Ahead of the federal election Monday, April 28, The Morning Star is giving Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee residents a look at where the local candidates stand on important issues. 

1. Please explain how your party will improve access to housing for first-time buyers and/or individuals struggling to save a down payment at a time when the average home price across B.C. is around $964,000.

We will end corporate speculation and prioritize homes for people, not investors. Our plan includes non-market housing expansion, co-op housing support, and rent-to-own programs to help first-time buyers. We will also push for low-interest loans for down payments and tax changes that penalize housing speculation.

2. If elected and your party doesn’t form as government, how will you best represent your riding?

Even if the Green Party does not form government, our MPs have a track record of making a real difference. Elizabeth May has been one of the most respected and effective MPs in Parliament, influencing climate policy, pushing for government accountability, and working across party lines to get results. Mike Morrice, elected in 2021, has shown how a single Green MP can amplify community voices, securing funding for local sustainability initiatives and advocating for affordability measures.

I will bring that same dedication and effectiveness for Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee. As your MP, I will work across party lines to ensure our region’s concerns – housing, affordability, and climate resilience – are prioritized. I will advocate for local businesses, farmers, and workers to get fair policies and funding support. And I will always be accessible and engaged, hosting regular town halls, meeting directly with residents, and maintaining an open-door policy to hear and act on your concerns. 

Voters in Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee deserve an MP who listens, takes action, and delivers results – and that’s exactly what I will do.