service for quite some time. TOURISM

COVID-19 caught every industry in B.C. by surprise earlier this year. The pandemic’s effects on tourism and local business in general have been devastating, no less in the Sea to Sky region where tourism is traditionally their bread and butter due to the many sought-after natural destinations which happen to rely so heavily on visitors from near and far. In Squamish, the ripple effects of the Sea to Sky Gondola closure, which was

vandalized and put out of commission twice since August 2019, coupled with pandemic restrictions has affected many local businesses. Meanwhile, further up the road in Whistler, restaurants, outdoor companies, and Blackcomb operators are struggling to plan for an unpredictable future. While people are still able to visit many of these locations, in many cases they’re not able to stay or take full advantage of businesses in the same way they may have been accustomed to in the past because of the pandemic. Many voters are likely looking at what candidates have to say about how the province can help local business and tourism. HOUSING As one of the fastest growing areas, housing is still a major issue, especially along the Sea to Sky corridor. While the red hot housing market may have cooled off slightly in the last several years, service workers and other essential staff in a myriad of different industries still struggle to find rental accommodation. The question remains in the riding, even in the District of West Vancouver, of how essential workers, such as teachers and health-care workers, can afford to live in the communities that they serve.

BC VOTES | B9

PROVINCIAL ELECTION B10 | BC VOTES WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

north shore news nsnews.com

WEST VANCOUVER – CAPILANO

Provincial Election 2020 Read up on local issues and get the latest news on election day on our BC VOTES 2020 page at nsnews.com.

*replacing retiring MLA Ralph Sultan on ballot

Ameila Hill NDP

*Karin Kirkpatrick Liberal

Anton Shendryk Independent

Rasoul Narimani Green Party

Age

Do you live in riding? For how long?

No. Family home in North Vancouver.

Yes, 15 years.

No.

Yes, for five years.

What should be done to address housing affordability?

Diversification of options. We need to see more affordability through purpose-built rentals, co-ops, and renters’ assistance, as this gives back to the economy and community. This also will help seniors and younger people.

We need innovative housing solutions focused on mixed income/multi-generational communities. Providing incentives to encourage rather than discourage purpose-built rental development and entry-level ownership. More supply means more affordability.

BC Greens will invest in affordable housing, especially in modular housing and sustainable co-op housing.

[West Vancouver municipal] council had battled this question for years. I need to research their information and ask council what they need from the MLA to move forward with a reasonable solution this year.

How would your government combat climate change?

The government needs to take immediate action. First we need to see more investment in innovation. Retrain individuals [who are currently working] in fields that damage the environment.

We will re-establish B.C. as a global climate leader through increased investment in the green tech sector and a plan for a transition economy.

Stop the billions in tax cuts to fracking and LNG projects and invest in renewable energies and sustainable farming.

Consulting ministers of natural resources and basically the entire team and experts is a start. Start an action within four months.

What specific action would your government take to help your constituents with the economic impact of COVID-19?

We need to help businesses by assisting them with new relationships as well as investment. Constituents through financial assistance, rental rebates, health-care support, and constant collaboration.

The BC Liberals commit to support British Columbians with a one-year elimination of the PST and elimination of the small business tax.

BC Greens have proposed a $300-million budget to support small businesses who pay $50,000 or less in monthly rent.

Consult local businesses on what they need. What are their solutions? Start implementing test groups within 30 days.

How would your government deal with traffic congestion and support expanding transit?

Greater investment and incentives for alternative transportation are needed. Transit needs to be made more available. Public transit will increase usage when efficient.

The BC Liberals are committed to investing in a diverse transportation system to connect the Lower Mainland through mass transit and road infrastructure projects.

Public transportation is one of the top priorities for the BC Greens on the North Shore. As MLA I would advocate for increased funding for transit.

This old question will be given to the city hall and transit [authority]. I can support online job opportunities to start.

How would your government resolve the crisis in longterm care?

Long-term care needs more support. We will provide more than 7,000 new health-care workers who will assist with long-term care. Everyone deserves dignity and care.

The BC Liberals have introduced the Seniors Home Care Tax Credit to assist aging in place, and a $1-billion investment in long-term care.

BC Greens will phase out private, for-profit long-term-care homes and move to a high-quality mix of public, non-profit and community-based care, including co-operatives.

Review existing suggestions and implement different ones in different locations this year. Review weekly. See what works best and adjust.

What should be done to reduce poverty?

Resources need to be expanded. An individual can not be expected to give back to society or function without the basic human right of housing.

Poverty disproportionately impacts women. We need increased access to daycare, improved availability of safe housing, and real solutions for mental health and addictions.

The BC Greens advocate for transiting to livable incomes. We established a Fair Wages Commission and propose implementing a basic income pilot.

Local job creation and economic stimulation. Online businesses support. Canadian online companies for Canadians. Cybersecurity job. Computer system optimization to increase efficiency where needed.

Do you support decriminalization of all drugs as a strategy to resolve the opioid crisis?

Addiction should be treated with kindness and science. I support individuals having access to clean and supervised drugs to assist them in getting clean.

Addiction is not a choice. A clean drug supply would save lives and reduce crime. We need a comprehensive plan that looks at all options.

Yes. BC Green also suggests expanding health-care support to address this issue, and provide access to safe supply to reduce the harm for struggling people.

I did not participate in that because I’m not affected by this issue. However, it does not sound very reasonable at first glance.

Candidate’s website Twitter Facebook

ameliahill.bcndp.ca @westvancapilano

karinkirkpatrick.ca @KirkpatrickWVC karinkirkpatrickforBC

narimani.ca @rasnarim Rasoul Narimani

independentmla.ca n/a independent.mla.bc

Amelia Hill for West Vancouver - Capilano BC NDP

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PROVINCIAL ELECTION B12 | WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

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Bowinn Ma Provincial Party: BC NDP your riding: North VaNCouVer - LoNsDaLe

Now it’s your turn! VOTE! Over the past weeks we here at the News have worked diligently to make sure that all of you are fully informed of the big picture issues and just as importantly the community based issues. We have asked the questions, we have attended the all candidates Zoom meetings, we have shared some opinions and we have hosted forums both in the letters pages of the paper and just as importantly on our website and Facebook posts. We have created candidate proﬁles for your reference and have hosted their advertising. We certainly feel that we have covered the bases and encouraged a healthy dialogue in our community. So please take the time to review all the individual candidates and their personal thoughts, along with their party’s agendas and promises and then take that

critically important task of marking your ballot. Whether you vote for change or vote for your incumbent candidate, that is for you to decide. Keep in mind that while your vote is tied to a party, do remember that we elect Members of our Legislative Assembly. It is critical that you vote for the local candidate that you feel will work hard in Victoria to ensure that you/we are heard and represented. Enjoy the read in the pages that follow and then do your duty, get out and VOTE! Advance polls close today and Mail-in voting is now behind us, so make your way to your polling station on Saturday! I know I will. Please do remember that we are still in a COVID-19 pandemic when you head to the polls, and make sure you Stay Safe, Remain Calm and Be Kind! Peter Kvarnstrom Publisher, North Shore News

Facts about me

What made you decide to stand in this election?

Do you have the support or endorsement of any particular organizations?

I’m honoured to be supported by Dr. Andrew Weaver, climate scientist and former leader of the BC Green Party.

I am the incumbent MLA seeking re-election after proudly serving one term, or three-and-a-half years. I live in the City of North Vancouver in the Lonsdale area. I’m a professional engineer and certified project management professional with degrees in Civil Engineering and Management from UBC. My academic background included a focus on transportation. When I find free time you can find me playing ice hockey, ultimate frisbee, and exploring the beautiful trails here on the North Shore.

reach me at SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Q A

email elect@bowinnma.ca internet bowinnma.ca

authorized by Michelle livaja, Financial agent, 604-430-8600

John Horgan and the BC NDP have done so much to improve the lives of people in our community over the last 3.5 years in government. We’ve opened a new Urgent and Primary Care Centre in Lower Lonsdale, are building a new acute care tower at Lions Gate Hospital, and will be adding the equivalent of 62 full-time healthcare resources to transform primary care on the North Shore. We’re building a new school at Handsworth Secondary, seismically upgrading Mountainside Secondary, and are in the process of developing a new elementary school at the old Cloverley site. We’re building hundreds of units of *truly* affordable housing, while tackling speculation. We’ve funded the creation of 798 new licensed child care spaces on the North Shore alone and reduced fees for North Shore parents by more than $20 million so far. We’ve increased public transit service, established the R2 Rapid Bus line as well as the 222 Express Bus over the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge, and taken the ﬁrst real steps towards a rapid transit solution for the North Shore… and more. But there is still much more to do. I’m running for re-election so that we can keep North Vancouver moving forward, for everyone – not just the few at the top.

I want to be known for: Working hard every day for my community and ﬁghting for what’s right.

PROVINCIAL ELECTION north shore news nsnews.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2020

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