With Canadians heading to the polls on Sept. 20, 2021, the NOW has sent Q&As to each candidate listed in Burnaby South and Burnaby North-Seymour.
The same Q&A has been sent to each candidate and answers have not been changed or altered.
BURNABY SOUTH - BREA SAMI - LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA
Question: What are your thoughts on the TMX pipeline project? Should it go ahead? Why or why not?
Answer: The Liberal government has spent over $100 billion on climate action and clean growth since 2016 – more than any government in the history of this country – and we are continually looking for opportunities to do more with Canadians. We also know that oil will continue to be part of the world’s energy mix as this transition is underway even under the most aggressive decarbonization scenarios and recognize that thousands of workers’ livelihoods depend on getting our resources to market as we transition.
Canada, along with the rest of the world, is transitioning to a cleaner future – and we’ll continue to take action to ensure that Canadian workers and industries are at the forefront of that transition. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy represents the largest job creation opportunity in modern history and that opportunity is greater than any one project. More importantly, we are also ensuring that every dollar earned from TMX will be invested in a transition to a clean economy.
Question: What are your views on a snap election being called two years since 2019 and during the start of a 4th COVID-19 wave in Canada?
Answer: The Liberal party will do every it takes to keep Canadians safe and supported through this global crisis.
The fact that the Opposition parties have voted against government on matters of confidence 14 times during the last parliament session, it is important that Canadian can feel safe with a stable government while tackling the pandemic. Canadians need to choose how we finish the fight against COVID-19 and build back better – from getting the job done on vaccines, to having people’s backs all the way through to the end of this crisis.
Question: What are your views on climate change? What will you/your party do to address the worsening situation?
Answer: Climate change is the greatest long-term threat that we face as a global community, but it is also our greatest economic opportunity. That’s why we have a plan to create jobs, grow the economy, protect our environment and strengthen communities.
From investing in green jobs to working towards net-zero emissions by 2050, our Liberal team has been building a climate plan that is growing our economy and protecting our environment.
Some of the investment the Liberal government has made for local innovation and green technology companies include:
- Announcement of a new state of the art facility for STEMCELL Technologies
- Investing $45 million dollars for creating 3,000 jobs in Burnaby
- Over $750 million in funding for various infrastructure, social programs and local companies
Question: What do you currently think of the federal government’s COVID-19 response?
Answer: When the pandemic hit, Justin Trudeau and the Liberal team moved quickly to ensure every Canadian had access to free, safe, and effective vaccines. That’s why we procured the world’s most diverse vaccine portfolio and secured enough vaccines for every Canadian to be fully vaccinated - two months ahead of schedule.
We’ll also continue to invest in COVID-19 research and help provinces and territories with PPE, rapid testing, and clear up the backlog in surgeries with investments in health care.
While Erin O’Toole won’t trust the science and won’t ensure people travelling on planes and trains are vaccinated, let alone his own candidates, the Liberals have a plan to move forward to protect the health and safety of all Canadians.
Question: What will you and your party do to address the housing situation, especially in the Metro Vancouver area?
Answer: Housing and affordability has been are a huge issue in Metro Vancouver for long time. The Liberal party plan will help renters become owners with various programs such as the rent-to-own program to help make it easier for renters to become home owners while continuing to rent. The Liberal government commit $1 billion in loans and grants for the rent-to-own projects with not-for-profit, private and co-op partners. will also introduce a tax-free First Home Savings Account will allow Canadians under 40 to save up to $40,000 towards their first home without having to repay it. This will help young Canadians afford a down payment faster and help them reduce the costs with purchasing a home.
The Liberal party plan will build and revitalize an additional 250,000 new homes in addition to the the 285,000 homes already being built each year. This will amount to approximately 1.4 million homes by 2025/2026 over the next four years. Moreover, the Liberal plan will permanently increase funding to the National Housing Co investment fund by doubling its current allocation for a total of $2.7 billion over four years.
In addition, the Liberal government will increase double the first time home buyer’s credit from $5000.00 to $10000.00 to making the purchase of a home easier which will provide a benefit of approximately $1,500.00.
Question: Why should voters vote for you? What would you say to those undecided and debating not voting at all?
Answer: My name is Brea Sami; I am your federal Liberal candidate for Burnaby South.
Community service has always been my passion. For me, there is no greater joy than helping a friend and/or neighbour. During my time in Canada, I have been focused on building my life here: studying, working and raising three young children. The first two gave me a foundation to build a life here and the last one, my children forced me to think about the kind of future I want for my children. However, the past year and half hasn’t been easy for any of us. I felt so fortunate that I live in a great country like Canada, where our government brought in amazing supports to help our people and businesses get through this period. The pandemic isn’t over, and the post-pandemic time will also require a lot of work from us.
For me, this is the ideal time put myself forward, to give back, make a contribution and invest my time, energy and interests in serving and supporting our community. In Burnaby South, we need a strong local voice; someone who truly understands our needs and concerns. I am deeply connected here: my family live and work here, my children go to school here and I will spend the rest of my life here. I look forward to taking on this meaningful role and playing a meaningful part in building a brighter future for our families and businesses. I am committed and understand the challenge ahead. I am also confident that I can be your best local voice in Ottawa, advocating for all Burnaby South residents and businesses in Ottawa. As your representative in Ottawa, I will use my voice to be your voice.
