The NOW asked each Burnaby candidate to answer 10 questions ahead of the provincial election on Oct. 19.
Answers by candidates who participated are listed in alphabetical order by surname.
Question: Why should undecided voters cast a ballot for you?
Reah Arora - BC NDP (Burnaby East)
I bring a decade of experience fighting for livable incomes and robust communities for working people. As an organizer, I am no stranger to uniting people behind a cause through purposeful engagement. I’ll be able to hit the ground and start advocating for Burnaby’s needs right after the election. I grew up here, and I know the challenges and opportunities before us. Katrina Chen left big shoes to fill and I’ll leave the last word to her: “Reah’s down-to-earth personality and grassroots connections enable her to connect with people where they are at. She understands the systemic challenges faced by many workers and families, including those who are underprivileged. Her voice and distinct experiences make her a strong and effective representative for our community, who will always stand up for progressive values.”
Simon Chandler - Conservative Party of BC (Burnaby East)
The BC Conservative party and I simply offer an alternative to the status quo. Life in BC has not improved over the past seven years and there is no reason to believe that it will improve if nothing changes. We offer common sense policies based on facts, not ideology. I encourage undecided voters to try something different in this coming election.
Meiling Chia - Unaffiliated (Burnaby South-Metrotown)
In this election, independent candidates play a crucial role. We are here for one essential reason—the people—not for any particular party. I am running to amplify the voices of Burnaby South-Metrotown in Victoria and advocate for the needs of all our constituents. This election presents a unique opportunity for independents to hold the balance of power. For moderate voters seeking meaningful change, an independent option is ideal. Independents will make a significant impact in this election, and I am committed to continuing my public service for Burnaby, championing the issues that matter most to our community.
Paul Choi - BC NDP (Burnaby South-Metrotown)
Undecided voters should cast their ballot for me because I have a proven track record of serving the public across various roles, from my time as a first responder to my career as a lawyer. I’ve seen first-hand how the law impacts people's lives daily, and this practical experience will be invaluable when it comes to policy-making.
As someone deeply embedded in the community, I’ve made it my mission to directly connect with people, whether it's through door-knocking, making phone calls, or simply being present. I’ve worked in the community for years, whether as a business owner, President of the Burnaby North Road Business Improvement Association, or serving on committees like the College of Health and Care Professionals. I’m not just talking about action—I’m actively making connections and listening to what people need every day.
If elected, I will continue working night and day to ensure that the needs and voices of Burnaby South-Metrotown are heard and acted upon. My commitment to my constituents is unwavering, and my experience, both on the ground and in the courtroom, makes me ready to deliver results for you.
Raj Chouhan - BC NDP (Burnaby-New Westminster)
Whether it’s housing, healthcare, or affordability, David Eby and the BC NDP have shown that we are working for you. We’re taking action and we’ll continue to work to ensure that all British Columbians have access to the services and infrastructure they need. We have made incredible progress together, but there is more to do. We will stand by you through the good and bad days so that you never have to tackle the big challenges of our time alone. John Rustad and his Conservative Party have told us who they are and what they stand for – cuts to services, abandoning our housing and climate action plans, and tax breaks for the top 2%. We know they mean it because it's what Rustad stood for the last time he was in government. Undecided voters looking for a vision for a strong economy and caring community have a home within the BC NDP. On October 19 I am asking for your vote so we can continue this work together.
Anne Kang - BC NDP (Burnaby Centre)
I have been actively involved in the community as a volunteer since I was 8 years old. I love my community and serve it with sincerity, integrity, and with heart. I have served three terms as a Burnaby City Councillor since 2008 and two terms as MLA since 2017. I am engaged with the people who live, not only in Burnaby, but also the lower mainland area; I am actively involved with local non-profit organizations, religious and cultural groups, and community groups. I am their friend and their advocate. I am always willing to connect with people and listen to their comments and concerns. With my many years of service to Burnaby, I understand our local challenges and will always do my best to help find solutions with community partners in a collaborative way. I am very thankful to have been able to serve the people of Burnaby-Deer Lake for the past two terms, since 2017. I hope that the people of the new riding of Burnaby Centre will have confidence in me to serve them again.
Martin Kendell - Independent (Burnaby North)
A vote for me on Election Day is a massive statement to the BCNDP and the BC Conservatives.
It’s a statement that David Eby’s deficit spending to the tune of 9 billion dollars is not acceptable to this generation or future generations in British Columbia. It’s a statement to Janet Routledge that it was completely unacceptable to refer to the Official Opposition as Nazis, then compare them negatively to The Holocaust a couple of weeks later. Janet should have resigned for that detrimental conduct but stayed on because she thought voters in Burnaby North wouldn’t know or wouldn’t care.
It’s a statement to the BC Conservatives that it wasn’t appropriate for them to move their originally nominated candidate Simon Chandler to Burnaby East and replace him with a BC United Party candidate who had essentially quit the race a few months earlier due to low polling numbers. It’s also a non-vote of confidence that the BC Conservatives have chosen poorly in keeping certain questionable candidates on their roster.
But most of all, a vote for Martin Kendell on October 19th is the belief that an independent candidate will do what is best for this riding and this province, and will do it in a transparent and trustworthy manner.
Han Lee - Conservative Party of BC (Burnaby South-Metrotown)
Undecided voters should choose me because I offer a fresh perspective and real solutions. I am the only major candidate who has lived in Burnaby South and understands its challenges. My platform focuses on lowering the cost of living, making housing affordable, and improving public safety. Unlike other candidates, I will fight to reverse harmful policies and bring back common sense to governance. If you’re tired of the status quo and want a representative who will truly stand up for you, I’m your candidate.
Carrie McLaren - BC Green Party (Burnaby South-Metrotown)
I represent many people in the riding and we need all the diverse peoples’ views included in the policy making process. I don’t have a house or car and still pay student loans so know how much every dollar counts and how important it is to have options for transportation and housing. I have years of experience on boards of directors and working with many boards of diverse peoples. I want to work with the other MLAs to make Burnaby and the province a more resilient, adaptable and successful community.
Janet Routledge - BC NDP (Burnaby North)
We have an important question to answer in the ballot box on October 19th: “What kind of society do we want to live in?” Do we want a
community and a government that cares for people and tries to make life better for everyone, or a society where wealth, power and opportunity are
concentrated in the hands of the top 2%? My opponent’s party proposes to cut the services people need and use every day. I believe we need to build on the work we’ve done–build more homes, build more schools, build more hospitals, hire more doctors, and make sure that every single British Columbian gets the services they need.
Tara Shustarian - BC Green Party (Burnaby East)
Today, be it in leader's debates or talk shows, we are being frightened into thinking we have only two stark choices at the opposite end of the spectrum. There is no balance, there is no middle ground. The Greens can hold that balance of power and be that voice of reason. I have a proven track record of working with diverse organizations and facilitating them to collaborate. Be it bringing social and racial justice to climate movements or climate urgency to social justice movements. As proud Burnabarians my family and I have enjoyed the facilities, the education system, the parks, safety and yes at times the healthcare system that our city offers. I would like to ensure all families deservedly enjoy what has been our experience. I am knocking on doors, flyering, phone banking, going to debates with a small dedicated team including family members, which shows you how grassroots we are. It has always been a pleasure and commitment, love's labour to serve my community. That is what i have known for most of my life and am so charged to continue doing the same.
Michael Wu - Conservative Party of BC (Burnaby North)
I never imagined I would be running for office. It wasn’t something I had planned. I was focused on running my business, spending time with my kids, and being with my family. But over the past seven years, I’ve seen things go from bad to worse in British Columbia, and I no longer see a future for my children here. I want them to have the same opportunities I have had.
For the last 17 years, I served with the Burnaby RCMP, helping people, one person or family at a time. I’ve seen heartbreaking situations that stay with me to this day. Early in my service, I responded to a call involving a mother who was a drug addict. Her two toddlers were walking around in a room filled with needles, 23 to be exact. It was devastating and I was heartbroken, there was little we could do to help those children.
This, and many other experiences, is why I’m running for office. We need common sense policies for the common good of all British Colombians. While door knocking recently, I met a young man who wanted to vote for me, but I sensed something was wrong, so I asked him, ‘ What issues are important to you?’ he responded that he wanted more support phone line. I didn’t understand why he meant at first, but then he told me that his stepfather had been abusing him. My heart sank. This will be one of my priorities when elected to office. This is why I cannot lose. I have people I need to help. I will always stand up and defend those that are unable to look after themselves.
