The NOW asked all Burnaby candidates to submit a profile to help readers learn more about them.
The following is a profile of BC NDP candidate in Burnaby East Reah Arora.
Name
Reah Arora
Current occupation
Director of Organizing and Campaigns at the BC Federation of Labour
Short biography
I grew up in Burnaby’s Westridge neighbourhood where my family ran Z Pizza on Hastings and Sperling. I faced challenges in my youth which now drive my passion for politics and building community. I studied linguistics and political science and am an advocate for worker’s rights at the Federation of Labour.
Why are you running for provincial office?
As a racialized woman facing the same affordability challenges as so many, I know voices like mine need to be at the decision-making table. I’ve seen the impact of my predecessor Katrina Chen’s work on childcare that has saved many families thousands of dollars in childcare fees, while growing our economy. I’m motivated to run by the possibility of building a better future for generations to come.
At the BC Federation of Labour, I hear from workers who have benefited from paid sick days, streamlining unionization through card-check, and increases in minimum wage. I’ve also seen the flip side. My mom was a healthcare worker who experienced the impact of cuts on patient care under the BC Liberals.
I’ve spent over a decade working to elect progressive voices across Canada, ensuring we center anti-racism and accessibility requirements. I’m running to bring that experience to government to build solutions for all.
What are the top three issues facing Burnaby today, and what are your plans to address them?
Housing, Healthcare, and Help with costs.
Stable, quality, affordable housing is critical to being able to thrive. We need to continue the steps taken by David Eby and the BC NDP to get more homes built. It’s also critical that we ensure that current renters are protected and Burnaby has shown how to successfully balance both. Our plans include a new program to cover 40% of the cost of a new home for 25,000 families over five years, and a plan to build 300,000 middle class homes. The BC NDP will also kickstart the construction of more duplexes, townhomes, and other family friendly homes.
Everyone needs access to a long-term healthcare professional, whether it be a doctor or nurse practitioner. In the last year, we hired 800 new family doctors. And we need to continue hiring more doctors and nurses. We’re taking the critical steps to building the first new medical school in Western Canada in the last 50 years at SFU Surrey. Our system makes it too hard for internationally trained doctors to join our system and I will advocate for building upon our recent efforts to break down those barriers.
Many of these plans take time to come to full fruition and those who are struggling need help right now. That’s why we’ve also announced a $1000 per year middle class tax cut that will get money into people’s pockets right away.
What is your housing situation? Are you a homeowner, renter or something else (describe)? Do you own rental property/properties?
I’m currently renting and do not own any properties. I’ve been saving to be able to buy an apartment or townhouse in Burnaby, and I’m also considering the many co-ops in Burnaby. Stable, quality, affordable housing is critical to being able to thrive.
Contact information
- Website: reaharora.bcndp.ca
- Campaign office phone number: 778-827-1098
- Social media and hashtags:
- https://www.facebook.com/reah4burnaby - Facebook
- @reah4burnaby - Twitter/X
- reah4burnaby - Instagram
