Burnaby NOW will be publishing candidate Q&As for each candidate leading up to the City of Burnaby byelection scheduled for June 26, 2021. The answers provided have not been altered or changed.
Flora Lo ready to implement change on Burnaby city council.
QUESTION: When did you decide to run for the City of Burnaby byelection?
ANSWER: I decided to run for city council a few weeks ago, when I first noticed that there would be a by-election in Burnaby.
QUESTION: Why did you decide to be a candidate?
ANSWER: I am passionate about Burnaby - it is a great city! I have lived in Burnaby for about 18 years. I want to help maintain Burnaby as a strong, well-run, environmental friendly, healthy and livable city.
Burnaby is growing rapidly, it is the 3rd biggest city in BC by population. I would like to see continued growth and prosperity in a caring, equitable, healthy, environmental friendly and sustainable manner. I will strive to support social justice and enhance accessibility for all Burnaby residents.
I am a strong supporter of Burnaby's goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. I am a passionate advocate for affordable housing, a healthy and sustainable environment, quality child care, health care and education.
QUESTION: What do you think is needed on city council the most? What do you think it’s missing/lacking?
ANSWER: I think the Burnaby city council has done a good job. Burnaby is a very well-run city. I am impressed with the work they have done on climate action and housing affordability. However, I would like to see more gender diversity, and more councillors with an independent background on city council.
QUESTION: Do you think there needs to be more diversity when it comes to Burnaby’s municipal government? If so, why?
ANSWER: Yes, seven out of the eight city councillors, plus our mayor are men. I welcome more gender diversity. As women represent about 50% of the total population in Burnaby, in my humble opinion women are not adequately represented in the Burnaby city council. Further, I would like to see more councillors with an independent background.
QUESTION: What issues do you think need to be tackled the most in Burnaby?
ANSWER: The top most important issues are the following:
Housing Affordability
Burnaby is the 3rd biggest city in BC by population, and it is constantly growing. I am all for growth and prosperity, but it has to be done in a caring, equitable, environmental-friendly, healthy and sustainable manner.
I endorse Burnaby's Tenant Assistance Policy whereas it protects the right to return to the new development at the same rent (plus Residential Tenancy Act increase) in a suite with the same number of bedrooms, and also the Affordable Unit Policy whereas 20% of the new units will be non-market rental housing.
It is an on-going process to ensure renters' rights are protected. It is important to closely monitor the situation to make sure we have the supply to meet the demand.
Climate Action
I am very impressed with Burnaby's solid climate action plan detailing many steps and strategies.
I think it provides a very strong foundation, it is an excellent plan.
It is important to make sure Burnaby's bylaws and policies are updated to support the Plan, especially on buildings (45%) and transportation (50%) where most of the emissions come from. We need to collaborate with all levels of government, experts in different fields and all supportive parties to get all the help we can have.
The key is to focus on the Plan's implementation and progress monitoring, so that we can have informed and meaningful discussions to follow-up at regular intervals.
A More Inclusive and Accessible Burnaby
I am aware that Surrey recently made a formal commitment that all of their civic facilities are to be designed to meet a certain rating system, called the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (“RHFAC”), it measures the level of accessibility of buildings for people with mobility, vision and hearing disabilities, and the construction-cost premium is about 1% depending on the project type.
About 50% of people in Burnaby are aged 50 or more. It will be beneficial for Burnaby to consider that all future civic buildings are to be built to achieve RHFAC, or comparable standard. Subject to further cost benefit analysis, I believe that it is the right thing to do, as it will benefit everyone in Burnaby.
QUESTION: Why should voters vote for you?
ANSWER:
- I am open-minded, positive and resilient
- I support growth and prosperity in a caring, equitable, environmental-friendly and sustainable manner
- I strive to support social justice and enhance accessibility for all
- I come from a diverse background, I appreciate the importance and benefits of cultural diversity. I have a good understanding and a lot of respect for both the Western and the Chinese culture
- I worked as a lawyer in Hong Kong for many years before settling in Burnaby. My training in law, mediation and arbitration helps me appreciate the importance of perspectives, compassion and cooperation in conflict resolution, which will help facilitate meaningful communications in achieving amiable solutions
- I envision to create an inclusive gender-diverse, accessibility enhanced, racism & discrimination free Burnaby
- I am your independent and proactive voice in Burnaby. I care about Burnaby.
- If elected, you can count on me to listen, collaborate and work hard for you
QUESTION: What would you say to those who may not want to vote or don’t really see a point?
ANSWER:
- Please do not hesitate, please get out and vote
- The right to vote is a privilege, please do not take it for granted!
- Your voice is important! Your vote matters! And together we can make it better!
- Be kind, be calm, be positive, take care and stay safe
- Happy voting everyone!
