Metro Vancouver questions party leaders on key issues ahead of federal election

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — While the COVID-19 pandemic and Canada’s economy have dominated the discourse in the lead-up to the federal election, municipal leaders on the Lower Mainland are reminding voters in the region that all politics is local.

The Regional District of Metro Vancouver has identified three key issues and posed six questions to the leaders of the four main federal party leaders. Chair Sav Dhaliwal explains the answers will be posted to the website for the Local Government Matters campaign.

“It’s an initiative to highlight regional issues ahead of the Sept. 20 federal election. We know the pandemic response and economic recovery will dominate the discussion across the country, but we want to make sure that the needs of local communities are also part of that discussion,” he explains, adding the answeres will be posted to the site as they are received.

“You’ll see where the federal parties stand on critical issues that underline the economic, environmental, and social well-being of our region.”

Dhaliwal says with the densely-populated Lower Mainland driving a lot of B.C.’s economy, the issue of B.C.’s pandemic recovery can’t be separated from federal investment in the region.

“A lot happens in Metro Vancouver and how things go here does affect the economy, the recovery from the pandemic, and the well-being of our residents. We’re hoping that they are tuned in to that and they will be receptive to responding to our questions.”

“All politics is local,” as the old saying goes. Lower Mainland municipal leaders feel that should include federal politics too. That’s why @MetroVancouver is out with the 2021 edition of its “Local Government Matters” questionnaire for the four main parties. #canpoli #elxn44

— John Ackermann (@jackermann) September 3, 2021

The three issues identified are investment in critical infrastructure, climate resiliency, and affordable housing.

Some of the questions:

“If elected, will your party provide predictable, equitable cost-sharing on critical infrastructure projects to meet the needs of a growing population in Metro Vancouver?”

“If elected, will your party fund green infrastructure projects that prioritize emissions reductions and resiliency to climate change?”

“If elected, will your party maintain and expand the National Housing Strategy program, and ensure greater flexibility and streamlined access to federal funding for housing?”

While Dhaliwal says he can’t be sure how soon replies will come in, the district does plan to press the leaders.

“We’ll try to follow up an email, or letter or phone call, recognizing how busy everybody is but these issues are also important. They should be on the radar of our politicians.”