Federal election candidate questions and answers
Better North Shore sent three questions to all federal candidates in North Vancouver’s two electoral districts: Burnaby North—Seymour and North Vancouver—Capilano. Here’s what we asked them:
If elected, would you support and champion a federal bailout for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant cost overruns? How would you approach this?
Do you support repealing the personal carbon tax? Why or why not?
Do you agree with expanding the road system to accommodate more vehicles, or do you think money is better spent on public transit? Why?
Of the candidates we sent the questions to, nine responded. Here’s what they had to say. (Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name under each electoral district.)
North Vancouver—Capilano
Ehsan Arjmand—People's Party of Canada - no response
Tammy Bentz
New Democratic Party
If elected, would you support and champion a federal bailout for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant cost overruns? How would you approach this?
The North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant is under the jurisdiction of Metro Vancouver (municipal government). Since there is a current lawsuit at play from Metro Vancouver with the former contractor, we’d need to wait for the courts to determine the outcome of the law suit before any lobbying of higher levels of government would be successful.
Do you support repealing the personal carbon tax? Why or why not?
I got into politics for concern about climate issues and the carbon tax is one of the many ways to address the impact of the use of fossil fuels for industry and households. Given the current need for a focus on affordability, the personal carbon tax is no longer a supportable cost put on households, even though households did receive a rebate which more than offset the tax for lower income earning families. I support repealing the personal carbon tax.
Do you agree with expanding the road system to accommodate more vehicles, or do you think money is better spent on public transit? Why?
Expanding rapid public transit is also a way to help our road system accommodate vehicles as it helps remove many people out of their cars, leaving the road system for those who have no choice but to travel by vehicle. Some expansion of the road system where necessary is important, but focusing on rapid public transit is a preferable option.
Stephen Curran—Conservative - no response
Oliver King—Independent - no response
Andrew Robinson
Green
If elected, would you support and champion a federal bailout for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant cost overruns? How would you approach this?
The Green Party advocates for the responsible management of taxpayer funds. Regrettably, the massive cost overruns of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant appears to be a shared responsibility between the former contractor and Metro Vancouver. The Federal Government initially provided 30% of the forecasted cost and provided similar levels of funding to other infrastructure projects in BC and across Canada. Offering a bailout, or a similar proportional level of contribution, would require a federal contribution of over $1.1B which sends a wrong signal to voters and taxpayers not only regionally but nationally who have recently or are currently awaiting federal contribution to their important projects. Rather, I would advocate for an increase in the federal contribution indexed to inflation, and I would convene a multi-stakeholder process with all levels of government to explore other funding mechanisms that do not disproportionately impact residents of the North Shore.
Do you support repealing the personal carbon tax? Why or why not?
I support repealing the current form of the personal carbon tax because it wasn’t working and the cost of living for North Shore residents is simply too high. This policy could have been effective in changing consumption habits that are overly reliant on fossil fuels, and similar policy instruments have been successfully deployed in other countries. However, to increase the financial burden for consumers without meaningful, more equitable or cost-effective alternatives will always be a recipe for failure. Personal carbon taxes can disproportionately burden lower-income individuals who have fewer choices in transportation, housing, and energy use. Instead, the Green Party supports systemic approaches like boldly investing in clean energy infrastructure as well as public transportation infrastructure. Further, more can be done though regulating industrial emissions, and incentivizing sustainable practices through subsidies or innovation grants. The shift away from fossil fuels should be driven by collective action and policy that targets the biggest emitters rather than placing the burden on individuals. It’s not the individual who should be targeted, it’s the system that needs repair. Being critical of a personal carbon tax isn’t a rejection of climate action—it's a call for smarter, fairer, and more impactful solutions.
Do you agree with expanding the road system to accommodate more vehicles, or do you think money is better spent on public transit? Why?
Investing in improved public transit on Vancouver’s North Shore is a more sustainable, efficient, and forward-thinking use of public funds than expanding road infrastructure. The Canada Line, built ahead of the 2010 Olympics, is a clear example of how high-quality transit can transform urban mobility. Since its launch, the Canada Line has exceeded ridership expectations, significantly reducing car dependency, easing congestion on key routes, and connecting people across the region faster and more reliably. It shows that when fast, frequent, and convenient transit is available, people choose it.
On the North Shore, road expansion would offer only a temporary relief—induced demand means more lanes quickly fill with more cars, bringing us back to square one. In contrast, improved transit—such as rapid bus routes, dedicated lanes, ferry integration, or a SkyTrain extension—can move more people using less space and with fewer emissions.
Public transit investments also support climate targets, reduce transportation costs for families, and improve equity by serving those who can’t or choose not to drive. In a geographically constrained area like the North Shore, transit is the only scalable, sustainable way forward. Following the success of the Canada Line, we can replicate that vision and impact locally.
Jonathan Wilkinson
Liberal
If elected, would you support and champion a federal bailout for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant cost overruns? How would you approach this?
In 2014/15, Metro Vancouver sought funding for 1/3 of the $700M needed for the plant. The Conservative government ignored that request. During the 2015 campaign, I committed to advocate for federal support, and following the election the 2016 budget funded the plant.
Unfortunately, challenges arose during construction, including with the contractor Metro hired, causing costs to skyrocket—from $700M to $4B.
Project engineering/oversight/budgeting for municipal infrastructure projects are municipal responsibilities. The federal government provides capital but has no direct involvement in these functions.
Metro recognized that asking the federal government to pay for cost overruns for this project would open the floodgates to requests for similar treatment for infrastructure projects across the country – which would effectively mean the federal government would give up its ability to manage its finances.
North Shore residents are justifiably upset about the ballooning costs. They deserve answers about budget management.
Legitimate questions also exist regarding why North Shore households bear a disproportionate burden of the costs, given the project was overseen by Metro Vancouver. I support the advocacy of our North Shore mayors in this regard.
This unhappy saga demands scrutiny and I welcome it being raised in the context of the current federal campaign.
Do you support repealing the personal carbon tax? Why or why not?
Putting a price on carbon pollution is a market-based policy originally promised by conservative politicians. It is the most efficient tool to reduce emissions while also incenting innovation.
The way the federal price was designed ensured that 8/10 families received more money back than they paid – and it was those on modest incomes that benefitted the most. These are simply facts.
Unfortunately, Mr. Poilievre and the Conservative Party’s repeatedly said things about the price that were patently untrue – particularly as to how the price related to affordability – and they created division. At a time when Canadians need to be united in the face of the threat from the new American administration, it became time to move on from this debate – while maintaining the Liberal committed to our climate targets.
That is why Mark Carney’s first act in government was to remove the federal consumer carbon price, while maintaining the industrial price to ensure that the biggest polluters pay.
I entered politics in 2015 because of the issue of climate change. I remain committed to reducing emissions - which are now at a historic 27 year low, largely due to the actions of the current federal government.
Do you agree with expanding the road system to accommodate more vehicles, or do you think money is better spent on public transit? Why? (165/200)
Congestion is top of mind for North Shore residents. Too many people spend too much time stuck in daily traffic. The federal government has been an active and willing partner for provincial, regional, and local governments to improve commute and travel times.
I and my Liberal colleagues have advocated for a comprehensive solution to congestion - which must naturally include solutions to our housing crisis as well. These efforts included successful advocacy for federal funding for the Lynn Creek Bridge, as part of improvements to the approaches to the Second Narrows Bridge.
It has also included providing Translink with significant funding for a third Seabus, the upgrade of Phibbs Exchange and the recent announcement of $1.5 billion for Translink’s capital projects – projects that include Bus Rapid Transit from the North Shore. The Bus Rapid Transit project will see dedicated, divided, lanes for bus East-West bus routes. This is a step towards the medium-term solution which is SkyTrain or SkyTrain equivalent service to the North Shore.
Burnaby North—Seymour
Terry Beech
Liberal
If elected, would you support and champion a federal bailout for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant cost overruns? How would you approach this?
The Wastewater Treatment Plant is entirely managed and controlled by Metro Vancouver. The federal government knows that wastewater treatment is incredibly important, which is why it was the single largest commitment in Budget 2016. Other treatment plants, like the one in Victoria, have finished on time and on budget. It is ultimately the responsibility of Metro Vancouver to manage this project responsibly, and it stands fully in their hands. All three municipal mayors are strongly advocating for Metro Vancouver to allow the sharing of the increased costs among all Metro Vancouver Municipalities.
The federal government invests in various large-scale infrastructure projects from across Canada. If the projects are managed by the federal government, then they hold responsibility for cost overruns. However, when a different government or private contractor is responsible, providing a federal bailout in one case would set an unsustainable precedent and misalign project management incentives for all large-scale infrastructure projects.
I should also note that, at Metro’s request, Budget 2024 included $250M for the Iona wastewater facility. North Shore residents are paying a disproportionate, if not unfair, share for the plant, and I continue to work with the responsible municipalities to find a resolution.
Do you support repealing the personal carbon tax? Why or why not?
I have advocated for a national, revenue-neutral price on pollution for 10 years. Sadly, the measure was politically unsustainable for three reasons:
BC implemented a revenue-neutral price on pollution in 2008. In the first five years, emissions dropped in BC while they rose in the rest of Canada. BC also had the fastest-growing economy at this time. Sadly, the NDP government started adding proceeds of the tax to general revenue, breaking the revenue-neutral principle. With the federal program, 80% of families received more money back than they paid, but that was not true in BC.
Pierre Pollievre spread misinformation about how the program works and its impacts. His argument was inconveniently buttressed by an unrelated global spike in inflation.
This policy was challenged in elections across Canada in recent years, and as representatives, we must respond to the realities Canadians face today.
The consumer price on carbon was one tool in our toolbox, and we must double down on all others to fight climate change. Mark Carney will continue to make big polluters pay, make investments in cleantech and clean transportation, while protecting our natural environment. Canada’s emissions are going down and our economy is growing, and I will work hard to ensure that continues.
Do you agree with expanding the road system to accommodate more vehicles, or do you think money is better spent on public transit? Why?
Traffic and congestion regularly poll as the number one issue on the North Shore. As the only representative in BC who has constituents on both sides of the Second Narrows Bridge, I have a lot of experience and understand why this is the case.
I have worked hard to ensure the federal government plays an active role in addressing this issue and will continue to ensure the North Shore sees investments to broaden transportation options including public transit and active transportation, while also continuing to eliminate bottlenecks in traditional traffic infrastructure. In addition, it is difficult to discuss commute times without addressing housing affordability and more options for people to live where they work and play. I have a clear record of positively contributing to all of these issues which can be found in “Our Government’s Most Impactful Investments” report and “Our Government’s National Housing Strategy in Burnaby North - Seymour”.
I have also advocated for Metro Vancouver’s “Purple Line” which would bring Bus Rapid Transit from Park Royal to Metrotown, and I’ve insisted that any short-term investment in this project should be constructed so that it is upgradable to light rail or Skytrain in the near future.
Michael Charrois
New Democratic Party
If elected, would you support and champion a federal bailout for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant cost overruns? How would you approach this?
First of all, the whole scenario has to be played out before we consider a Federal Bailout. Metro-Vancouver is in the process of doing an inquiry. If that is unsatisfactory, the province has indicated that it will initiate a public inquiry. We cannot forget that there are also lawsuits pending. The developers will be on the hook if they are found to have breached contract. As your MP, I would co-operate with these inquiries and audits fully.
Do you support repealing the personal carbon tax? Why or why not?
I think this is a moot point. The carbon tax is gone and it is not coming back.
Do you agree with expanding the road system to accommodate more vehicles, or do you think money is better spent on public transit? Why?
We need fare-free transit to incentivize using transit over personal vehicles. People will follow their wallets. Adding more lanes or roads induces congestion. You can not relieve congestion with roads. You have to get cars off the road.
Mauro Francis - Conservative Party of Canada - No response
Jesse Fulton
People’s Party of Canada
If elected, would you support and champion a federal bailout for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant cost overruns? How would you approach this?
If elected, I would advocate for a comprehensive approach to address the cost overruns and issues surrounding the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project, but I would not support a federal bailout without significant accountability measures. The staggering increase in costs from an initial estimate of $700 million to nearly $4 billion, signals a failure in project management and oversight.
Instead of simply providing a bailout, I would encourage a thorough public inquiry to investigate the reasons behind the delays and cost overruns, ensuring transparency for North Shore residents. We need to hold Metro Vancouver accountable for its project management practices and ensure that lessons are learned to prevent similar issues in the future.
Furthermore, I would support the call for an independent audit to thoroughly assess the situation, while ensuring that it is genuinely independent, rather than overseen by Metro Vancouver.
We must prioritize the financial well-being of North Shore residents, who are facing disproportionate costs through increased utility bills. By focusing on accountability and effective management, we can work toward a solution that addresses the needs of our community while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
Do you support repealing the personal carbon tax? Why or why not?
Yes, I support repealing the personal carbon tax. The People's Party of Canada believes this tax disproportionately burdens working-class Canadians and increases the cost of living. Families are already facing rising prices for fuel, groceries, and heating, and adding a carbon tax only exacerbates these financial strains.
By eliminating the carbon tax, we can lower fuel costs, making life more affordable for residents in communities like North Shore and throughout British Columbia. Moreover, we recognize that international agreements like the Paris Accord can undermine Canada’s sovereignty and impose unrealistic regulations.
While we recognize the importance of addressing climate change, we believe there are better alternatives than relying solely on a carbon tax. We advocate for a balanced approach that includes investing in clean technology and innovative local solutions that effectively tackle climate challenges while promoting economic growth and job creation, particularly in the oil fields of Alberta.
By supporting the full operational capacity of the Coastal GasLink pipeline and similar projects, we can harness our resources responsibly while providing vital employment opportunities. Our focus is on developing pragmatic environmental policies tailored to Canada’s unique needs, ensuring that we protect our environment without compromising the financial well-being of Canadians.
By prioritizing affordability and practical solutions, we can foster a transition towards a more sustainable energy future that includes both responsible fuel use and cleaner alternatives. This way, we can create jobs, support local economies, and ensure that our citizens thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Do you agree with expanding the road system to accommodate more vehicles, or do you think money is better spent on public transit? Why?
Yes, I advocate for both expanding the roadway system while enhancing public transit options. Specifically, I will push for federal funding to expand the roadway and to build a bridge connecting Dollarton Highway and Mount Seymour Parkway to Barnet Highway. This infrastructure improvement will significantly enhance traffic flow on Highway 1, throughout the North Shore, the Iron Workers Bridge and traffic going into in Burnaby, helping to alleviate congestion in the Greater Vancouver area.
By improving the roadway connections, we can reduce travel times, which not only improves the overall commuting experience but also contributes to lower carbon emissions by decreasing idle times in traffic. While investing in public transit is essential for a holistic approach to transportation, it’s equally important to recognize that a well-managed roadway system supports both vehicles and public transit services effectively. Balancing these investments will help create a more efficient transportation network that accommodates growth while reducing environmental impacts. Through a combined approach, we can meet the needs of commuters today while also planning for a sustainable future.
