Editor’s note: The Optimist asked all three candidates in Delta South a series of five questions. Below is their responses as well as any other information they wished to provide.
Q: What is your position on a replacement for the George Massey Tunnel?
A: Under a BC Liberal Government, drivers stuck in George Massey tunnel traffic —the worst traffic bottleneck in BC —will see a new bridge built to replace the aging and seismically unsafe Massey Tunnel as soon as possible. This urgently needed infrastructure project has been in limbo for years while thousands of tons of sand have gathered weeds on the side of Highway 99. Before the NDP cancelled it, the previous bridge project was on track for completion in 2021.
After years of delays, commuters in Delta need relief, fast. Tsawwassen First Nation has been clear: they will not support a new tunnel in the Fraser River due to serious environmental concerns. That means years of drawn out environmental assessments and legal battles that the government would eventually lose. In addition, a tunnel would destroy valuable farmland in Delta and Richmond. The original bridge project remains the fastest, least expensive, and most environmentally friendly solution. We will get it done.
Q: How would your government protect and enhance the ALR in Delta?
A: As a third-generation farmer, the protection of agricultural land is very important to me. As MLA, I introduced a private members’ bill to save Delta’s Brunswick Point farmland and bird habitat from development. Brunswick Point boasts exceptional Class 1 soil that grows BC’s very best potatoes— but most importantly, this area is world-renowned as a resting stop for migrating birds.
Unfortunately, many decades ago, this land was expropriated from the farmers who owned it, and is now at risk of being lost to industrial development.
It is vitally important that these precious 600 acres of farmland continue to be kept for agriculture and wildlife habitat in perpetuity, and either be sold or offered back to local farmers with long-term leases.
Unfortunately, the NDP refused to call my bill for debate. If we form government, we will re-introduce and pass this bill.
Q: What is your position on port expansion at Roberts Bank?
A: I have been clear on this issue since by time on Delta City Council. While I understand the need for increased capacity to facilitate our province’s economic growth, I am also concerned about the potential environmental impacts of Roberts Bank Terminal 2. More work needs to be done to understand the environmental consequences before a decision can be made. Further, no decision should be made on this project, which would significantly increase truck traffic on our highways, prior to the completion of a new crossing to replace the aging Massey Tunnel.
Q: How would your government further assist small business in Delta?
A: Small businesses are struggling right now. The effects of a global pandemic, in addition to 23 new and increased provincial taxes over the last three years, has many business owners wondering if they will be able to make it to Christmas.
A BC Liberal government would deliver fast relief to small businesses byimmediately eliminating the 2% Small Business Income Tax rate in its entirety. This move will provide real financial relief to B.C. businesses, workers, and families at a time when it’s needed most and help get our community thriving again.
We’ll also be delivering emergency financing for B.C. businesses hardest hit by the pandemic, through a loan guarantee program for the province’s more than 19,000 tourism and hospitality businesses.
We have also committed to eliminating the PST for one year, to help boost consumption and give families a much-needed tax holiday. Combined, these measures will make B.C. the most competitive place in Canada to start a new business.
Q: How would your government assist the City of Delta in improving housing options?
A: I have heard countless stories in my office of young families and seniors who have been pushed out of the local housing market in our community, and suddenly find themselves in precarious situations.
Our plan for housing will address the need for increased housing supply. Specifically, we need to address the key issues which stop the building of rental units, including long delays in approvals, different regulations in Metro Vancouver communities, and stringent and outdated zoning rules. The region must also prioritize the building of purpose-built rentals in BC as we did in the 1970s. This includes using provincial and municipal lands to build affordable housing.
Furthermore, eliminating the PST will save $9 per square foot on wood-frame construction and $12 per square foot on concrete construction. These costs would otherwise be passed on to renters and prospective buyers.
