The Cloverdale Reporter reached out to all the local candidates in the B.C. provincial election with a questionnaire allowing them to introduce themselves to voters. Candidates were all given the same questions, word counts, and deadlines.
Below are the responses as received, with questions in bold, followed by candidate answers in their own words.
Here are the responses we received for the candidates in Surrey-Cloverdale.
CANDIDATE: Pat McCutcheon, B.C. Green Party
Where do you live?
Surrey, Cloverdale
One-sentence bio:
I am a retired professional engineer. I ran my own consulting business for 25 years offering design services to heavy equipment manufacturers. I have lived in Cloverdale for 23 years.
Why should you be elected?
The NDP and the BC Conservatives have a solid track record of not delivering on social programs such as healthcare, public education and transit. In addition, their historic policies and decisions have resulted in unaffordable housing, an increase in homelessness and the toxic drug tragedy. They have demonstrated, beyond any doubt, they do not have the solutions to reverse these trends. The BC Green party is the only party that offers progressive, evidence-based solutions that will positively impact the lives of British Columbians.
Both the NDP and the BC Conservatives are not taking the threat of the climate crisis seriously. Both parties have registered their support for continued expansion of the oil and gas industry. This support is extremely dangerous in the context of record breaking heat waves, wildfires, droughts and flood events. BC Greens are the only party that takes climate change seriously and has policy to mitigate the damage. We believe future generations should not be forced to bear the cost of our inaction.
If progressive, evidence-based solutions and real action on climate change are important to you than vote for me on October 19th.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Solutions for high cost of living
2. Improve healthcare
3. Deal seriously with threat of climate change
***
CANDIDATE: Elenore Sturko, B.C. Conservative Party
Where do you live?
Surrey
One-sentence bio:
After serving my country in the RCMP and military, I am seeking re-election in Surrey-Cloverdale so I can continue to serve Surrey.
Why should you be elected?
It is time for change. With skyrocketing prices in housing, a crumbling healthcare system, hundreds of portables in Surrey’s schools, and 1-in-3 British Columbians considering leaving BC, we need a common sense government that will deliver change, not more of the same.
A Conservative government will increase spending on healthcare and prioritize patients to ensure better outcomes. We will cut taxes and red tape so we can grow our economy and create good paying jobs.
We have a solid plan to make life more affordable, grow our economy, and ensure we are spending your hard earned money so it serves YOU, not politicians in Victoria.
I have served my country in the RCMP and military, and for the last two years I have served Surrey as an MLA. I want to continue my service so I can continue to deliver for you.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Funding healthcare and putting patients first
2. Ending catch-and-release justice
3. Axing the carbon tax
***
CANDIDATE: Mike Starchuk, B.C. NDP
Where do you live?
Cloverdale
One-sentence bio:
I’ve lived in Surrey for over 50 years, and for that entire time I’ve worked to make it a safer, better place to live for everyone.
Why should you be elected?
I know that Surrey-Cloverdale is a great place to live and raise a family. But we’ve got some challenges that come with growing. I know that with hard work and a government that’s on our side, we can do better.
We'll get more homes built that people can afford, build hospitals - like the BC NDP is doing right here in Cloverdale, and invest in public transit. All of which the BC NDP and David Eby are taking action on, and which John Rustad and the BC Conservatives threaten.
I’ve got a history of delivering for Surrey. In the 50 years I’ve lived here, I’ve served the community as a firefighter, a city councillor, and the MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale. I’ve seen firsthand what happens here under Rustad’s leadership: less healthcare, less housing, less. It’s a risk we cannot afford.
If given a chance to represent our community again, I’ll keep fighting for more.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Building more homes
2. Continuing investment in the Surrey Hospital and Regional Cancer Centre
3. Public transit
***
CANDIDATE: Judy Meilleur, Freedom Party of B.C.
Judy Meilleur did not respond to multiple email requests for her answers by publication time. The Freedom Party of B.C. did respond to let the Cloverdale Reporter know Meilleur was out of the country.
