The NOW asked all Burnaby candidates to submit a profile to help readers learn more about them.
The following is a profile of BC Green Party candidate in Burnaby South-Metrotown Carrie McLaren.
Name
Carrie McLaren
Current occupation
Senior Coordinator in Cooperative Housing Management
Short biography
With experience working in the non-profit field and six years as a Director for a Burnaby non-profit housing organization, Carrie has gained invaluable insights into the difficulties of finding homes for individuals with complex needs. This experience deepened her commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
Carrie holds a business degree from Capilano University and currently works in co-operative housing management, where she collaborates with various boards and serves hundreds of members.
Why are you running for office?
I feel that Governments have not planned enough to prevent or adapt for repercussions of our changing climate. Fires, heat domes, flooding and other disasters cause hardship and homelessness.I want to see new ideas introduced and followed through with, not just tossed aside because it may not get more votes next election. Longer term planning is needed, improved healthcare, education and assistance for those left behind. We need resilient people and communities to move forward and I would bring my experience with me to make that happen.
What are the top three issues facing Burnaby today and what are your plans to address them?
Housing – lack of affordable and rental housing is again at the top of the list. Working in the non-profit field I receive so many calls and emails from people who are desperate for housing of any sort. Housing is a human right, not a financial profit-making tool so we need to implement vacancy controls, and standards of tenant protection province wide, like the City of Burnaby’s tenant protection program, while closing loopholes. Partner with other levels of government for the big items, such as new builds, land for building, and infrastructure.
Health care - 1 in 5 people lack a doctor, and though many illnesses can be prevented with preventative care, we need to streamline the current system and make it easier for Doctors to provide care. We need to invest in the healthcare and education workforce.
Affordable standard of living - Our social safety net has failed, and poverty abounds. I’d like to see a full universal basic income, but I know that’s a tough sell for many though it’s been proven to work in all the trials. For Greens they would update the current system, removing clawbacks and increase the assistance rates to start. The government also needs to create a stable environment where businesses can thrive to boost jobs and local industry and a skilled workforce.
What is your housing situation? Are you a homeowner, renter or something else (describe)? Do you own your rental property/properties?
I live in a co-operative housing, for almost 20 years now. It’s a great affordable non-profit housing community where we all have a say in how our co-op is managed.
Contact information
- Website address: https;//bcgreens2024.ca/your-candidates/carrie-mclaren
- Email: [email protected]
- Campaign office phone number: 604-626-6086
- Social media handles and hashtags: @cwalkker on X/Twitter
