Federal election candidate questions and answers
Positive Voices asked all federal candidates in West Vancouver electoral districts three questions. Here’s what they had to say. Candidates are listed under their electoral district in alphabetical order based on last name.
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country
Peyman Askai - People's Party of Canada: No response
Lauren Greenlaw - Green Party of Canada: No response
Gordon Jeffrey - Parti Rhinoceros Party: No response
Jager Rosenberg
New Democratic Party
1. What measures would you recommend to protect Canada’s sovereignty given the recent threats coming from the United States?
Protecting Canadian sovereignty is about ensuring that our decisions are made based on the needs and priorities of Canadians, rather than being shaped by external pressures. Recent developments from the United States highlight the importance of strengthening our independence. To safeguard our sovereignty, we must focus on diversifying our international relationships, strengthening ties with trusted allies like the European Union, the United Kingdom, and other Commonwealth nations. These relationships are built on shared democratic values and mutual respect, providing Canada with balanced and reliable diplomatic and economic partnerships.
Domestically, we need to reduce our dependence on foreign powers, particularly in key sectors like energy, technology, and health care. This can be achieved by supporting local industries, investing in Canadian innovation, and reinforcing supply chains to make sure we are not vulnerable to external disruptions. Additionally, Canada should play a leadership role in global affairs, advocating for multilateralism, peace, and human rights through organizations such as the United Nations. Protecting our sovereignty means ensuring our policies are shaped by the will of the people—not dictated by foreign corporate or political interests.
2. What leadership will your government provide that will help to overcome growing public resistance to the measures designed to address climate change?
It’s clear that Canadians overwhelmingly support action on climate change. The challenge lies not in resistance to the idea of climate action, but in ensuring that the solutions are fair, effective, and equitable. The NDP is committed to leading on climate change by focusing on a Just Transition for workers, communities, and families. We will make significant investments in green infrastructure—public transit, energy-efficient housing, and clean energy jobs that help build a sustainable future for all Canadians.
We’ll also ensure that the cost of the climate crisis doesn’t disproportionately fall on everyday Canadians. That means ending subsidies for the fossil fuel industry, holding large polluters accountable, and redirecting those resources into initiatives that create good jobs and reduce carbon emissions. By creating policies that address both the environmental and economic needs of working people, we will demonstrate that climate action is not a burden—it’s an opportunity for a better future.
3. The impact of income inequality is felt most strongly by those seeking housing. What strategies can you suggest to address both these critical issues?
Housing and income inequality are deeply interconnected, and we need bold, immediate action to address both. The NDP is committed to building 500,000 new affordable homes across Canada to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. These homes will include below market housing options like co-ops, rentals, and supportive housing that will remain affordable.
We’ll expand access to homeownership with government-backed low-interest mortgages for first-time buyers and introduce strong renter protections to combat rent gouging, reno-victions, and discrimination in the housing market.
At the same time, we need to address the root causes of income inequality by raising the federal minimum wage, introducing a wealth tax on the ultra-rich, and ensuring that our public services—like dental care, pharmacare, and childcare—are universal and accessible to all. By making housing affordable and reducing income inequality, we can help more Canadians build a stable, secure future for themselves and their families.
Keith Roy - Conservative Party of Canada: No response
Patrick Weiler
Liberal Party of Canada
1 What measures would you recommend to protect Canada’s sovereignty given the recent threats coming from the United States?
The United States, with the re-election of President Trump, has shown us they can no longer be trusted as a reliable economic partner and are dramatically shifting geopolitics by questioning Canada’s sovereignty. Our Plan is to Fight, Protect and Build.
We will fight these tariffs by imposing tariffs on US goods with maximum impact to the US economy and minimal impact to Canada. We are protecting our workers with immediate access to EI, and ensuring all tariff revenue is sent to affected businesses and workers. We are building by working with the provinces to tackle inter-provincial trade barriers to ensure we have one economy, not thirteen, to build our internal market while we are investing in west-east infrastructure to ensure we can diversify our trade to the 50+ other countries we have free trade with.
Energy is another key area where we must take urgent action. To make Canada an energy superpower, we will work with provinces to build inter-provincial grid interties to make a west-east electricity grid, making zero- and low-emissions electricity more accessible across our country. We will build infrastructure to get minerals to market, and to build the value chain in Canada. I will continue to advocate for measures that champion our growing cleantech sector including the investment tax credits that are leveraging investment in green hydrogen, battery manufacturing, and renewable energy with potential for local geothermal development, to take advantage of the areas the US is vacating under Trump.
At home, we are going to continue strengthening our institutions. That means investing in the CBC instead of defunding it as the Conservatives gleefully claim, allowing fair, local journalism to help inform national debates in a world filled with ever-increasing disinformation. It means embracing evidence-based policies that can build up Canada instead of ideological slogans. And it means protecting our democracy from foreign interference.
2. What leadership will your government provide that will help to overcome growing public resistance to the measures designed to address climate change?
It is important that climate action be done and seen to be done in a way that helps rather than hurts affordability, and creates good jobs and grows the economy rather than the inverse. Canadians need to understand that it is not just an existential threat, but also a massive opportunity and there is hope in action.
It is critical to have the public engaged and supportive of measures to address climate change, which is why the carbon tax was cancelled after persistent conservative misinformation made it too divisive. We will more than make up for these emissions reductions by increasing the price that big polluters pay through the industrial carbon pricing system. Big polluters will pay for Canadians to make green choices by incentivizing them to purchase electric vehicles, buy heat pumps and make home retrofits through changes we are making to the system. And, we are bringing in a cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector that will get more stringent over time so we can meet our emissions reductions targets.
We’ll also work to catalyze investment in cleantech, renewable energy, critical minerals that will lead growth in the global economy, and speed up approvals for clean energy projects while respecting Indigenous rights to ensure we are competitive as a jurisdiction for investments. We are providing funding for training so that youth can have the skills to fill the jobs in this space that will be in high demand, as well as providing funding for training for mid career professionals so they can work in the space too. We’ll establish broad climate risk disclosure for companies, and the finance sector, which will help businesses and investors understand climate risk, and divert investment to more sustainable businesses.
In the last Parliament, I made amendments to the Competition Act to tackle greenwashing, ensuring that Canadians are no longer being deceived by companies regarding untrue environmental benefits. I will continue to be an outspoken voice on climate and push for measures that reduce our emissions and add clarity to the challenges ahead.
3. The impact of income inequality is felt most strongly by those seeking housing. What strategies can you suggest to address both these critical issues?
Income inequality and housing are deeply interconnected challenges, especially in a region like ours, where housing costs are high, rental markets are tight, and there’s a shortage of affordable units. To tackle this, we need to both increase housing supply, create more non-market housing options for low- and middle-income families, and increase economic opportunities. Since 2019, the federal government has already invested over $70 billion in housing, which has made a real difference in our communities, where we have supported over 1,100 affordable, supportive and/or below-market homes right here in our riding.
We will make substantial investments in affordable housing, supportive housing, and shelters as we understand the linkage between housing and mental health. We will invest $6 billion in Build Canada Homes to build and acquire housing, building on the the Rapid Housing Initiative which supported 15,000 homes for our most vulnerable.
To achieve affordability across the board, we need to build more homes. That’s why we have the most ambitious plan in Canadian history to build 500,000 homes per year, double the current rate of construction, leveraging Canadian resources like softwood lumber, innovation, and talent to build our way out of this shortage.
Addressing inequality also means tackling the root causes. That’s why we’re creating more $10-a-day childcare spaces to help families, expanding dental care and pharmacare, and working with the province to improve healthcare. While there is still much more to do, I am proud that we have lifted 300,000 people out of poverty with the Canada Child Benefit, and increased GIS and OAS to help seniors who have been integral to our communities. I will be focused on services that directly improve people’s quality of life. Ultimately, tackling these challenges together means viewing housing, health, climate, and economic inclusion as part of the same story: building communities where everyone can thrive.
As your MP, I will continue advocating for housing solutions that reflect local needs, including Indigenous-led projects and affordable rental housing.
North Vancouver-Capilano
Ehsan Arjmand
People’s Party of Canada
1. What measures would you recommend to protect Canada’s sovereignty given the recent threats coming from the United States?
Americans have been and will always be our best friends and allies. Therefore, the first thing we would do is immediately put an end to the victim mentality and the anti-American propaganda being perpetuated by taxpayer-funded media outlets and the leaders of major Canadian political parties. Instead, The PPC Party gives the well-being of Canadians the highest priority and negotiates with the current U.S. administration to reach the best possible deal, one that protects our freedom, strengthens our pride, and ensures mutual respect between our nations.
2. What leadership will your government provide that will help to overcome growing public resistance to the measures designed to address climate change?
Caring for the environment is part of our human nature, as It's essential to our survival, and we all have a responsibility to protect it. However, Many of the climate change alarmist claims pushed by legacy media have since proven to be inaccurate which is why public trust in these voices has steadily declined. For everyday Canadians, the only tangible result has been increased costs from being charged for a simple shopping bag to paying rising carbon taxes, whether directly or indirectly. People are left wondering: Is making me poorer really helping the environment?
PPC party would take a different approach. Our platform approach is to protect the environment without compromising the well-being and economic stability of Canadian families.
3. The impact of income inequality is felt most strongly by those seeking housing. What strategies can you suggest to address both these critical issues?
Housing is one of the clearest examples of government failure over the past two decades. To truly address the issue we believe that the actual root cause of the issue needs to be addressed, which is inflation, speculation and, more importantly, immigration that determine the demand and supply of the market. The party's approach is to put a stop to mass, uncontrolled immigration, cutting unnecessary red tape, and ensuring that land is actually made available.
Tammy Benz - New Democratic Party: No response
Stephen Curran - Conservative Party of Canada: No response
Oliver King
Independent
I would like to introduce home guard so we can keep our sovereignty and protect our people. We have to do a paradigm shift, thinking differently.
Stop all immigration, convert government buildings empty shops to housing units. Tax profits on landlords.
Andrew Robinson
Green Party of Canada
1. What measures would you recommend to protect Canada’s sovereignty given the recent threats coming from the United States?
We have long relied on shipping out our unprocessed natural resources, like lumber or minerals, instead of processing them here and exporting for higher profits. While other countries develop advanced manufacturing and processing industries, Canada loses by exporting raw materials.
When we ship unprocessed resources overseas, we're also shipping away Canadian jobs. We are then vulnerable to foreign tariffs and trade disputes. Conservatives continue to support foreign control of Canada’s resources with corporate tax cuts and deregulation that entrench the “rip and ship” model. The Liberals maintain the status quo by reactively negotiating exemptions in trade disputes. Neither strategy changes anything for Canada.
The Greens’ Plan for economic sovereignty keeps these resources and processing jobs here in Canadian communities. We are the only party with plans to transform Canada’s economy by rerouting the flow of natural resource profits to Canada rather than internationally. We’ll create a strategic reserve of Canadian resources to protect workers and communities from trade disruptions. Our plan achieves economic sovereignty when the federal government purchases Canadian resources at the price set for current exports and diverts them to Strategic Reserves held by Canadian Crown corporations. This process allows resources to be either held as prices rise, processed domestically, or exported to reliable trade partners.
Further, the Green Party's proposed National Civil Defence Corps will provide paid and volunteer roles for climate disaster response, infrastructure protection, and community resilience, prioritizing workers impacted by economic transition.
2. What leadership will your government provide that will help to overcome growing public resistance to the measures designed to address climate change?
The Green Party understands that aligning climate action with business and community development is key to overcoming resistance and building stronger, more resilient communities. Our leadership emphasizes that climate solutions can also be economic solutions, creating jobs, attracting investment, and improving local quality of life.
By investing in sectors like hydrogen development, green shipbuilding, clean technology, and renewable energy, we’ll support the growth of future-focused industries that strengthen local economies. These investments create long-term employment, build regional expertise, and reduce reliance on volatile global markets—making communities more economically independent and attractive to investors.
Our platform prioritizes value-added resource development, meaning more Canadian materials are processed and used at home. This boosts local manufacturing and infrastructure projects, keeps wealth in the community, and lowers emissions by shortening supply chains. Green policies also focus on training and upskilling workers, ensuring that local talent can fill emerging roles in the clean economy.
Critically, we tie climate policy to community wellbeing—by addressing housing affordability, expanding public services, and creating a Guaranteed Livable Income, we ensure the transition is inclusive. Programs like the National Civil Defence Corps engage citizens directly in climate resilience efforts, fostering local pride and civic participation.
This integrated approach—where environmental goals support economic and social outcomes—has been shown globally to drive innovation, attract green investment, and make communities more cohesive, prosperous, and future-ready. The Green Party aims to replicate and scale that success across Canada.
3. The impact of income inequality is felt most strongly by those seeking housing. What strategies can you suggest to address both these critical issues?
The Green Party of Canada proposes bold, systemic strategies to address income inequality and improve access to housing, targeting the root causes of both issues:
Income Inequality
Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI): A cornerstone policy ensuring every Canadian has a basic income floor, reducing poverty and income instability. A GLI gives people power and dignity to help themselves and is cheaper than supporting victims of poverty with traditional programs.
Tax Reform: Eliminate federal income taxes for low-income Canadians and reduce taxes for those earning under $100,000, while introducing a wealth tax and closing corporate tax loopholes.
Just Transition Supports: Income protection, retraining, and career placement for workers impacted by the transition to a green economy.
Access to Housing
Mass Construction of Affordable, Energy-Efficient Housing: Federal investment in non-market and cooperative housing, including retrofitting existing buildings.
Public Land Use: Repurpose underused federal land for affordable housing developments.
Rent Controls & Tenant Protections: Introduce national standards to stabilize rents and prevent evictions.
Ending Speculation: Implement a vacancy tax, ban corporate bulk-buying of homes, and restrict foreign ownership of residential properties.
Indigenous Housing Strategy: Support Indigenous-led housing initiatives both on- and off-reserve.
Together, these strategies aim to reduce inequality, stabilize the housing market, and ensure all Canadians can live with dignity and security.
Jonathan Wilkinson
Liberal Party of Canada
1. What measures would you recommend to protect Canada’s sovereignty given the recent threats coming from the United States?
Over the next four years, we must collectively forge a path to prosperity that embraces a more global orientation - and orientation of enhanced economic and social resilience. While there are many issues of importance affecting Canadians, Canada’s response to many, hinges in large part on defending sovereignty and building a more resilient economy.
And in pursuit of a more resilient Canada, we must:
Eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers: Eliminating them could boost GDP by 4%, adding $250 billion to the economy. Mark Carney aims for federal free trade by Canada Day, with provinces and territories aligned.
Enhance trade infrastructure: A $5 billion Trade Diversification Corridor Fund will tackle bottlenecks like the Massey Tunnel and Port. Recent investments include $175 million for the Port of Churchill rail line and $200 million for the Cedar Indigenous-led LNG facility in BC.
Diversify trade partners: Strategically leveraging and deepening current free trade agreements with reliable partners.
Strengthen national defense: additional investment in the Armed Forces, streamlining procurement, modernizing recruitment, raising CAF salaries, integrating the Coast Guard into NATO capabilities, new submarines and additional heavy icebreakers to defend the North.
Canada has already responded to the greatest threat to our sovereignty in generations with a robust plan that includes reciprocal tariffs, targeted support for businesses and workers most impacted, and the reinforcement of the Canadian Forces.
2. What leadership will your government provide that will help to overcome growing public resistance to the measures designed to address climate change?
I got into politics in 2015 because I believed that we need to leave a better, cleaner future for our kids and grandkids. We have made remarkable progress. In the last 10 years; we have protected over 17% of Canada’s lands and waters; we have bent the curve on emissions, which are now at their lowest in 27 years; and we have invested billions in clean energy projects that create jobs and grow the economy.
But there is more to do. That is why a re-elected Liberal government would step up to ensure more protections for our natural heritage and to reduce emissions.
This includes creating 10 new national parks and marine conservation areas and 15 new urban parks; investing more money to keep our coasts and waters safe and healthy, building on the historic Oceans Protection Plan; and reinforcing the safety of our freshwater by investing $100 million into water security technologies.
We will make it easier for consumers to choose low-carbon options, including technologies like heat pumps, electric vehicles and the improvement of home energy efficiency. And, unlike Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives, we will maintain the industrial carbon price so that the biggest polluters pay.
And will ensure that a One Project, One Review window is implemented at the federal level so that major clean growth projects – including renewable energy and low-carbon manufacturing projects – are built quickly and efficiently, to create jobs and reduce emissions.
3. The impact of income inequality is felt most strongly by those seeking housing. What strategies can you suggest to address both these critical issues?
Canada’s economy needs to work better for working Canadians.
That’s why Mark Carney kicked off this campaign with a Liberal plan for a middle-class tax cut that will save families up to $825 per year by reducing the marginal tax rate on the lowest tax bracket by 1%. This means saving’s for more than 22 million Canadians benefiting - directly. And it's middle and low income Canadians who will benefit the most.
This builds on significant progress to address structural affordability – this includes the $10-a day childcare program which is allowing parents to enter the workforce, dental and pharmacare for the most in need, as a first step, and the Canada Child Benefit, which has raised hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty and cut child poverty in half.
And on housing, Mark Carney has a plan - a real plan - to build 500,000 new homes a year and unlock the dream of home ownership for a new generation of Canadians. We will create a new agency - Build Canada Homes - that will act as a developer to build new, truly affordable homes, including on public lands. We will catalyze home construction through 10 billion in low cost financing for affordable home builders. And we will use mass timber to build these homes, supporting BC forest products right here in Canada.
We will provide $25 billion - billion - in financing for prefabricated home builders in Canada to ensure that our construction techniques are cutting edge and can keep up with demand.
A Mark Carney government will cut red tape, working with provinces and municipalities to build new homes faster.
And we will cut the GST for first time home buyers for homes under $1 million and reduce GST on homes between $1 and $1.5 million.
Burnaby North - Seymour
Terry Beech - Liberal Party of Canada - no response
Michael Charrois - New Democratic Party - no response
Mauro Francis - Conservative Party of Canada - no response
Jesse Fulton
People’s Party of Canada
What measures would you recommend to protect Canada’s sovereignty given the recent threats coming from the United States?
To protect Canada’s sovereignty against recent threats from the United States, the People’s Party of Canada (PPC) advocates for several key measures:
1. Strengthening Trade Relationships: We must renegotiate trade agreements, such as the USMCA, to prioritize Canadian interests and reduce reliance on any single trading partner. A balanced trade policy will empower local industries and protect jobs.
2. Enhancing National Security: Investing in national defense and strengthening border security is essential to safeguard Canadians from external threats. Increased military support and collaboration with allies will ensure our interests are secured.
3. Promoting Resource Independence: Canada has abundant natural resources that must be fully developed for energy independence. Supporting responsible energy projects will boost our economy and secure autonomy in international relations.
4. Championing Canadian Values: Upholding Canadian values and interests in diplomatic engagements is crucial. We must assert our rights in environmental, trade, and immigration discussions to prevent foreign influence from compromising our policies.
5. Fostering Domestic Innovation: Investing in Canadian technology and innovation is vital for reducing dependency on foreign markets and promoting self-sufficiency in key sectors.
These measures collectively strengthen our sovereignty and empower Canadians to shape our future.
What leadership will your government provide that will help to overcome growing public resistance to the measures designed to address climate change?
The People's Party of Canada (PPC) recognizes that addressing climate change involves not only effective policies but also strong, transparent leadership that resonates with Canadians. To overcome growing public resistance to climate initiatives, our government will focus on key leadership principles:
1. Evidence-Based Decision Making: We will prioritize policies that are scientifically sound and economically viable, ensuring that climate measures are based on facts rather than ideologically driven agendas. This will build public trust and support.
2. Empowering Local Solutions: We will engage local communities in the decision-making process, allowing them to develop tailored solutions that fit their unique needs. Involving citizens fosters collaboration and a sense of ownership over climate actions.
3. Transparent Communication: Clear, consistent communication about the costs, benefits, and trade-offs of climate policies will be vital. By ensuring transparency, we can alleviate concerns and build consensus around necessary measures.
4. Economic Opportunities: Our government will emphasize the economic benefits of climate initiatives, such as job creation in emerging green industries, investment in technology, and energy independence. This will help Canadians see climate action as an opportunity rather than a burden.
5. Balanced Approach: We will seek to balance environmental responsibility with economic growth, ensuring that measures do not unduly harm working families or small businesses.
By leading with integrity, promoting local engagement, and focusing on practical solutions, the PPC is committed to fostering a cooperative environment where Canadians are united in their efforts to combat climate change while enhancing their quality of life.
The impact of income inequality is felt most strongly by those seeking housing. What strategies can you suggest to address both these critical issues.
The People's Party of Canada (PPC) believes that addressing income inequality and housing affordability are interlinked challenges that require comprehensive strategies.
1. Promoting Job Creation: Economic growth must be our focus to combat income inequality. By fostering an environment that encourages small businesses and entrepreneurship, we can create well-paying jobs. Implementing tax incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises will support local job creation and improve wage levels.
2. Eliminating Unnecessary Regulations: Reducing bureaucratic red tape in the housing sector will help lower construction costs and facilitate the rapid development of affordable housing. We will advocate for streamlined processes that enable faster approvals for new housing projects, increasing the supply of available homes.
3. Encouraging Diverse Housing Options: Our approach includes promoting a variety of housing types, such as multi-family units and community-based developments. This diversity can cater to different income levels and family needs, making housing more accessible for all Canadians.
4. Enhancing Access to Home Ownership: Initiatives like tax credits for first-time homebuyers can help make the dream of homeownership a reality for more Canadians. By providing financial support and options for low-interest loans, we can empower individuals to invest in their futures.
5. Collaboration with Provinces and Municipalities: Working closely with provincial and municipal governments is essential to create localized solutions to housing challenges, tailoring strategies that reflect community needs and economic conditions.
Through these strategies, the PPC aims to tackle income inequality while ensuring that all Canadians have access to secure and affordable housing.
