In every election, the North Shore News sends questionnaires to candidates running for office and publishes their responses. These are the responses from West Vancouver-Sea to Sky's candidates in alphabetical order.
Conservative Party of BC
Name: Lynne Block
Age: N/A
Do you live in the riding? Over 50 years
What will your government do to address the climate crisis?
We will improve water management to ensure clean water is available for people, agriculture, and hydroelectric power. By leveraging science, technology, and AI, we can adapt to climate challenges and promote sustainable growth
How will your government make housing more affordable?
The BC "Rustad" Rent and Mortgage Rebate: exempting $1,500 per month, increasing by $500 per year to the full $3,000 per month from BC income tax. We’ll also speed up housing approvals, and streamline regulations to make homes more affordable.
How will your government improve access to health care?
Our 'Patients First' model ensures universal care under a single-payer system, with annual funding increases and services through public and non-government facilities, including activity-based funding and a wait-time guarantee.
What is your plan for a vibrant B.C. economy?
We aim to revitalize BC’s natural resource industries to create jobs and promote sustainable development. Through tax reductions and fiscal responsibility, we will strengthen the economy and protect the environment.
What will your government do to address homelessness and public safety?
If elected, we'll provide police departments with the resources they need. The NDP's social experiments have failed vulnerable populations and created chaos, with government-funded properties often exacerbating the issue.
How will you advance Indigenous reconciliation?
Economic reconciliation is a priority. We will partner with Indigenous communities for joint ventures in resource development, ensuring their full participation and benefit from BC’s economic opportunities.
Website and social media accounts:
https://www.conservativebc.ca/block https://www.facebook.com/people/Lynne-Block/61565984505197/?_rdr https://www.instagram.com/lynneblockbc/?hl=en https://x.com/lynneblock1
BC NDP
Name: Sara Eftekhar
Age: 34
Do you live in the riding?
Yes. For 20+ years.
What will your government do to address the climate crisis?
We’re fighting pollution with CleanBC, the most ambitious climate plan in Canada, while creating clean jobs. BC is on track to exceed its 2025 methane reduction target. John Rustad denies climate science and would rip it up.
How will your government make housing more affordable?
Housing is too expensive in BC. David Eby’s Housing Action Plan will build 300,000 more homes for middle-income people. John Rustad has promised to axe this plan, cancelling homes and sending costs soaring.
How will your government improve access to health care?
In BC, we’re taking action by hiring more doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers than ever before, and building and expanding 29 hospitals. There’s more to do, and we won’t stop until the job is done.
What is your plan for a vibrant B.C. economy?
British Columbians work hard, but it’s tough to get ahead. We’re taking action to build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. We’ve got the highest minimum wage in Canada & the highest wage growth among provinces.
What will your government do to address homelessness and public safety?
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhoods. We will also support police to keep guns off our streets. John Rustad will refuse to enforce the federal assault weapons ban, putting us all at risk.
How will you advance Indigenous reconciliation?
Together with Indigenous Peoples, we put in place the Declaration Act Action Plan, to advance reconciliation. The path of partnership is the path to a stronger BC.
Website and social media accounts:
Instagram: @saraeftekharwvc | Website: https://saraeftekhar.bcndp.ca/
Green Party of BC
Name: Archie Kaario
Age: 76
Do you live in the riding?
34 years
What will your government do to address the climate crisis?
The primary objectives are to reduce carbon and methane emissions and develop a comprehensive mitigation strategy. Oil and gas development must be stopped along with incentives for the development of renewable energy.
How will your government make housing more affordable?
In order to have more homes available for the population there will need to be more access to government funds and lands. Moreover support of the construction industry to make building trades more attractive to young people. Prefabrication of homes.
How will your government improve access to health care?
Increase available funding by reducing wasteful bureaucracy and shift to preventive primary care. Remove barriers for externally trained health care professionals to increase the number of care givers in the system. Improve mental health services
What is your plan for a vibrant B.C. economy?
Encourage businesses development by lowering the tax rate for businesses earning more than $499,000.00 per year so that instead of an increase to12% there is a gradual increase so that the 12% is not reached until $1,000,000.00 profit is achieved.
What will your government do to address homelessness and public safety?
A development of basic minimum housing for all citizens will enhance public safety with the reduction of people being unable to have their basic needs met. Increase mental health and social supports including providing effective drug rehabilitation.
How will you advance Indigenous reconciliation?
Recognize and empower Indigenous governments, ensuring equitable access to resources and decision - making authority. Affirm Indigenous language rights and align legislation with Indigenous rights. Mediate land claim issues before any litigation.
Website and social media accounts:
http://www.facebook.comarchie.kaario
Independent
Name: Karin Kirkpatrick
Age:
Do you live in the riding?
Yes, two decades
What will your government do to address the climate crisis?
Climate change is an undeniable danger. We must combat this existential threat while seizing generational economic opportunities. A global low carbon economy plays to BC strengths such as critical minerals and green energy.
How will your government make housing more affordable?
Municipalities must be incented to approve more units and be helped with funding for infrastructure like sewers and transportation. I support the eliminating the property transfer tax for first-time buyers and the PST on housing construction costs.
How will your government improve access to health care?
Focus must be to increase access to primary care and lower wait times. I support recognizing foreign credentials – particularly for in-demand specialists; increasing residency spaces to increase physician numbers; increased capital investment
What is your plan for a vibrant B.C. economy?
Ensure BC is a welcoming jurisdiction for investment and business. Support legacy sectors in forestry, mining, agriculture, and trade, while exploring new opportunities to embrace the technology sector, cultural sectors, and the green economy.
What will your government do to address homelessness and public safety?
A multifaceted approach is required: improved access to mental health services and recovery programs; increased supply of affordable housing; proper resources for law enforcement and courts; involuntary care that provides necessary support/treatment.
How will you advance Indigenous reconciliation?
Respectful relationships; education and awareness; support for Indigenous economic and cultural development and measures that facilitate private sector collaboration with Indigenous nations and Indigenous-owned businesses.
Website and social media accounts:
FB: /karinkirkpatrickforBC IG & X/Twitter: @KirkpatrickWVC
