Canadians go to the polls May 2 to decide what shape their next federal government will take.
To help Reporter readers with their decision at the ballot box, we’ve asked each of the federal candidates in Fleetwood-Port Kells to complete mini-profiles. The following are their responses, in alphabetical order.
Fleetwood-Port Kells
Pam Dhanoa
Age: Old enough to know better!
Party: Liberal
Residence: 58A Avenue Surrey
Occupation: Real Estate
Last book read: The Shack
Personal motto: Do unto others...
Twitter handle: pam_dhanoa
Facebook profile? Yes
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
Families in Cloverdale, like families across the country, are faced with a clear choice in this election. A choice between investments in children, university education, secure retirement, and health care, or investments in jails, jets, and corporate tax cuts. Middle class families in Cloverdale are facing the challenges of making a living, paying for child care, sending their children to post secondary education, saving for retirement, and some are caring for sick family members in their homes. The Liberal Family pack will provide investments in early childhood education and affordable childcare spaces, and our Learning Passport will provide up to $6,000 over four years for students in post secondary education. We will make improvements to the CPP and create a voluntary savings plan for those who want secure savings for retirement. We will also provide assistance to those who are caring for their sick or infirm loved ones in the home.
Nao Fernando
Age: ageless
Party: NDP
Residence: Fraser Heights
Occupation: Employment relations officer for the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
Last book read: The Third Man, by Peter Mandelson
Motto: The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges, to sleep in the streets, and to steal bread – Anatole France
What to you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
Trust and integrity is the top issue for voters in this election. Whether talking about
the HST, the cost of fighter jets or jails, supporting health care, or cutting corporate taxes by $6 billion, the question for people is who they trust to look out for their interests in the next parliament.
Did your MP represent you when only the NDP voted against the HST in Ottawa? Do you believe Stephen Harper when he tells you the fighters won’t cost $30 billion? Do you trust cutting $2.5 billion in taxes for big oil is needed right now – Exxon made $9.5 billion in after-tax profit in the last quarter.
People must consider criminal charges surrounding senators and advisers to the Conservative party, and look at the Liberal record of broken promises.
Jack Layton and Nao Fernando will stand by you – we will bring integrity to Ottawa.
Nina Grewal
Incumbent
Age: 51
Party: Conservative Party of Canada
Residence: 55A Avenue in Surrey
Occupation: Former sales representative
Last book read: Fearful Symmetry, by Brian Lee Crowley
Motto: Anything worth doing,
is worth doing well
Twitter handle: MPNinaGrewal
Facebook profile? Yes
What is your proudest accomplishment in Cloverdale as incumbent MP for the riding?
Of course, only a very small portion of Cloverdale falls within my riding, but many of my accomplishments have benefited
residents living throughout Surrey.
Consider the millions of dollars I’ve successfully lobbied to bring into our community.
There has been money for employment programs, crime prevention, and seniors, not to mention local infrastructure like the Surrey Art Gallery and the Library and local roads and bridges.
These federal expenditures are having a direct impact on the lives of all residents whether their home is in Fleetwood, Guildford, Newton, or Cloverdale.
Alex Joehl
Age: 29
Party: Libertarian Party of Canada
Residence: Surrey, B.C.
Occupation: Meat cutter/journalist
Last book read: The Fountainhead
Personal motto: I’m not one for mottos, but I particularly like a quote from another Libertarian party candidate, “Everyone is unique. No one is special.”
Twitter handle: No Twitter account
Facebook profile? Yes, under my name Alex Joehl
What do you think is the top issue facing Cloverdale?
Surrey is one of the best places in the world to live and Cloverdale has a very unique role.
Cloverdale is seen as a distinct entity, yet has a symbiotic relationship with its neighbouring communities.
While some parts of southern Cloverdale have plateaued, so-to-speak, others like Clayton Heights are exploding in population, and therefore in economic relevance. While a libertarian’s issues are rarely unique to any specific interest group, one issue that may stand out is transportation and infrastructure.
I believe there is a need to return all the taxes collected from gasoline and diesel – around 40 cents per litre – to the provincial and municipal levels. Cloverdale’s success is dependent on access and currently there is room for improvement. If elected I would cut the federal government’s involvement because transit and infrastructure is a regional challenge, so adding another layer of bureaucracy hinders Cloverdale’s – and all of Surrey’s – chances for successful economic growth.
Note: Fleetwood-Port Kells Green Party candidate Alan Saldanha has withdrawn from the race but his name will still appear on the ballot.
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