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 People's Party candidate Natasa Sirotic, with our questions in bold followed by the candidate’s answers in her own words. Here’s what Natasa Sirotic had to say:
1. Candidate’s first and last name: Natasa Sirotic
2. Party affiliation: People’s Party of Canada (PPC)
3. Candidate’s age: 60
4. What neighbourhood do you live in? Tsawwassen central
5. How many years have you lived in Delta? 14
6. Have you held elected office in past? No
7. What is your profession? I am a mathematics teacher, teacher educator, and an entrepreneur.
8. Social media accounts and website: X: @ntssirotic, Instagram: @ppc_delta, LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/natasa-sirotic-36974130, Website: peoplespartyofcanada.ca/candidate/natasa-sirotic
9. Telephone number voters can reach you at: 604-337-1766
10: Why are you running to be Delta’s MP? With the current government at the helm, our country has lost its way. I am deeply dissatisfied with rising cost of living and inflation, permissive immigration politics, poor enforcement of crime laws, failing healthcare system, and neglect of our armed forces to the point of compromising our national security.
I want a government that is in service of its people and acts in our best interest. I believe it is something we can achieve through the democratic process — peacefully, by evolution, not by revolution. We CAN elect courageous, truthful representatives that will bring new voice to the House of Commons and perform their duty to the electors.
It is time for reform — on a systemic level. I am drawn to the PPC’s solution-oriented systemic approach that addresses the root causes of our country’s ailments, rather than just trying to fix some symptoms.
11. What is the most important issue facing voters this election, and what should be done about it? The fundamental issue facing this election is cleaning up the effects of mass immigration, a “legacy” left from the Liberal & NDP government. The most acute of these effects are the housing crisis, dysfunctional healthcare, overload on our infrastructure (including social services and school capacities), and a diminished standard of living. We propose to pause immigration until these acute symptoms fade and the country has a chance to recover. At the same time, we need to create well-paying jobs for Canadians, provide training and education in critical fields, invest in our economy, break down trade barriers between provinces and temper federal government’s overreach into the affairs that should be in provincial and municipal jurisdictions. With the economy being freed up, we will be able to secure housing for families and provide social safety for seniors and vulnerable people.
The opiate crisis is also a symptom of a failing system. So far 50,000 Canadian lives have been claimed by these deadly drugs. It is time to implement effective solutions that will obliterate this problem from our society. We must secure our borders at ports, ramp up on inspections and intelligence to stop this crime and provide rehabilitation to those who suffer from addiction.
12. Describe one concrete action you plan to take for Delta within your first year in office: If elected as the new Delta MP, my duty to the constituents will be to deliver on the following promises:
1) Healthcare system that works, is efficient and serves the needs of every Canadian. A compassionate and effective health care system that provides for timely service for urgent matters and access to specialists as needed. This includes putting an end to the opiate crisis.
2) Revived economy that supports businesses and innovation. This includes upgrading our infrastructure and replacing the Massey tunnel.
3) Prosperity for all Canadians through employability, affordable housing, and access to education & training for jobs in high paying fields. This includes supporting families and protecting children.
13. Candidate bio: Natasa immigrated to Canada in the early 90’s with her husband, both electrical engineers, and their two young daughters in the face of a breakdown of their home country, Yugoslavia; a situation of political instability, economic collapse, and sky-high inflation. In Canada, she decided to become a teacher, earning her BEd from UBC and MSc and PhD from SFU in Mathematics Education. She taught at both public and independent schools, students ranging from Kindergarten to university graduate level, held leadership roles, and produced scholarly research. She worked as an inaugural school principal in a newly founded school in South Surrey and as a Faculty Advisor, mentoring new teachers into the profession. She is a mother of four adult children and grandmother to three grandchildren.
Three other candidates are vying to be Delta’s next MP: Delta Police officer Jessy Sahota with the Conservative Party, former Delta Chamber of Commerce executive director Jill McKight with the Liberal Party, 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.
