Peace Arch News reached out to all the local candidates vying for a seat in the upcoming federal election with a questionnaire to fill out to introduce themselves to voters. Candidates were all given the same questions, word counts and deadlines.
Below are the responses received from the four candidates in the South Surrey-White Rock riding.
Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Conservative Party of Canada
Age: 70
What neighbourhood do you live in? South Surrey
How many years have you lived in Surrey/White Rock/Delta? Nine years and another several years previously
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify:
Yes. MP for South Surrey-White Rock 2019-Present, Chief Opposition Whip 2023-Present, Minister of National Revenue 2013-2015, Associate Minister of National Defence 2013, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice 2011-2013 and MP for Delta-Richmond East 2011-2015
Profession:
Kerry-Lynne Findlay is a graduate of UBC (B.A. with honours, ,J.D.) I had a successful civil litigation practice for over 30 years, and have appeared in all levels of court including the Supreme Court of Canada. I was a partner in two downtown Vancouver law firms, and later had a sole practice in South Surrey-White Rock.
Kerry-Lynne was also appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1999 (now King’s Counsel) by the Attorney General of B.C. for “superior knowledge of the law and the highest ethical standards”. She was also appointed by the Canadian Minister of Justice to serve a five-year term as an Administrative Law Judge on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, resigning to run for federal office. Previously, she was elected as the President of the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association by its then 10,000 members.
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it?
I believe the top issue for South Surrey—White Rock voters is affordability, with many also worried about U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and aggressive rhetoric impacting our economy and sovereignty. Rising costs for housing, groceries, and fuel are straining families, seniors, and businesses, worsened by Liberal mismanagement. Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, are best equipped to tackle both. We’ll cut wasteful spending, axe the carbon tax for real, and reduce income taxes to ease financial burdens. To address housing, we’ll streamline regulations to boost construction. Poilievre’s tough, principled, Canada First approach ensures we stand firm against unjust tariffs and protect our sovereignty, unlike Liberals who’ve weakened our position with low productivity and economic reliance on the U.S. Our plan supports small businesses with tax breaks and less red tape, fostering local jobs. For seniors, we will protect pensions at age 65. We will keep the dental care and child care plans, with more options. With Conservatives, we’ll build an economic fortress, ensuring South Surrey—White Rock thrives, secure from external threats and internal mismanagement. Let’s unite for affordability, strength, and a prosperous future.
Candidate bio:
I have been honoured to be the MP for South Surrey—White Rock for 6 years, bringing decades of experience as a lawyer, mediator, and public servant. As Member of Parliament I also served as Minister of National Revenue and Associate Minister of National Defence, delivering results with integrity and a caring approach.. Raised in BC, I understand our community’s needs—affordability, housing, and safety. I am committed to cutting taxes, axing the carbon tax, and streamlining regulations to boost housing and support small businesses. With a strong record of advocating for families and seniors, I will stand up for Canada’s interests against external pressures. My common sense leadership has been principled and shown my strong voice for South Surrey—White Rock’s needs in Ottawa.
Social media accounts and website:
Instagram: @KFindlaymp
Facebook: Kerry-Lynne Findlay
X:KerryLynneFindl
Website: www.Votefindlay.ca
Telephone number voters can reach you at:
604-531-8383 or by email at team@votefindlay.ca
*
Christine Kinnie, Green Party of Canada
Age: 47
What neighbourhood do you live in? White Rock
How many years have you lived in Surrey/White Rock/Delta?
How many years have you lived in Surrey/White Rock? I was born in Surrey, and I have lived in the Surrey/White Rock area for a total of 12 years. I finally returned home in 2021 to be near my family, after living in Northern B.C. for many years.
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify:
No, this is my first time running for public office.
Profession:
I am a secretary for School District 36
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it?
The most important issue facing voters in this election is economic insecurity — from unaffordable housing to rising costs that make daily life harder for too many Canadians. People are working hard but still can’t keep up. It’s time for real change that puts people first.
We will make the largest investment in public housing since the 1970s and crack down on investors who drive up prices, so everyone can find a safe, affordable place to live. We’ll also expand universal health care to include medication, mental health, and dental care — because health shouldn’t depend on your income.
To help people thrive, not just survive, we’ll eliminate federal income taxes on earnings under $40,000, make college and university free, and introduce a Guaranteed Livable Income to ensure no one lives in poverty. We’ll create universal childcare, expand paid leave, and support Canadians at every stage of life.
The Green Party has historically been the only party to fully cost its platform. Ours is going through that process right now, with the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), and it will be available April 16. Full transparency, accountability, and sustainable solutions are what make the Green Party different.
Candidate bio:
A fourth-generation community member, Christine Kinnie is deeply rooted in South Surrey – White Rock. As a Surrey School District secretary, she sees firsthand the need to address Canada’s historically high economic gap, as families struggle with the rising cost of living. A mature student at KPU with a goal of human rights law and Chair of the Board for the South Fraser Unitarians, Christine is driven by the urgency of housing affordability, the cost of living crisis, and the need for bold, compassionate leadership.
If elected, she’ll fight for rent-controlled housing, fair taxation, more healthcare, and guaranteed liveable income. Committed to diplomacy, electoral reform, and sustainable futures, Christine believes politics should serve people and planet — not profit.
Social media accounts and website:
https://www.greenparty.ca/en/candidate/christine-kinnie
https://bsky.app/profile/christinekinnie.bsky.social
https://www.facebook.com/christinekinnie.greenparty
https://www.instagram.com/christine_kinnie2025/
Telephone number voters can reach you at:
604-531-5331
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Ernie Klassen, Liberal Party of Canada
Age: Did not answer
What neighbourhood do you live in? Central White Rock
How many years have you lived in Surrey/White Rock/Delta? 25 years
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify:
Yes! Currently White Rock city councillor (on a leave of absence due to this election)
Profession:
Entrepeneur
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it?
Cost of Living and Affordability: As we approach this election, one of the foremost concerns for voters is the escalating cost of living, which directly impacts affordability across various sectors. Families and seniors alike are feeling the pressure, especially in critical areas such as housing, healthcare, and childcare.
Childcare and Support for Families: Young families are particularly burdened by the lack of affordable childcare options. Programs like the $10-a-day childcare initiative play a crucial role in alleviating this burden. It's essential that we not only preserve these programs but work to expand them further. Additionally, seniors are increasingly anxious about safeguarding their pensions and navigating retirement age, making it vital that we address their concerns with reliable support systems.
Housing Affordability: Housing affordability remains a significant challenge in our community. To tackle this issue effectively, we need substantial investments in the construction of new homes and the enforcement of fair rental practices. Ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing should be a top priority.
Mental Health and Substance Use: The growing issues surrounding mental health and substance use require urgent attention. We must implement stronger prevention strategies, improve access to support services, and develop long-term recovery options (answer was cut here for going over 200-word limit)
Candidate bio:
Ernie Klassen is a committed community advocate and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience serving White Rock. He is recognized for his inclusive leadership and his passion for creating positive change. A dedicated family man, Ernie is married to Michael Barwell and values spending time with their three children and two grandchildren. Outside of his public service work, he enjoys photography, travelling, gardening, walking, philanthropy, and leading a balanced and fulfilling life.
Social media accounts and website:
Website:www.ernie-klassen.com
Facebook:Ernie Klassen
Instagram:ernieklassen_sswr
Telephone number voters can reach you at:
604-560-1730
*
Jureun Park, New Democratic Party of Canada
Age: 54
What neighbourhood do you live in? Did not answer
How many years have you lived in Surrey/White Rock/Delta? Did not answer
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify:
Not on a government level, but I've been elected in local associations like strata councils and tourism boards.
Profession:
Hotel Manager
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it?
Affordability is on the top of every voter's mind. From Trump's tariff war affecting millions of jobs to the ongoing housing crisis, skyrocketing grocery prices, childcare cutting into working parents' earnings, and the severe shortage of family doctors across the country, Canada is not what we were promised. Effective policies need to be made to address this. The NDP has accomplished part of this in the past term by creating the Canadian Dental Program, pressuring the Liberals to increase CERB from $1,000 to $2,000 a month, and fighting for your pensions. Given the opportunity, I would hold the federal government accountable to promptly execute on more policies that actually lifts up Canadians: NDP initiatives like increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for seniors, capping grocery price increases, building affordable homes, universal pharmacare, and more. We need to tariff-proof the Canadian economy by reworking EI so it actually works for you (higher benefits, faster access, and coverage for gig and self-employed workers), protecting union jobs, and using every dollar from retaliatory tariffs to directly support impacted workers in construction, steel, aluminum, and auto.
Candidate bio:
Jureun Park is your NDP candidate for South Surrey-White Rock. She is a working mother, an award-winning hotel manager, and a proud British Columbian. Jureun immigrated from South Korea in 2006 and survived the 2008 financial crisis, working tirelessly to support her family, which has shaped her deep commitment to fighting for economic stability and fairness, making her passionate about advocating for affordability and job security for all Canadians. As an active member of her community, she has served in leadership roles on her local tourism board and strata association. Her business acumen will inform precise and effective economic solutions. As your MP, Jureun would prioritize protecting Canadians' pensions, capping grocery price increases, building affordable homes, expanding healthcare, childcare, and tariff-proofing the Canadian economy.
Social media accounts and website:
https://jureunpark.ndp.ca/
Telephone number voters can reach you at:
Please email jureun.park@ndp.ca
