The North Delta Reporter sent all seven candidates hoping to represent Delta in Parliament five questions to gauge their positions on some of the big issues for Deltans in the 2019 federal election. We gave candidates a limit of 900 words total to answer. Here’s what Conservative Party candidate Tanya Corbet had to say…
(Note, the candidates’ answers have been edited for length, clarity and to conform with Canadian Press style, as required.)
1) What is you/you party’s plan to combat climate change and safeguard the environment for future generations?
Conservatives have a real plan for the environment. We have proposed the most comprehensive environmental plan by an opposition party in Canada’s history that features investment in technology instead of taxes, ending the dumping of raw sewage into our waterways, and providing assistance to help Canadians lower their carbon footprint with the green home renovation tax credit and the green public transit tax credit. Further, we will tackle plastic pollution by harmonizing recycling regulations across the country.
We will take the fight against climate change global. Canada has world-leading expertise in green technology in the natural resource sector. We will work to export those technologies around the world to reduce global emissions, while creating jobs in Canada. Climate change is a global problem, so we should invest in global solutions.
And that’s just the beginning. To read our full plan for the environment, visit arealplan.ca.
2) How do you/your party plan to make homes in Delta more affordable for new buyers as well as increase the number of available rental units in the community?
We have a serious housing crunch in the Lower Mainland that needs to be addressed urgently. We will take action immediately upon forming government. First, we need to fix the mortgage stress test as it creates a major barrier for first time home buyers to get into the market. Additionally, we will extend mortgage amortization periods so that homeowners can make lower monthly payments on their mortgages. And we will launch an inquiry into money laundering in the real estate sector to identify and root out corrupt practices that are inflating the cost of homes.
In terms of community housing for low-income Canadians, a Conservative government will be a willing partner, in cooperation with other levels of government, to ensure local solutions are provided for affordable housing.
3) How would you/your party reduce the tax burden for Delta families?
The increased cost of living under the current government has put our quality of life at risk. Canadians currently pay more in taxes than they do for housing, clothing and food combined. Meanwhile, we are paying more for the essentials of life such as gasoline, groceries and home heating. A Conservative government will tackle this issue head-on.
We will introduce the Universal Tax Cut, putting $850 in your pocket for the average household. This will benefit low- and middle-income earners the most. Additionally, we will provide tax credits for public transit, kids sports, arts and learning, and home renovations.
For seniors, we will boost the age credit by $1,000. And we will address the housing crunch. Our plan to ease the tax burden also extends to small businesses. We will repeal Trudeau’s tax hikes on and reduce red tape by 25 per cent.
4) What will you/your party do to support the growing number of seniors in our community?
Our community is strong today because of the hard work of our seniors. I was always taught to respect my elders, as they carry our history and our heritage. I will take that mentality with me into federal politics.
Too many seniors are worried about getting by with their retirement income. That’s why we are providing the universal tax cut and boosting the age credit. Further, we will invest in health care by providing record levels of transfers to provinces and we will invest $1.5 billion into MRI and CT scans to reduce wait times for critical medical appointments.
Additionally, I’ve talked to many residents that are concerned about their kids and grandkids who are struggling to make ends meet. Only the Conservative Party will make sure that we address the affordability issues facing those families.
5) Many Deltans are concerned about the shootings and other gang-related violence happening across the Lower Mainland. How will you/your party help reduce violent crime and keep law-abiding folks safe?
People are rightfully concerned. As a mother of two kids, the safety of our community is top of mind for me. The current government is focused on strong headlines in newspapers, while Conservatives are focused on strong policies that will lead to increased safety on our streets.
We have a plan for a safer Canada that includes more support for police agencies. We would create a CBSA firearms smuggling taskforce and implement a police infrastructure grant program. We will crack down on gang activity with stiffer penalties for gang-members and invest in programs for youth at-risk.
The federal election takes place on Monday, Oct. 21.
Click here to read the other candidates’ answers.
READ MORE: Meet your candidates for Delta MP
editor@northdeltareporter.com
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