The NOW sent questionnaires out to candidates running in Burnaby Central, Burnaby North-Seymour and Vancouver Fraserview-South Burnaby.
The New West Record completed questionnaires for the candidates in New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville.
We've also put together a complete voting guide with all the information you need in one place.
Burnaby Central candidate Jagmeet Singh, NDP
Question: What made you decide to run for federal government?
Answer: I decided to run because I know firsthand the challenges everyday Canadians face. Growing up, I had to step up for my family, and that experience shaped my commitment to making life better for others. The NDP has already delivered historic progress, like expanding universal health care with dental care and moving toward pharmacare. But let’s be honest—there’s still so much work to do. While the Liberals talk a big game and the Conservatives prioritize corporate interests, New Democrats are laser-focused on people. I’m here to keep pushing for policies that put families, workers, and seniors first, and to build a Canada we can all be proud of.
Question: Do you live in the riding that you are running in?
Answer: Absolutely! My wife Gurkiran, our daughters Anhad and Dani, and I call Burnaby home. This community has given us so much, and it’s an honour to represent Burnaby Central. Myself and my family are all rooted here—and that matters when it comes to understanding what this community truly needs.
Question: What is your occupation outside of federal politics?
Answer: Before stepping into federal politics in 2019 as MP for Burnaby South, I served as an MPP in Ontario and worked as a lawyer. My legal career wasn’t just about practicing law—it was about fighting for justice. I advocated for affordable tuition, poverty reduction, and equal access to opportunities. That drive to support communities is what brought me into politics. And let’s face it: while other parties might cater to elites, the NDP has always been about standing up for everyday Canadians.
Question: What do you think are the biggest concerns that British Columbians are facing that can be addressed by federal government?
Answer: British Columbians are struggling with skyrocketing costs—rents, groceries, medications—it’s all going up while wages lag behind. Add to that the devastating impacts of climate disasters like wildfires. The Liberals have been missing in action on affordability, and the Conservatives? Well, they’d rather protect corporate profits than help families. The NDP is taking on corporate greed driving inflation while investing in renewable energy and expanding health care to include dental care, pharmacare, and mental health coverage. That’s real action—not empty promises.
Question: Burnaby has some of the highest rent and housing prices in Canada. What would you do to help control prices?
Answer: Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges here in the Lower Mainland—and frankly, the Liberals have let speculators run wild while the Conservatives will only help developers get even richer off working families. The NDP will set aside federal Crown land for affordable housing projects, build 100,000 rent-controlled homes nationwide, and enforce national rent control policies. We’ll ban corporate landlords from exploiting renters and empower tenant unions to negotiate fair deals. Housing isn’t a luxury—it’s a human right—and we’re here to make it accessible for everyone.
Question: With the ongoing tariff concerns, what would you and your government do to protect Canadian jobs and ease the financial burden on consumers?
Answer: When it comes to tariffs and trade deals, we New Democrats put workers first—unlike the Liberals who cave under pressure or Conservatives who prioritize big business. We’ll renegotiate trade agreements with Canadian jobs in mind, impose retaliatory tariffs when necessary, and invest in domestic manufacturing to create stable unionized jobs. By expanding Buy Canadian policies and supporting clean energy sectors, we’re building a future where workers thrive—not just corporations.
Question: The NOW will be closing no later than April 21. How will you and your party work to strengthen or change the Online News Act to ensure Canadians in communities of all sizes continue to have access to independent, trustworthy local information?
Answer: The Online News Act is vital for protecting Canadian journalism from tech giants like Meta who think they can dictate terms. Unlike the Conservatives who side with billionaires or Liberals who lack urgency, the NDP will ensure platforms pay their fair share to local outlets—including independent media—and enforce penalties for undermining Canadian content. We’ll also create a dedicated fund for community journalism because reliable news is essential in fighting misinformation.
Question: Many Canadians are deeply concerned about the ongoing threats of annexation and tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump. How would you and your party deal with this situation?
Answer: Myself and the NDP stand firm on Canadian sovereignty—no compromises. While Liberals waffle on trade disputes and Conservatives cosy up to foreign interests, we’ll diversify trade partnerships and invest in Canadian industries so we’re not overly reliant on the U.S. Dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs will be strategic but fair, always protecting workers first. Supply management? Untouchable under our watch.
Editor's note: The Burnaby NOW sent this questionnaire to all candidates in all of Burnaby's four ridings. Candidates were given an April 9 submission deadline.
