The ballot is filled with all newcomers for the first time in ages in the West Vancouver-Capilano riding this election, traditionally one of the safest ridings for the BC Liberals.
Following five-term MLA Ralph Sultan's retirement, the Liberals have tapped Karin Kirkpatrick to represent the party this election. She'll be challenged by Amelia Hill of the NDP and Green Party candidate Rasoul Narimani. Anton Shendryk is running as an independent.
The top issues in the riding include taxes, housing and transportation. You can read a more in-depth profile on the riding by clicking here.
Like we do every election cycle, we asked the four candidates running in the West Vancouver-Capilano riding a series of key questions about how their parties would govern and what impact they could have on the community.
Their responses are below:
NDP
Name: Ameila Hill
Age: 26
Do you live in riding? For how long?
No.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How would your government resolve the crisis in long-term 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.
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.
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.
Find out more about Amelia Hill HERE or follow her on Twitter or Facebook
Liberal
Name: Karin Kirkpatrick
Age: 50
Do you live in riding? For how long?
Yes. Fifteen years.
What should be done to address housing affordability?
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.
How would your government combat climate change?
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.
What specific action would your government take to help your constituents with the economic impact of COVID-19?
The BC Liberals commit to support British Columbians with a one-year elimination of the PST and elimination of the small business tax.
How would your government deal with traffic congestion and support expanding transit?
The BC Liberals are committed to investing in a diverse transportation system to connect the Lower Mainland through mass transit and road infrastructure projects.
How would your government resolve the crisis in long-term 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.
What should be done to reduce poverty?
Poverty disproportionately impacts women. We need increased access to daycare, improved availability of safe housing, and real solutions for mental health and addictions.
Do you support decriminalization of all drugs as a strategy to resolve the opioid crisis?
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.
Find out more about Karin Kirkpatrick HERE or follow her on Twitter or Facebook
Green Party
Name: Rasoul Narimani
Age: 40
Do you live in riding? For how long?
No.
What should be done to address housing affordability?
BC Greens will invest in affordable housing, especially in modular housing and sustainable co-op housing.
How would your government combat climate change?
Stop the billions in tax cuts to fracking and LNG projects and invest in renewable energies and sustainable farming.
What specific action would your government take to help your constituents with the economic impact of COVID-19?
BC Greens have proposed a $300-million budget to support small businesses who pay $50,000 or less in monthly rent.
How would your government deal with traffic congestion and support expanding transit?
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.
How would your government resolve the crisis 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.
What should be done to reduce poverty?
The BC Greens advocate for transiting to livable incomes. We established a Fair Wages Commission and propose implementing a basic income pilot.
Do you support decriminalization of all drugs as a strategy to resolve the opioid crisis?
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.
Find out more about Rasoul Narimani HERE or follow him on Twitter or Facebook
Independent
Name: Anton Shendryk
Age: 43
Do you live in riding? For how long?
Yes. For five years.
What should be done to address housing affordability?
[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?
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?
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?
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 long-term care?
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?
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?
I did not participate in that because I’m not affected by this issue. However, it does not sound very reasonable at first glance.
Find out more about Anton Shendryk HERE or follow him on Facebook
The election is set for Oct. 24.
Click here for more North Shore News provincial election coverage.
