north shore news nsnews.com
NORTH
SHORE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
with our Candidates
Patrick Weiler
RUNNING FOR: LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA RIDING: WEST VANCOUVER-SUNSHINE COAST-SEA TO SKY COUNTRY
Vote! Do Your Duty!
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n Monday, Sept. 20, collectively we will elect a new federal government to provide oversight and leadership for our country for the next four years (or less, as we are currently experiencing)! This is a significant opportunity to express your feelings and thoughts on who amongst the candidates reflects the values that you do. If it feels like an obligation, well that’s because it is. Mark your calendar now and don’t let anything else stand in the way of doing your duty. It needs to be your priority that day! More so now than ever, with big pressing issues in front of us. We here at the North Shore News have been working diligently over the past weeks to ensure that you and all of our readers have had access to the candidates, parties, platforms, and are now informed of the issues and the positions those candidates and parties represent. We hope you have had the time to review the many stories we have published, read the many ads that the candidates have run, maybe attended an all-candidates meeting, virtually or in person, or at least had a debate or two around the water cooler or dining table. We here at the News feel that obligation too. Not only are we personally obliged to do that most important duty, VOTE, but we also feel the obligation to inform, educate and challenge you all to fulfill your obligation. Whether this is your first election or one in a lifelong string, take the time to familiarize yourself not only with the party platforms, but very importantly, get to know the people that
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are offering to be your member of Parliament. Do they take time to listen? Are they capable advocators? Do they have personal views and attributes that you want representing us for the next four years? Your MP will be your conduit to our government – they will represent us, their constituents, on major issues that may affect our lives for generations to come. Vote for the party platform that resonates with you and vote for a person who you respect and shares your values and morals. Today we are proud to publish our {connect} special section featuring some of the candidates vying for election in our three North Shore ridings. We hope you find it a great read and one that informs your final decision as to who you want representing your area in Ottawa for up to four years. All the candidates are worthy of your full consideration. They have worked really hard for many years to prepare themselves for this time. It is showtime, NOW. The only thing missing is you. Do your thing! Inform, question, debate and then head to the polls. Without your simple act of voting, the whole democratic system is in jeopardy. The next government and MP for your area want a clear mandate. They want to represent all of us, not a majority of a minority. Give them what they deserve – a strong turnout that clearly gives a mandate to the candidate and party that wins. It is critically important. Enjoy the read and then do your duty…VOTE!
Peter Kvarnstrom Publisher, North Shore News
Facts about me I have been the member of Parliament since 2019, and am running for reelection. I live in West Vancouver with my partner Nicole and our two rescue cats, and have lived here for most of my life. I grew up in West Vancouver and Sechelt, and have worked in Whistler, where my father had a business. I went to Ecole Pauline Johnson and Sentinel Secondary School and am fluently bilingual. I have worked for federal, municipal and Indigenous governments, the United Nations, nonprofits and businesses in Canada and 19 other countries.
reach me at
telephone 236 317 3055 email info@reelectpatrickweiler.com website reelectpatrickweiler.com
SPONSORED CONTENT. The following messages were paid for by the respective candidates’ campaigns.
make your vote count on Sept. 20
AUTHORIZED BY GORDON HOLLEY, 604-229-9795, FOR PATRICK WEILER.
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Re-elect Patrick
What made you decide to stand in this election? I left the law for politics because I realized I could do more to protect the environment and grow the economy by changing laws than arguing them. I’m running again because we need to do more, not less, as the Conservatives have proposed.
Q
What major issues do you think have to be addressed in the next four years?
A
Climate change: I’ve worked with Jonathan Wilkinson to make achieving net-zero emissions the law in Canada. Now, I’m focused on delivering on our strengthened climate plan. That plan is aligned with science, and it will reduce emissions, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and position us to thrive in a low-carbon world. Healthy and inclusive communities: From delivering $10/day childcare, to $130+ million in local infrastructure investments, and hundreds of new affordable homes, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished – but we need to keep going. We need to reduce congestion on the North Shore with rapid transit, regional transit in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast and safe, active transportation. We also need to make housing affordable by increasing housing supply, helping people buy their first homes, and tackling speculation. We are the only party with a credible plan to do that.
I want to be known for:
Being a collaborative, approachable, and honest representative who addresses issues in every corner of our riding, while delivering on priorities of national/global importance.
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Facts about me After a 30-year career in journalism, filmmaking and activism, I am running for the first time for public office, following in the footsteps of my granddad who co-founded the NDP, and my dad who led the party in Ontario. I live in xwilkway/Halfmoon Bay, shíshálh territory on the Sunshine Coast with my wife Naomi Klein, our son Toma, and our muppetlike dog Smoke. Naomi introduced me to this beautiful community in the early 1990s shortly after we met. We got married here, our son was born here, and we have seen first-hand how the crises in climate, housing, care, education, and transit are impacting our community.
Avi Lewis RUNNING FOR: NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CANADA (NDP) RIDING: WEST VANCOUVER-SUNSHINE COAST-SEA TO SKY COUNTRY
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What made you decide to stand in this election? We’re in an unprecedented moment of overlapping emergencies on every front. Yes, we are in a climate crisis. But there’s also a housing crisis, with too many people unable to find affordable homes close to jobs and family. We’re in a transportation crisis, with the loss of Greyhound across Canada and too few options to get around aside from congested highways, infrequent ferries and fossil-burning buses. I’m on fire about these issues and it has motivated me to run. Fortunately, we have a historic opportunity to fix these overlapping crises. We need bold solutions that put Canadians to work, that bring justice for Indigenous peoples, and that rebalances economic power away from billionaires and big corporations toward ordinary people, families and small businesses. The pandemic response showed everyone that the toxic logic of austerity was a lie. We have the resources to invest in infrastructure, to care for seniors and kids, to shore up our defence against global warming, and repair our damaged natural ecosystems. In my work as a filmmaker and journalist, I have met leaders in Canada and around the world who have big solutions to these urgent problems. What’s missing is people in power ready to act. I decided to run because I felt called to bring these innovative solutions to the House of Commons and better mobilize the resources of the federal government like COVID has shown us they can be. What organizations have you served with or volunteered for? In 2015, I co-authored The Leap, a plan to connect bold climate action with housing, care for seniors, childcare, Indigenous rights, and a low-carbon economic revitalization. I helped build a historic coalition to fight for a Green New Deal that confronted the climate emergency while putting ordinary people first. I spent years travelling the world pursuing this vision and talking to people about how caring for people and the planet can be at the centre of our politics.
Elect Avi
Q
What will you do differently than the currently elected MP in your riding (or currently elected MPs on the North Shore)?
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We need elected officials that are ready to tell the truth about the climate crisis and who will do what they promise. We don’t have time for climate plans that increase emissions as it has under the Liberal government over the last six years. We can’t send $18 billion in subsidies to fossil polluters and vote against a wealth tax for billionaires, like the current government and our current MP did last year. We need elected officials that are fighting for you and building a post-COVID, post-carbon economy that cares for people and the planet. I will push for a forceful federal government that protects people and homes, repairs our built and natural environment, and cares for Canadians at all stages of life, especially seniors and children. I have the courage to stand up for the truth and fight for bold actions to finally solve the crises that Liberal and Conservative governments have made worse.
I want to be known for: I want to go to Ottawa to hold the entire political class to account, just like I’ve been doing my whole career.
reach me at
telephone 604 848 7354 email avi.lewis@ndp.ca website: avilewis.ca
AUTHORIZED BY GIOVANNI MONTESANO, 604-848-7354, FOR AVI LEWIS.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
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Facts about me I’ve lived on the Sunshine Coast, just outside of Gibsons, since 2012. My family recently established a solar permaculture farm on Gambier Island. I decided to run because it’s become intolerable to see other parties continually promise to transition to a clean economy and then do less than nothing when in power. I’m proud of my work on sustainable development around the world. I believe I can make a real difference working within the government, helping Canada handle the imminent threat of climate change.
Mike Simpson RUNNING FOR: GREEN PARTY OF CANADA RIDING: WEST VANCOUVER-SUNSHINE COAST-SEA TO SKY COUNTRY
Q
What major issues do you think have to be addressed in the next four years?
A
The climate crisis. Everything else – economic strength, affordable housing, livable income, reconciliation – ties into the sustainable life we must achieve. Many people worry that a rapid shift to clean energy will shortchange our economy and quality of life. Not true. The sooner we cut off government money to the fossil fuel industry, the Trans Mountain Pipeline and fracked LNG, and invest that money into new infrastructure for our clean energy future, the stronger Canada’s economy and job sector will be when fossil fuels are no longer an option. Let our imaginations be our limit, not our fears.
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What would you like your legacy as an elected MP to be? I want to make climate change a non-partisan issue. I’ve worked with all kinds of people – left-wing, right-wing, nowing – and when we find common ground, that’s when groundbreaking change happens. One of my most exciting projects was with Costco, Brazil nut farmers, Indigenous leaders and the government of Peru. Together, we developed a farming enterprise that preserved vast tracts of the Amazon rainforest. The farmers prospered with a better quality of life; Costco saw more profits from increased production; the government protected those acres of forest because they were more lucrative intact than cut down. The Amazon rainforest is one of the world’s best assets to tackle global warming – it’s vital to maintain it as a carbon sink. Our old-growth forests are the same. As an MP, I would love to do this work in Canada – finding strategies to mitigate climate change where every party feels like it’s a win for their kids’ future.
Q
What will you do differently than the currently elected MP in your riding (or currently elected MPs on the North Shore)?
A
With everything I do, I ask how it helps create a planet that works, a planet that can sustain life for future generations. The other candidates seem unable to look beyond four years.
Elect Mike
They’re entrenched in party politics. Despite the environmental intelligence each of them has, Patrick, John and Avi will all likely be forced to vote with their party leaders. That’s how whipped votes work. Patrick Weiler is an environmental lawyer. But he’s been silent about Trudeau’s pipeline, and I’d expect as long as his vote is whipped by our carbon-loving prime minister, he can’t do much for climate change. John Weston calls himself a “Green Conservative,” but at the Conservative Party convention this very March, his own party seemingly refused to recognize that climate change is real. He supported Harper as an MP, and I’d expect he’d maintain that support if elected again. For the past 30 years, scientists have told us what would happen if we don’t change our consumption patterns. The Conservatives persisted in making those patterns worse. The exploding costs of wildfires and floods, as well as the health issues they cause, are on them. So, where is their touted fiscal responsibility?
I want to be known for: Finding ways to engage all political parties to create the thriving, earthfriendly economy that Canada needs for a secure, just and healthy future.
Avi Lewis was part of a team that wrote an excellent document – surprisingly similar to the Green Party platform – with celebrities endorsing it. He tried to sell these solutions to the NDP, Liberals and Conservatives, but they all rejected it. If Avi were running with a party that shared his values, he could do some good. But until he leaves his family’s NDP history behind him, I’d expect he’s going to be voting with Jagmeet Singh, who publicly supported Woodfibre LNG back in 2019. Our riding does not want pipelines. As a Green MP, I’ll be different in two important ways. First, my focus will be a rapid transition to clean energy – which does not include fossil fuel subsidies – full stop. Second, Green MPs are all about collaboration across party lines. One or two of us in government can make a big difference. We have well-thought-out strategies that will strengthen the legacy of whichever party forms government. Let’s have an all-party emergency climate cabinet with seats allotted proportionally to the election results. I don’t care who gets credit for saving the planet; I care that my daughter gets to grow up and have children of her own.
reach me at
telephone 778 851 0270 email info@mikesimpson.ca website: mikesimpson.ca
AUTHORIZED BY AMANDA DROPE, MANDYOAGPC@GMAIL.COM, FOR MIKE SIMPSON.
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John Weston
RUNNING FOR: CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA RIDING: WEST VANCOUVER-SUNSHINE COAST-SEA TO SKY COUNTRY
Facts about me I have lived in West Vancouver for over 23 years, and am running again to serve our community. I previously served as the MP for this riding for seven years, from 2008 to 2015. Since leaving office I’ve worked as an international human rights lawyer and, as a volunteer, led the Canadian Health and Fitness Institute, a charitable organization. I speak English, Mandarin and French. In previous work, I was based in Asia for a decade.
reach me at
telephone 778 851 0263 email info@johnweston4mp.ca website johnweston4mp.ca
AUTHORIZED BY ALEX JACOBS, AJ@ALEXJACOBS.CA, FOR JOHN WESTON.
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Elect Tammy Bentz Elect RUNNING FOR: NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CANADA (NDP) Tammy John RIDING: NORTH VANCOUVER
What made you decide to stand in this election? Canada needs a dramatic change of direction and I want to be part of the solution. I see a stark contrast between a comprehensive, clear, Conservative plan on one hand to restore one million jobs within a year and, on the other hand, a reckless Trudeau whose directionless policies threaten rising debt, increased unemployment, and a continuing corrosion of Canada’s role on the international stage.
Q
What major issues do you think have to be addressed in the next four years?
A
The pandemic has set our economy and Canadian families back dramatically. Over the next four years, Conservatives will deliver Canada’s Recovery Plan to secure jobs, health, and our economic future. We will secure our environment through our comprehensive plan to combat climate change that ensures we meet emissions targets by 2030.
Q
What will you do differently than the currently elected MP in your riding (or currently elected MPs on the North Shore)?
A
When I served previously as MP, we had three busy offices, open and accessible to handle this large, diverse riding in a wide range of issues. It’s hard to imagine how the current MP can meet those needs with only one office in Horseshoe Bay. As I did in the past, I will work closely with citizens, business leaders, and all levels of government thoroughly to grasp the priorities, while bringing Ottawa’s attention to the riding.
I want to be known for:
Listening well, working hard, pursuing justice, promoting reconciliation, and encouraging excellence for both individuals and communities.
Facts about me
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This is my first time running and I am grateful to have lived in North Vancouver for over 19 years, which is located on the traditional unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples. I am a film industry professional, educator at BCIT, 2SLGBTQ+1, and a mom. In my background as a theatre artist, I co-founded the highly acclaimed full figure theatre company, writing and performing our award-winning comedies that satirized female stereotypes all over the world.
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What major issues do you think have to be addressed in the next four years?
A
The climate emergency must be addressed; end the TMX expansion and ban the production of singleuse plastics with a fair transition for workers to renewable energy. We need to have reconciliation with our Indigenous peoples. We must help our youth with housing affordability and better transit so they can live near their work. We need to protect and enhance our health care to include mental health, vision, dental and prescription drugs. I will use my communication and collaboration skills to act on these four key issues, and will listen to my community and act on concerns.
Q
What have your past contributions to the community/North Shore been?
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I volunteered with Dogwood, served as treasurer on the board of Creative Women Workshops, sat as National Councillor for Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and I’m presently serving on the IATSE Women’s Committee.
Q
Do you have the support or endorsement of any particular organizations?
A
Yes – IATSE 891, IATSE Canada, and the BCGEU.
reach me at
telephone 604 690 2848 email tammy.bentz@ndp.ca website tammybentz.ca
AUTHORIZED BY KATHY MCGRENERA, KMCGRENERA@GMAIL.COM, FOR TAMMY BENTZ.
What made you decide to stand in this election? The urgent need for climate action, more women in government, more 2SLGBTQ+1 representatives and housing affordability.
I want to be known for:
Standing up to big industry polluters and getting them to clean up their act while paying their fair share.
north shore news nsnews.com
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
Facts about me I was born in Lions Gate Hospital and live in the Edgemont area with my wife Michelle and son Benjamin. My parents were teachers and my father taught in three different schools in North Vancouver. As a young boy I remember visiting him at the former Maplewood School. In an interesting twist, 30 years later I was invited back to the same building to give a presentation on a humanitarian journey I made through Africa. A flood of fond memories came back to me. Outside of my professional career, I am probably best known for paddling the Blue Nile from source to sea. I am a first-time candidate.
Les Jickling
Elect Les
RUNNING FOR: CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA RIDING: NORTH VANCOUVER
Q
What major issues do you think have to be addressed in the next four years?
A
In the next four years we need to fully recover from the pandemic from a medical, economic and mental health perspective. There is much work to be done. We need to get the country back on track and implement steps to prevent future outbreaks. We must implement a climate plan that delivers results. We need to execute on the Conservative climate plan that has teeth to it and has been validated by Canada’s preeminent environmental consulting firm, Navius Research.
Q
What areas of specific expertise will you bring to your riding/ constituents?
A
I am a pragmatist with broad executive experience. As with any big project, the opportunity for moving forward is aligning people and resources towards a common goal. Often the plan is just the start. It is in the execution of that plan where the magic happens. I have worked in leadership roles in high-tech, biotech and healthcare. I take an action-oriented approach to projects where the real measure of success is achievement of the desired goal. I intend to bring the same perspective to serving the people of North Vancouver as your next member of Parliament.
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What organizations have you served with or volunteered for? In the community, I have given back through a combined 23 years of volunteering in open water swimming and raising funds for palliative care. My passion for swimming was ignited by two life-changing swims – the 3.84-kilometre swim component of the Ironman triathlon and the 9km Bay Challenge swim from Sandy Cove to Kits Beach.
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How do you find out what people’s concerns are? On thousands of doorsteps I have been listening to people’s concerns. I’ve heard that the ongoing pandemic, jobs and economic recovery, health care, unsustainable spending, climate change, housing affordability and North Shore transportation are among the top concerns. I have also felt the anger and frustration that North Vancouver residents have expressed about spending $610 million to go to the polls for an unnecessary and unwanted election.
Q
If there is one change you could help bring about – what would it be?
A
The Conservative Recovery Plan will double the current health-care transfer payments to six per cent, injecting an additional $60 billion over the next 10 years. A Conservative government will provide $150 million in grants to non-profits and charities delivering mental health and wellness programming. Employers will be encouraged to add mental health coverage to their employee benefit plans with a 25 per cent tax credit over three years. A Conservative government will work with the provinces to invest in mental health as the priority and create a nationwide, three-digit suicide prevention hotline.
I want to be known for: Being a very reasonable and thoughtful person with genuine care and concern for my community.
reach me at
telephone 604 980 5300 email info@lesjickling.ca website: lesjickling.ca
AUTHORIZED BY RICHARD EARTHY, RDEARTHY@TELUS.NET, FOR LES JICKLING.
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B6 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
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Facts about me I am seeking re-election as MP for North Vancouver. I was first elected in 2015, and re-elected in 2019, for a total of six years as MP. I live in Upper Capilano and have lived in North Vancouver for over two decades with my wife Tara and two daughters. I entered politics in 2015 because I was concerned about the kind of Canada and world my daughters would inherit. We have made significant progress, but I know that there is still more work to do. I am proud to live in North Vancouver and I hope to earn your support on Sept. 20.
Jonathan Wilkinson
Re-elect Jonathan
RUNNING FOR: LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA RIDING: NORTH VANCOUVER
Q
What major issues do you think have to be addressed in the next four years?
A
Climate Change Climate change is both the biggest challenge and the biggest economic opportunity of our time. Canadians expect their leaders to take this issue seriously and to propose real climate action. Advocating for and developing such action is a central part of my work in Ottawa. Canada now has a comprehensive, science-aligned plan and GHG reduction target. This includes: an increasing price on pollution, phasingoutcoalpower,creatinganetzeroelectricity grid by 2035; mandating declines in oil and gas emissions to net zero, requiring all cars sold to be zero-emissions vehicles by 2035, banning harmful single-use plastics, planting two billion trees and working to protect 30 per cent of our lands and oceans by 2030 in close collaboration with Indigenous communities. Affordability Canada can’t afford to let the rising cost of living freeze people out of their communities. Thoughtful government investment can help alleviate financial pressures faced by families, workers and seniors. We have a plan for a national $10-a-day childcare and have increased the Canada Child Benefit, a program which has lifted 300,000 kids out of poverty. On housing, we will establish a rent-to-own pathway, the construction or restoration of 1.4 million homes, lower mortgage insurance rates, ban non-resident foreign purchases, and implement a Home Buyer’s Bill of Rights. We have proposed a 10 per cent increase to OAS for the most vulnerable seniors and a boost to the GIS. Health care COVID-19 has reminded us of the importance of our universal health-care system. We need a government that will strengthen this system, not undermine it. We will mandate COVID-19 vaccines for federal public servants and federally regulated industries such as airlines or trains while supporting provinces and territories in implementing vaccine passports to protect our community and our economy. We will make record investments in health care, including $10 billion to eliminate wait-lists and help hire
7,500 additional doctors and nurses. We will create national long-term care standards through the Safe Long-Term Care Act, and invest $9 billion to train 50,000 new care workers, raise minimum wages for care workers to $25/hr, and double the Home Accessibility Tax Credit to help seniors stay in their own homes.
Q
What areas of specific expertise will you bring to your riding/ constituents?
A
Time spent in both private and public sectors over the course of my career has made me an effective advocate for the interests of North Vancouver in Parliament and at the Cabinet table. This includes a sharp focus on climate action as well as work to address matters of particular concern to British Columbians, including housing affordability, wild Pacific salmon, innovation and economic growth and transportation. As a former executive and CEO in B.C.’s clean technology sector, I understand the urgency of the climate crisis, as well as the economic opportunities available to those with the political will to act. Drawing on experience as a federalprovincial negotiator, I led the development of Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan, and worked with President Biden, John Kerry and their team to raise our collective climate ambition and increase Canada’s targets by up to 50 per cent. North Vancouver deserves a seat at the table. Should you choose me to represent North Vancouver, I will continue to be a strong advocate for our community.
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Do you have the support or endorsement of any particular organizations?
A
I was privileged to receive the endorsement of Andrew Weaver, former BC Green Party Leader and climate scientist, who assessed the Liberal climate plan as being “the only credible plan put forward by any party at the federal level.” I have also received the endorsement of the District of North Vancouver Firefighters Union, in part because of work I have done to address the regulation of toxic chemicals in flame retardants. Additionally, several leading environmental and advocacy groups, like Animal Justice, have endorsed my candidacy.
I want to be known for: Being an effective advocate for the needs of North Vancouver and helping build a Canada that is environmentally sustainable, equitable and prosperous, for future generations.
reach me at
telephone 236 260 1944 email info@jonathanwilkinson.ca website: jonathanwilkinson.ca
AUTHORIZED BY MURRAY CAMPBELL, MURRAYCAMPBELL@SHAW.CA, FOR JONATHAN WILKINSON.
north shore news nsnews.com
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
Archie Kaario
RUNNING FOR: GREEN PARTY OF CANADA RIDING: NORTH VANCOUVER
Facts about me I grew up here in North Vancouver. As a young man I was a commercial fisherman and have a keen sense of the perils that face our environment. I am winding down my professional career as a lawyer to devote my life to trying to make the world a better place for our kids and grandkids. I’m doing this because I feel the Green Party offers the best, and possibly the last chance for us to mitigate the changes we have imposed on our world.
reach me at
telephone 604 377 2736 email archie.kaario@greenparty.ca website northvangpc.ca
AUTHORIZED BY MISCHA WATT, MISCHA@TELUSPLANET.NET, FOR ARCHIE KAARIO.
Elect Jim Hanson FOR: NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CANADA (NDP) Archie RUNNING RIDING: BURNABY NORTH-SEYMOUR
Q
If there is one change you could help bring about – what would it be?
A
I would bring the education needed to help Canadians realize the climate crisis we are in will not end unless we take charge of our world and transition it into a sustainable economy. Once that is done, the prosperity we will enjoy will demonstrate how it was worth the effort.
Q
What would you like your legacy as an elected MP to be?
A
To enable North Shore residents to feel like they have a real voice in how they are governed. Issues like proportional representation, community consultation and encouraging and embracing diversity are my key goals.
Q
What major issues do you think have to be addressed in the next four years?
A
Climate change is not the only issue we confront, but it is the lens through which we should see our world. By tackling it head-on, we can ensure the rest of the world will see our example and follow us into the sustainable tomorrow we all agree is needed.
Q
What will you do differently than the currently elected MP in your riding (or currently elected MPs on the North Shore)?
A
I will organize regular community workshops where everybody is invited to share their ideas as we work in close conjunction with the other levels of government, including First Nations. The North Shore can become a shining example of this new sustainable community idea.
I want to be known for:
I want to be known for candor. The vague ‘promises’ you hear lead us in circles. Straight talk will help us see the road ahead.
Facts about me This is the first time I am running federally. I live in Blueridge with my wife of 25 years, Ruth. I was born and raised in Seymour, where Ruth and I also raised our children. Living on the North Shore means making the most of its natural beauty. I often make the trek up the Grouse Grind. Spending time on the water is another great passion of mine. It’s what motivates me to defend our environment. I attended SFU and graduated from UBC and Oxford University.
reach me at
telephone 604 294 0291 email jim.hanson@ndp.ca website jimhanson.ndp.ca
AUTHORIZED BY PAUL HOULE, 604-294-0291, FOR JIM HANSON.
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Elect Jim
What made you decide to stand in this election? I’m running because the problems facing people here in our community are getting worse. From housing to health care, the climate crisis to childcare, Canadians are looking for meaningful action they can count on. Justin Trudeau is all talk but no action. And Erin O’Toole leads a party that doesn’t even think climate change is real. I’m proud to stand with Jagmeet Singh to fight for the people who believe that better is possible.
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What major issues do you think have to be addressed in the next four years?
A
We need meaningful climate action now! But Justin Trudeau has made Canada the only G7 country to raise emissions over the past six years. And by buying the TMX pipeline, he’s putting our waters, coast and land at risk. And just this week, Erin O’Toole announced that restarting the Northern Gateway pipeline would be a Conservative priority. Jagmeet Singh is the only leader to commit to the kind of urgent emission reductions our country needs.
Q
What have your past contributions to the community/North Shore been?
A
I am a two-term District of North Vancouver councillor. I have served on the Indigenous Relations Committee of Metro Vancouver since 2015. I also serve on the North Vancouver policing committee and am Chair of the North Shore Standing Committee on Substance Abuse. I’ve also participated on the North Vancouver Library Board, the North Shore Advisory Committee on Disability issues, and the North Shore Chamber of Commerce.
I want to be known for:
My passion for justice. For standing up, taking action, and fighting for our community and the people who live here.
B8 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
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Facts about me This is my first time running – I’m not a professional politician!
I live in North Burnaby. I was born and raised in Burnaby. I am a proud, 31-year-old Métis woman with a passion for advocacy. I started and ran a small family business in North Vancouver, and I helped form the Lower Lonsdale Business Association. I also worked for a grassroots branch of the Canadian Medical Association that advocated for Canadians of all stripes.
Kelsey Shein
Elect Kelsey
RUNNING FOR: CONSERVATIVE PARTY OF CANADA RIDING: BURNABY NORTH-SEYMOUR
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What made you decide to stand in this election? The reality right now is that things are not working. I don’t believe Canada is heading in the right direction. This current Liberal government is based on platitudes and not action and right now Canadians need action. This is why I’m running to be member of Parliament for Burnaby North-Seymour. I have door-knocked close to 10,000 doors and this is what I’m hearing on the doorsteps. We don’t need more lifetime politicians, but real people, real leaders who want to get things done. This has never been more important than now as we try to get through a fourth wave of this pandemic and get our economy back on track. We need to bring back jobs, and frankly, get serious about the mental health crisis facing our nation right now. We need real leadership and action on issues like the opioid crisis, transparency and accountability in government, reconciliation, fighting climate change, and getting Canada’s finances back on track. This election is how we get Canada back on its feet and rebuild our economy, our jobs, and our way of life. I love this country and I want to see Canada and its peoples flourish. Any areas of interest that you want to express an opinion on? One issue that is a priority for me is reconciliation. As a Métis woman, it will be my duty to use my voice for reconciliation in Parliament. There is no bigger personal priority for me than this. Like many Métis people, my grandparents, whose lineage goes back to Louis Riel and beyond, lived in a different era. They existed between two worlds – not fully accepted in either. It wasn’t an easy existence, but my family’s history is Canadian history – a coming together of communities. Reconciliation doesn’t mean tearing down our country, it means understanding our history and working together to take action to resolve the longstanding challenges faced by Indigenous people in the past, and today. I believe Canada is ready for reconciliation, and Canadians want it in their heart. As your member of Parliament, I will be a staunch advocate for it.
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What have your past contributions to the community/North Shore been?
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When I started my own small business on Lower Lonsdale it was a challenging time but ultimately gave me a sense of what it takes to make change and get things done. The experiences I had starting that business inspired me to help form the Lower Lonsdale Business Association. Like other local business owners, I saw the potential in the area to become a more vibrant, community-orientated part of North Vancouver. Wanting to “be the change,” I sought out partnerships and teamed up with other small businesses to help build support for what we now call the Shipyards District. It’s really quite amazing what has evolved from this initial group of like-minded businesses coming together, to what is now an incredibly vibrant part of our community.
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What areas of specific expertise will you bring to your riding/ constituents?
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The years I spent at the Canadian Medical Association instilled my passion for advocacy. I travelled the country, speaking to physicians, health-care workers and patients from all across Canada, bringing their perspectives to the many health initiatives important to Canadians. This type of experience is needed on a local level – where a member of Parliament listens to a broad range of concerns, views and perspectives of their constituents, to bring their voice to Ottawa.
I want to be known for: I’m a proud Métis woman, proud Conservative and proud Canadian who, as your MP, will listen and speak for justice and security for our communities.
reach me at
telephone 604 700 9584 email info@kelseyshein.ca website: kelseyshein.ca
AUTHORIZED BY BRUCE ALLEN, BRUCEA@ARPARTNERS.CA, FOR KELSEY SHEIN.