20 Questions: Langley-Aldergrove

Simmi Dhillon, Green

How long have you lived in your riding? Almost 9 years

How long have you been a member of the federal party you represent? Less than a year

1. Will Langley business benefit from Canada joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership?

Yes……unfortunately it is dependant on the business. As an example, We have dairy farmers and berry farmers who will not necessarily agree.

2. Should Canada implement a federal carbon tax?

Yes….Canada should lead by example. A tax would, among other things, give local economy an advantage in the marketplace.

3. Should Canada subsidize green energy production to cut CO² emissions?

Yes….one of the advantages of the carbon tax would be the ability to subsidize such things.

4. Would you support recall legislation for federal MPs?

Yes.

5. Do you support a balanced budget law?

6. Do you support a woman’s right to obtain an abortion as currently legislated?

Yes. A woman’s right to choose is protected by our Charter.

7. Does Canada need stricter controls and tracking of guns?

Yes. The Green Party of Canada opposes any and all unreasonable risks to citizens and society at large due to inappropriate use of firearms. We are not opposed to the use of firearms for safe, sustainable, and legal hunting, acknowledging that for many aboriginal and non-aboriginal people, wild game is an important source of food and cultural heritage.

As far back as 1934, legislation required the registration of handguns with records identifying the owner, the owner’s address and the firearm, and the possession of legal handguns has always tightly restricted, coming close to a virtual ban. Contrary to popular misperception, there still is a registry for restricted firearms, including all legal handguns. The problem with handguns is due mostly to illegal handguns smuggled from the USA.

8. Should Canada re-instate the death penalty for murder?

9. Should marijuana be legalized and/or decriminalized?

Yes. As should hemp. The production and regulation of both would bolster our economy putting more tax dollars into our communities. In Langley-Aldergrove the planting of such plants could also help flooded areas be rezoned. Colorado is a current example of how a federally regulated program works. I do believe however, that medicinal cannabis patients and recreational users should have different benefits and protections from the Federal government. We cannot ignore that Health Canada has grossly “dropped the ball” on this and many Canadians have suffered as a result. Legalization should not come at their expense.

10. Should prostitution be legalized and/or decriminalized?

yes.

11. Should online voting systems be created?

Yes

12. Do you support a change from first-past-the-post elections to a proportional-representation system?

Yes. The Green Party of a Canada has committed to making this a recommendation within the first 12 months of being elected. Research and various models will be put forth for Canadians to consult on.

13. Should the federal government invest more in Metro Vancouver public transit?

Yes. We need to invest in light rail and connector buses not only for the liveability of our communities but to reduce the amount of vehicles on the road. The lack of proper access to public transit is a detriment to our community.

14. Should the federal government invest more in health care?

Yes.

15. In the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis, should Canada commit to taking in more refugees every year?

Yes.

16. Should the government stop the twinning of the Trans Mountain Pipeline?

Yes. It is absolutely time the Federal government stepped in protected our home.

17. Should Canada raise taxes to fund government spending?

18. Is Canadian content legislation still necessary?

19. Should the CBC be privatized?

No.

20. Should Canada’s military be involved in the ongoing conflict with ISIS in Syria and Iraq?

Leon Jensen, Liberal

How long have you lived in your riding? I’ve actually lived here since April of this year, however I have owned an apartment in Walnut Grove since 2007. For the previous four years I lived in Ottawa attending the University of Saint Paul and working at National Defence Headquarters. Prior to this I spent a year Downunder in Bendigo, Australia and the previous two years in Langley City. I’ve also lived in Calgary, Edmonton, Surrey, Burnaby, Vancouver and Delta which has given me a rich opportunity to see how other cities have developed over the years.

How long have you been a member of the federal party you represent? I have been a member of the Liberal Party since 2013, shortly after my retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces.

1. Will Langley business benefit from Canada joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership?

This is a rather difficult question to answer as the Harper government has released little information on the TPP and its benefits to the Canadian economy.

2. Should Canada implement a federal carbon tax?

We will ensure that the provinces and territories have adequate tools to design their own policies to meet these commitments, including their own carbon pricing policies. As part of the comprehensive emissions reduction agreement with provinces and territories, we will provide targeted federal funding to help them achieve these goals. The key to carbon pricing is to work in harmony with the provinces and territories rather than trying to impose solutions from Ottawa.

3. Should Canada subsidize green energy production to cut CO2 emissions?

Yes, we will be full partners with the provinces and territories already working to develop a Canadian Energy Strategy which will address CO2 emissions. Subsidization takes many forms and must be viewed in a comparison over a long term period. A short subsidization to green energy may well be warranted when viewed in light of the long term effects.

4. Would you support recall legislation for federal MPs?

I believe that there needs to be a mechanism in place to ensure that the Member of Parliament is answerable to his electorate. That being said, I would certainly be interested in hearing opposing views to the concept. The statistics at the provincial level are very interesting as I believe that British Columbia is the only province currently with recall legislation in place. While it appears that none of the recall bids were successful, it would certainly be a method of drawing attention to a member’s poor performance.

5. Do you support a balanced budget law?

No, the existing process is sufficient and provides the necessary checks and balances for the government.

6. Do you support a woman’s right to obtain an abortion as currently legislated?

Yes, I look upon this issue as one of choice. A choice for a woman to make in consultation with her doctor and her religion. I do not see that I, a 60 year old male, has any place in that determination other than to create an environment where a women can be treated as an equal in wage parity, in job opportunities and has an opportunity for fair treatment as a member of the middle class.

7. Does Canada need stricter controls and tracking of guns?

No.

8. Should Canada re-instate the death penalty for murder?

No.

9. Should marijuana be legalized and/or decriminalized?

Yes, the current battle against marijuana is not working. Despite spending billions on law enforcement we have criminal elements reaping millions of dollars in profits from the trade and using these profits to buy weapons to control their territory. Legalizing marijuana and regulating its trade through government outlets will ensure that we restrict the trade to minors. Everyone must understand, though, that this will not take place immediately the day after the election. We still need to study the effects of legalization in other locations and look to them for lessons learned and best practices.

10. Should prostitution be legalized and/or decriminalized?

I would need to take a pass on this question until such time as I have read further on the pros and cons.

11. Should online voting systems be created?

We proposes a change to the electoral process in Canada that takes us away from the first-past-the-post process that we currently use. This change is intended to increase the numbers at the polls and energize Canadians to be interested in their democracy. To that end, we will bring together experts over the next 18 months and examine the options available. I’m sure that online voting will be part of that discussion and I look forward to hearing the pros and cons of such a system.

12. Do you support a change from first-past-the-post elections to a proportional-representation system?

I support a change from the existing first-past-the-post system and look forward to the discussion that will ensue on the best system for Canada.

13. Should the federal government invest more in Metro Vancouver public transit?

Yes, our infrastructure proposal is specifically designed for cities like Metro Vancouver to tackle the tough job of maintaining our existing infrastructure and building new systems. I look forward to the plans and ideas from the Township of Langley, the surrounding communities and the Province of British Columbia as we cooperate on achieving the best plans for our neighbourhoods.

14. Should the federal government invest more in health care?

Yes, we need to work with our provincial partners and modernize the Canadian Health Act.

15. In the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis, should Canada commit to taking in more refugees every year?

Yes, we need to work with our global partners to assist in helping what is a global catastrophe. Canada can do more to help those in need. We need to expand our intake to 25,000 refugees from Syria through immediate, direct sponsorship by the government of Canada. We will invest at least an additional $100 million this fiscal year to increase – without reducing standards – refugee processing, as well as sponsorship and settlement services capacity in Canada.

16. Should the government stop the twinning of the Trans Mountain Pipeline?

I have serious concerns about the review process conducted by the National Energy Board. Canadians need to know that local communities and First Nations have been properly consulted and that the both the local economy and environment will be protected.

It is however a tough question. Pipelines are an important part of the infrastructure necessary to move Canada’s energy resources to domestic and global markets. Pipeline projects must earn the trust of local communities, must respect Aboriginal rights, and cannot place our lands, waterways or ecosystems at risk.

Canada needs clear and efficient processes with reasonable, even-handed rules and clear beginning and ending points, to ensure fair and reliable assessments of projects based on their merits. We will launch an immediate public review of Canada’s environmental assessment processes and replace Mr. Harper’s changes with a comprehensive, timely, and fair process.

Governments issue permits, communities give permission.

17. Should Canada raise taxes to fund government spending?

No. We have committed to cutting taxes for Canada’s middle class through a reduction in the second income tax rate from 22% to 20.5%, while a new tax rate of 33% will be introduced on Canada’s top 1% of earners. We will honour the reduction in taxes for small businesses from 11% – 9%. And we will not raise the corporate tax rate, to ensure Canada’s corporations remain competitive internationally and create jobs domestically.

18. Is Canadian content legislation still necessary?

Yes

19. Should the CBC be privatized?

20. Should Canada’s military be involved in the ongoing conflict with ISIS in Syria and Iraq?

Yes, we need to stay in the fight with our allies. The method of providing the best Canadian assistance is what is at stake in my mind. Aerial bombardment without troops on the ground is ludicrous. It increases the chances of collateral damage and creating more hostility towards the western world. This strategy has been tried before and, simply, doesn’t work. It doesn’t provide the effects required in this situation. Canada needs to focus on training the local troops to go in and do the job that needs to be done.

Margot Sangster, NDP

How long have you lived in your riding?

How long have you been a member of the federal party you represent?

I’ve been involved with the party ten years. I’ve been a member for the last few years.

1. Will Langley business benefit from Canada joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership?

The Conserva‎tives have no mandate to sign the TPP and an NDP government will not be bound by the agreement. The TPP potentially seriously threatens our manufacturing and dairy industries. It may also cause the price of medicine to increase substantially. Canadians deserve to see the full text of the agreement.

2. Should Canada implement a federal carbon tax?

3. Should Canada subsidize green energy production to cut CO² emissions?

Yes, we need to kick start the green economy to ensure reduce carbon emissions. Green technology is a growing market and Canada should be a leader.

4. Would you support recall legislation for federal MPs?

5. Do you support a balanced budget law?

6. Do you support a woman’s right to obtain an abortion as currently legislated?

Yes, I support a woman’s right to choose.

7. Does Canada need stricter controls and tracking of guns?

8. Should Canada re-instate the death penalty for murder?

9. Should marijuana be legalized and/or decriminalized?

Yes to decriminalization.

10. Should prostitution be legalized and/or decriminalized?

11. Should online voting systems be created?

12. Do you support a change from first-past-the-post elections to a proportional-representation system?

Yes, our current electoral system is archaic and we need a proportional representation system that reflects the intention of Canadians. Let’s make every vote count.

13. Should the federal government invest more in Metro Vancouver public transit?

Yes, after ten years of the Conservatives, they have left our municipalities fighting against other municipalities for transit funding. An NDP government will provide long-term, stable and predictable funding to help the Lower Mainland grow. We will invest $5.2 billion in transit and infrastructure in the Lower Mainland over the next 20 years.

14. Should the federal government invest more in health care?

‎Yes, the Conservatives have been attacking our health care system and have been opening the door to privatization. Canadians pride ourselves on our public healthcare system and we need to protect it.

15. In the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis, should Canada commit to taking in more refugees every year?

Yes, Canada can and must do more in wake of the Syrian refugee crisis. The Conservatives have tarnished our international reputation as a humanitarian country.

16. Should the government stop the twinning of the Trans Mountain Pipeline?

17. Should Canada raise taxes to fund government spending?

18. Is Canadian content legislation still necessary?

19. Should the CBC be privatized?

‎No, the CBC is part of our Canadian identity. We must protect our public broadcaster which is why we’ll be reversing Stephen Harper’s cuts to strengthen Canadian culture)

20. Should Canada’s military be involved in the ongoing conflict with ISIS in Syria and Iraq?

Lauren Southern, Libertarian

How long have you lived in your riding?

Twelve years.

How long have you been a member of the federal party you represent?

One year.

1. Will Langley businesses benefit from Canada joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership?

I don’t know. I don’t want to speculate on the consequences of a deal that hasn’t yet been finalized.

2. Should Canada implement a federal carbon tax? (long answer)

No. Most energy consumption is dictated by need and isn’t modified significantly by changes in pricing. Carbon taxes do little to mitigate environmental harms, but do a great deal to decrease the purchasing power of Canadian consumers.

3. Should Canada subsidize green energy production to cut CO2 emissions?

No.

4. Would you support recall legislation for federal MPs?

Yes. Allowing for MPs to be recalled is a change that makes clear sense. A lot can change during the term of an MP.

5. Do you support a balanced budget law?

Yes.

6. Do you support a woman’s right to obtain an abortion as currently legislated?

I don’t have a position on abortion.

7. Does Canada need stricter controls and tracking of guns?

No.

8. Should Canada re-instate the death penalty for murder?

No. The potential for the execution of the falsely accused makes the death penalty ethically unacceptable.

9. Should marijuana be legalized and/or decriminalized? (long answer)

Yes. The possession of marijuana should be legalized. Prohibition has been the direct cause of the majority of gang violence in Canada over the past twenty years. Prohibition and its associated policies have cost Canadian taxpayers tens of billions of dollars. We shouldn’t encourage the use of marijuana, but prohibiting it has only exacerbated its harms.

10. Should prostitution be legalized and/or decriminalized?

Yes.

11. Should online voting systems be created?

No.

12. Do you support a change from first-past-the-post elections to a proportional-representation system?

Yes.

13. Should the federal government invest more in Metro Vancouver public transit?

No.

14. Should the federal government invest more in health care?

No.

15. In the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis, should Canada commit to taking in more refugees every year? (long answer)

The Libertarian Party of Canada supports bringing in more immigrants as long as they are properly screened and the safety of Canadians is ensured.

16. Should the government stop the twinning of the Trans Mountain Pipeline?

No.

17. Should Canada raise taxes to fund government spending?

No.

18. Is Canadian content legislation still necessary?

No.

19. Should the CBC be privatized?

Yes.

20. Should Canada’s military be involved in the ongoing conflict with ISIS in Syria and Iraq?

No.

Mark Warawa, Conservative

How long have you lived in your riding? 18 years

How long have you been a member of the federal party you represent? 35 years

1. Will Langley business benefit from Canada joining the Trans-Pacific

Partnership?

Yes.

The negotiations are going to establish what will become the basis of the international trading network in the Asia-Pacific. We will only sign an agreement that’s in Canada’s best interests. Expanded trade access through TPP to 11 countries will create jobs, grow our economy and give us access to 800 million new customers around the world.

2. Should Canada implement a federal carbon tax?

No.

A federal carbon tax would unwisely make Canadian goods more expensive and less competitive than goods manufactured in the US, our #1 competitor. The US does not have a federal carbon tax. A Canadian federal carbon tax would kill Canadian jobs and seriously hurt our economy.

3. Should Canada subsidize green energy production to cut CO2 emissions?

Yes

Our government plans to reduce GHG emissions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. That is an ambitious target that is in line with other major industrialized countries and reflects our national circumstances, including Canada’s position as a world leader in clean electricity generation. Canada has one of the world’s cleanest electricity supplies- 80% emitting no GHGs. Canada represents less than 2% of global carbon emission.

Our government has taken a sector-by-sector approach that is built on decisive actions. We have aligned Canada’s plans with recently proposed actions in the US. We have formally submitted our 30% reduction target to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Since becoming government in 2006, GHG emissions fell 3.1% while the economy grew 12.9%.

4. Would you support recall legislation for federal MPs?

Yes

5. Do you support a balanced budget law?

Yes

6. Do you support a woman’s right to obtain an abortion as currently

legislated?

No.

Canada does not have abortion legislation. We are the only Western country with no legislation and one of three countries with no legislation…Canada, North Korea and Vietnam. Parliament has decided not to consider international standards or legislation.

7. Does Canada need stricter controls and tracking of guns?

8. Should Canada re-instate the death penalty for murder?

9. Should marijuana be legalized and/or decriminalized?

Medical marijuana should not be grown in residential homes. Medical marijuana in various forms should be dispensed like other drugs with a doctor’s prescription.

10. Should prostitution be legalized and/or decriminalized?

11. Should online voting systems be created?

12. Do you support a change from first-past-the-post elections to a

proportional-representation system?

13. Should the federal government invest more in Metro Vancouver public

transit?

Yes

Our Government has made significant investments in Canadian infrastructure with the largest infrastructure plan in Canadian history while keeping taxes low and balancing the budget. I recently announced funding for a new 216 Street interchange and widening of Hwy 1. We also announced $700 Million of federal funding for the $2.1 Billion LRT project that will bring much needed public transit service from Surrey Sky Train to Langley.

14. Should the federal government invest more in health care?

Yes

Since 2006, health transfers to the provinces have increased from $20 billion to $34 billion- an increase of almost 70%. By the end of the decade, health transfers will reach $40 billion. Health care transfers to the provinces are now at record levels. We are increasing health care transfers more than the provinces are increasing their own health care spending.

15. In the wake of the Syrian refugee crisis, should Canada commit to

taking in more refugees every year?

don’t know

The tragic photo of young Alan Kurdi and the news of the death of his brother and mother broke hearts around the world. We were all deeply saddened by that image and of the many other images of the plight of the Syrian and Iraqi migrants fleeing persecutions at the hands of ISIS.

Canada’s Government has set a target for Canada to accept 23,000 Iraqis refugees and 11,300 Syrian refugees. Of that number, Canada has already resettled nearly 22,000 Iraqis and 2,300 Syrians. We recently announced that our Government will add an additional 10,000 persecuted ethnic and religious minorities from that region. Our Government is also deploying more resources in Beirut and Amman, with more people on the ground to make sure refugee processing is accelerated.

Our Government announced another significant response to the crisis. Canada will match donations made by Canadians up to $100 million. The fund will assist conflict-affected people in Syria and neighbouring countries. The fund will be used to provide basic needs such as food, clothing and healthcare. The Government will match funds donated to registered Canadian charities…an opportunity where Canadians will be able to channel their generosity. The Government will partner with the Red Cross, Red Crescent to help deal with people on the ground that have the capacities to reach the people most in need. Emergency funding will be in place until Dec. 31, 2015.

Canadians wanting to sponsor Syrian or Iraqi refugees should contact Immigration Canada.

16. Should the government stop the twinning of the Trans Mountain Pipeline?

Decisions on proposals that require an environmental assessment should always be based on scientific evidence gathered a thorough environmental assessment. That scientific evidence should be the basis for a recommendation to the government, to approve, to approve with conditions or not to approve. To refuse to consider evidence presented regarding a proposal would indicate a strong bias against facts and without reason.

There are some people who have opposed the Trans Mountain Pipeline for political reasons. I believe we should wait to hear the results of the environmental assessment and not pre-judge the proposal. If it is deemed to be bad for the environment, then it should not proceed. If the environmental assessment deems that the project can be done safely and there will be net benefits for the environment and the economy, then it will likely be recommended to proceed.

Decisions regarding future pipeline proposals should not be influenced by political rhetoric…decisions should always be based on world-leading science and logic.

17. Should Canada raise taxes to fund government spending?

We all know that the global economy is fragile. Examples are in the news every day: Europe has an ongoing debt crisis where governments have made bad decisions and let spending get out of control. European politicians who were good at spending other peoples’ money have managed to cost others their jobs. Hundreds of thousands of people have been thrown out of work. We have seen pensioners lining up to see if bank machines are open. Younger generations are left with no prospect of a future. Those are the consequences of economic mismanagement.

We protected Canada’s economy because we lowered taxes and allowed the economy to create jobs through our Economic Action Plan. Our Canadian economy created 1.3 million net new jobs since the global financial crisis…most of them full time. Over the next 4 years we will be working to help create 1.3 million more jobs.

On October 19th, Canadians will choice a government to determine what our economy will look like for the next 4 years. The election will decide if our taxes are lower or higher…whether our budget stays balanced or not…and whether we spend prudently to keep our economy growing or take the path of inexperience and mismanagement. Lower taxes, balanced budgets and prudent spending are the way to keep Canada’s economy growing.

18. Is Canadian content legislation still necessary?

Yes

19. Should the CBC be privatized?

20. Should Canada’s military be involved in the ongoing conflict with ISIS

in Syria and Iraq?

Yes

ISIS is brutally killing innocent men, women, children and religious minorities

Canada is part of a broad coalition of nations working to degrade and disrupt ISIS’ ability to launch terrorist attacks. Our contributions include participation in air strikes, advice to Kurdish security forces, support with intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and aircraft refueling.

Langley Advance