The Optimist posed four questions on local issues to each of the candidates, with a 75-word limit on the answers. Here is what they had to say:
Anthony Devellano - Green Party
Are you opposed to the plan to erect radio towers in Point Roberts?
Yes. The radio waves put residents at risk for increased incidence of cancer.
Do you support container port expansion at Roberts Bank?
No.
Are you in favour of the elimination of home delivery by Canada Post?
No. Home delivery is a vital aspect of the profitable Canada Post service.
Should the federal government help fund a new Fraser River crossing?
Yes.
Kerry-Lynne Findlay - Conservative Party
Are you opposed to the plan to erect radio towers in Point Roberts?
Since being made aware of this proposal over two years ago by the coalition, I have worked diligently to ensure that the concerns of Delta residents are heard and addressed by the American authorities responsible for decisions on this proposal.
I and the community welcomed the news from Oct. 7 that the State Superior Court upheld the unanimous decisions of Whatcom County council and the hearing examiner denying the application — decisions with which I agree.
Do you support container port expansion at Roberts Bank?
Our government has pursued the most ambitious trade agenda in Canada’s history. All major infrastructure projects must satisfy an extensive, rigorous environmental review by independent experts as well as any conditions that may be imposed as a result of that review.
If projects cannot pass the review or meet the conditions, then they will not be built. The proponents, not governments, must provide the business case for these projects and consult with the surrounding communities.
Are you in favour of the elimination of home delivery by Canada Post?
In 2014, Canada Post delivered 1.4 billion fewer letters than in 2006. Two-thirds of Canadians, including many Deltans, do not currently receive door-to-door mail delivery. Canada Post must balance its finances without being a burden on taxpayers.
Claims that Canada Post runs a surplus are false — without special pension relief, Canada Post would have had to make a $1.4 billion payment in 2015. Special arrangements can be made for those with difficulty accessing community mailboxes.
Should the federal government help fund a new Fraser River crossing?
The province has announced the replacement of the George Massey Tunnel with a new bridge. This announcement was made without consultation with the federal government. To date, no request has been made by the province for any federal contribution to this project. Any application would be subject to review by federal officials. Nevertheless, I have worked with the municipality and the province to ensure plans for this new bridge do not restrict access to Ladner.
Jeremy Leveque - NDP
Are you opposed to the plan to erect radio towers in Point Roberts?
As it stands, the radio tower project has been halted. That said, unlike Harper’s candidate here in Delta, who chose to hand off responsibility on this file to an MP from another riding, I take the people of Tsawwassen’s concerns over the negative impacts of erecting radio towers in Point Roberts very seriously. As Delta’s MP, I would fight to make sure those concerns were heard in Ottawa and across the border.
Do you support container port expansion at Roberts Bank?
The NDP rejects the false choice between economy and environment. We would ensure that all proposed projects be subject to a rigorous, but fair, environmental review process to determine if they are environmentally safe and economically sound.
With regards to Roberts Bank, it is my understanding that it is possible to increase container capacity and create additional good paying jobs within the existing footprint. That’s a victory for both our economy and our environment.
Are you in favour of the elimination of home delivery by Canada Post?
The NDP has consistently fought against the elimination of home delivery. It is unnecessary and harmful to many in our community, including seniors, those with mobility issues and the postal workers who are losing their jobs. An NDP government would restore door-to-door mail delivery.
Should the federal government help fund a new Fraser River crossing?
An NDP government would be a strong partner to municipalities and provinces on infrastructure, providing a dedicated $1.5 billion in infrastructure investment funding every year in addition to the $1.3 billion earmarked for transit improvements in our Better Transit Plan.
While fund allocation decisions on local projects would remain with the province and municipality, as your MP I would work to ensure that Delta received its fair share of transit and infrastructure funding.
Carla Qualtrough - Liberal Party
Are you opposed to the plan to erect radio towers in Point Roberts?
Yes. The process has been entirely flawed with a blatant disrespect for the community of Tsawwassen. There has been a concerning lack of federal government leadership and support from our local MP; as a result, several federal avenues of recourse have not been pursued effectively. A petition from Delta residents was filed in the House of Commons by another MP. Further, the applicant KRPI is circumventing Canadian broadcasting rules and regulations which is unfair.
Do you support container port expansion at Roberts Bank?
Without the benefit of an independent, robust and comprehensive environmental assessment that takes into account the cumulative effects of this project on a highly environmentally sensitive area, I cannot support the T2 expansion.
In addition, I have not come across a compelling business case for expansion, given that the costs could possibly result in T2 struggling to be competitive; and that there is sufficient capacity to meet Canada’s trading needs for decades to come.
Are you in favour of the elimination of home delivery by Canada Post?
This is an important issue for Delta. The Liberal Party will stop the Harper Conservatives’ plan to end door-to-door mail delivery. We will begin a new review of Canada Post to ensure that the Crown Corporation is fulfilling its public mandate to provide high quality service at a reasonable cost to Canadians — urban, suburban and rural. We disagree strongly with the Conservative decision to ask Canadians to pay more for a reduced quality of service.
Should the federal government help fund a new Fraser River crossing?
As part of the Liberal plan to create jobs and economic growth, we will nearly double federal infrastructure investment to $125 billion over the next decade. Investment in infrastructure is crucial to long-term development in Canada. Investment in transportation infrastructure, such as bridges and other transportation corridors, is a priority. I believe the federal government should partner in these important investments. I support securing federal funding for a new Fraser River crossing through this fund.
