The North Delta Reporter sent all four candidates in the upcoming federal election a list of questions to help voters learn a bit more about each of them and what they stand for. Candidates were all given the same questions, word limits and deadline.
Below is the response as received from Conservative Party candidate Jessy Sahota, with our questions in bold followed by the candidate’s answers in his own words. Here’s what he had to say:
1. Candidate’s first and last name: Jessy Sahota
2. Party affiliation: Conservative Party of Canada
3. Candidate’s age: 32
4. What neighbourhood do you live in? Tsawwassen
5. How many years have you lived in Delta? I have lived, worked, and coached in Delta for many years.
6. Have you held elected office in past? This is my first time running for public office.
7. What is your profession? I serve as a Law Enforcement Officer with the Delta Police Department
8. Social media accounts and website: Facebook & Instagram: jessy_sahota, X: jessysahota_, website: jessysahota.ca
9. Telephone number voters can reach you at: 778-309-4784
10: Why are you running to be Delta’s MP? I decided to run for public office because our country needs a significant change in direction. The Liberals have proven to show little regard for taxpayer funds and have amassed a record level of national debt and inflation making life unaffordable. We pay significant taxes, yet we are not receiving adequate services. People live paycheque-to-paycheque. Before Liberal inflation and fiscal mismanagement, people could afford to buy homes and have a good quality of life. I know we can have this again.
In addition, a pivotal moment for me occurred two years ago when a fellow police officer and friend, Greg Pierzchala, was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty by a repeat violent criminal who was out on bail. That day, I decided the only way to make meaningful change in justice system reform was to be part of the federal government.
11. What is the most important issue facing voters this election, and what should be done about it?
The most important issues facing voters in this election are the increased cost of living, high taxation, weak economic growth, and rising crime levels. I have spent 18 months knocking on doors, meeting voters face-to-face, to listen to their concerns. People are telling me we need a change and that we cannot afford a fourth Liberal term. People are resonating with the solutions put forward by Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party to put Canada first for a change and rebuild a strong country.
The Conservative Party will restore affordability by cutting income tax by 15%, cutting $100,000 in taxes on the purchase of new homes, cutting red tape by 25%, protecting seniors’ savings for a promised retirement age of 65, and securing dental care, Pharmacare, and childcare.
To keep our communities safe, the Conservatives will end the wave of violent crime by passing a Three Strikes-and-You’re-Out law to keep dangerous criminals behind bars longer and bring home safe streets. This law will stop criminals convicted of three serious offences from getting bail, probation, parole or house arrest.
Lastly, the Conservatives will ensure there are Life sentences for anyone caught trafficking, producing or exporting over 40 mg of fentanyl.
12. Describe one concrete action you plan to take for Delta within your first year in office: One concrete action I plan to take within my first year in office is working with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to end the revolving door policies for repeat violent offenders brought in by the Liberals. Through my extensive experience working with the Delta Police Department, my immediate priority will be to make good on the promise we have made to impose a mandatory life sentence on anyone involved in the trafficking, production and distribution of over 40 mg of fentanyl because it’s killing people in our community.
Only the Conservatives have a plan to put Canada first and stop the flow of drugs that are killing our citizens. We need to make sure that we as a country focus on keeping criminals in jail and not giving them bail.
13. Candidate bio: I am a decorated law enforcement officer, international athlete, and volunteer sports coach. Recognized globally as one of the top 40 police officers under 40 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (I.A.C.P), my unwavering dedication shines through my extensive work with the young people of Delta. I have invested thousands of hours coaching sports and with the local non-for-profit charity Yo-Bro Yo-Girl Youth Initiative. For my Police service and volunteerism, I was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal.
As a multi-sport athlete, I have clinched national and international awards in wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and kabaddi.
I am entering politics because of my immense frustration with the direction this country is heading in under the Liberals. We need to put Canada First — For a Change.
Three other candidates are vying to be Delta’s next MP: former Delta Chamber of Commerce executive director Jill McKight with the Liberal Party, educator/entrepreneur Natasa Sirotic with the People's Party of Canada, and transit driver/cycling advocate Jason McCormick with the NDP. Click on their names to read their responses to the Reporter's questionnaire.
Voters will get two chances to hear directly from the candidates hoping to represent them in Parliament, with all-candidates meetings planned for the evening of Wednesday, April 16 at the North Delta Centre for the Arts (7 to 9 p.m., 1425 84th Ave.), and the afternoon of Monday, April 21 at Northside Community Church (2:30 to 4:40 p.m., 11300 84th Ave.).
Election day is Monday, April 28, with polls open for 12 hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Advanced voting is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 18 through Monday, April 21.
To find your polling station, check your voter information card or use Elections Canada’s online Voter Information Service.
For more information, or to register to vote, visit elections.ca.
