I want to acknowledge the challenges COVID-19 presented since the pandemic hit in March. We have been working hard to revitalize our economy and embrace emerging sectors. In many ways this is the moment for small and medium-sized businesses to seize innovation. Our Economic Recovery Plan is helping by providing a 15% refundable tax credit based on eligible new payroll, $300 million in recovery grants to support approximately 15,000 small and medium-sized businesses who’ve been hardest hit by COVID-19, a temporary 100% PST rebate on select machinery and equipment that will help eligible businesses make the kinds of investments they need to solidify their operations and then grow, and an investment of $400 million to revitalize community infrastructure, creating opportunities for BC companies and jobs for thousands of people.

We will make sure these critical supports remain available through the duration of the pandemic, and we will not hesitate to expand or enhance them as further needs are identified. John Horgan and the entire BC NDP are committed to investing in communities, people and making sure that our made in BC businesses can remain resilient for generations to come. 

In the wake of COVID-19, small businesses are already feeling the financial impacts without having to worry about whether or not they can afford rent. The BC Greens commit to a 6-month rent subsidy for small businesses, covering 25% of rental costs, as well as working with the Federal Government to implement a loan program so businesses have access to funding when they need it without predatory interest rates.

I will also work with the City of Vancouver to change property tax and zoning legislation so that small businesses with “triple net” lease structures do not bear the burden of the cost of operating the buildings they occupy. Additionally, I am alarmed with the rate that cultural spaces such as art galleries and performance venues are forced to leave our neighborhood, and will work in conjunction with those operators to stop the outflow of those establishments.

In March of 2020, all the parties agreed to a Covid related bailout for the citizens and business community.  Inexplicably, these funds have not been distributed.  Instead of focusing on economy, we are in the middle of a pandemic-election.

The BC Liberals have presented economic plans that will address each.  

– Elimination of PST in first year followed by a reduction to 3% in second year.  

– Reducing the gender pay gap  (BC Liberals have already proposed a law that will ensure complete transparency).

– Reverse BC’s decline as a global hub for technology and innovation so we can attract and create jobs of the future.

– There will be another million people in the lower mainland by 2040.  Where are they going to live?  We need to make a generational investment in transit, roads and bridges to reduce congestion so that the quality of life we love does not get lost in traffic jams and congested highways.  

Everyone deserves to have a home and to feel safe in their community. Homelessness has been a growing challenge across Vancouver for over a decade. We have a plan which will build on the almost 1,000 supportive homes that we have opened in Vancouver since 2017. We are building 450 units of supportive housing, including 100 expedited ones coming in spring 2021, purchasing more stock,  and have announced plans to open a new Navigation centre in partnership with the city of Vancouver. Data shows positive outcomes from the first six months of the first modulars we opened: 84% of residents report improvements in overall well-being; 82% of residents report experiencing positive interactions with neighbours.

We will continue to be creative and work cooperatively with the City of Vancouver, while also urging the federal government to come to the table. We know that it takes more just housing to address homelessness, which is why we remain committed to investing in the wrap around support services that empower independence.

First and foremost, the provincial government must take responsibility for the wellbeing of both those in need of housing and those concerned by the changes they see in their neighborhoods. This means rapidly increasing the amount of dignified, community housing for those who need it, with the ultimate goal of homes for all by 2030, where no one in the province is unhoused.

The BC Greens will incorporate mental health into our provincial health system coverage so that no one is unable to get the help and care they need. The implementation of a safe supply of drugs to those with addictions will not only save lives, but in comparable jurisdictions has shown a large reduction in property crime with savings passed on to businesses. I believe that housing is a human right, and its provision will lead positive outcomes for all in our community.

I have been lucky enough to meet many residents in the Mount Pleasant riding. On one visit to Strathcona I met Adam, who was very direct and honest in terms of the burden that the tent city has had on the residents. Including the lack of space for kids to play.

I then met with an association called Children of Strathcona. Drew and Meghan gave me and my wife a tour of the neighborhood pointing out all the new fencing that is being erected at the schools and the detailed reasons why.  

The sense of community that the residents of Strathcona showed was impressive. No one was advocating to move the individuals from the park to another area. They focused on the uneven distribution of burden towards the Strathcona residents that the tents in Strathcona Park have placed on the neighborhood. They understand that there are reasons for the homelessness, and they should be addressed.  

Those are:

• Mental Health care.  
• Drug Addiction.  
• Affordable housing.  
• Proper Employment.  
• Neighborhood safety.  

Without addressing each of the above in a proactive way, we will never see a solution. My approach would be to ensure that there are enough services for each; work hard to have a robust economy; look at all possible solutions for affordable housing (what works in Europe and other parts of the world).

I fully understand the frustration of businesses in our community. It’s not just going to take resources. It’s going to take compassion and commitment to move the dial. Last month we announced a $100 million grant program for local governments, who have responsibilities around policing and bylaw enforcement, to address challenges with street disorder and safety concerns.

The BC NDP have also committed $25 million for more front-line mental health and social service workers, freeing up police to focus on serious crime and criminals who are preying both on those living on the street and in the surrounding community. And we have launched an additional psychiatrist-led 24/7 mobile assertive community treatment (ACT) teams in Vancouver, focusing on the Strathcona neighbourhood, to help people with severe mental health challenges, including those experiencing homelessness. Existing teams have reduced street disorder by 71% and violence by 36% amongst their clients.

We also know that peers play an instrumental role in transforming neighbourhoods. It’s essential that we continue to be creative and work in partnership to address these important issues. 

As outlined in my previous answer, the provision of safe and dignified housing for all, as well as access to safe supply is at the heart of addressing these concerns. Additionally, funding for mental health professionals and those who specialize in providing support for those in our community who may benefit from such a relationship are critical.

The outcome of crime impacting businesses is an expression of the trauma felt by those who have been unable to find the support and community needed, and I feel a large responsibility as both a candidate and a resident of this riding to do my part to ensure those resources are found.

Specific actions that I would take are:

Chair a committee with all stakeholders (city officials, police, social workers, BIA’s) and develop strategies and action plans that will address each concern.  My responsibility is to ensure that these topics are constantly top of mind and that results are both realistic and tangible.  

Small and medium-size businesses are the heart of our economy, this is true in Vancouver-Mount Pleasant and in all of British Columbia.  When we as a government do our level best to support business owners to thrive, we are supporting our community members by keeping them employed, making sure they have access to important services, and ensuring our local economy is strong.

Another key issue that has been brought to light through COVID-19 is the need for business owners to have access to skilled labour. We will continue to make record investments in training by ensuring that it’s accessible and affordable.

We have also taken unprecedented measures to address affordability by investing in childcare and healthcare. We provided British Columbians with an initial $1,000 tax free payment at the beginning of the pandemic and we are committed to doing so again. When families have extra cash in their pockets, they are more likely to invest in their local communities, supporting their favourite businesses, and generating economic activity that benefits us all. We are not out of this pandemic yet. We will continue working for you to address affordability so families, individuals and businesses can thrive in our community.

I hope you will vote for me because my message of compassionate and responsible evidence-based policy resonates with you. Many of the solutions we seek are known and have been known by experts for some time, however, it requires the will to see them done. I, along with the BC Greens believe the time for delay is over and that particularly in the context of COVID-19, people need solutions now.

Many residents and businesses are struggling and this election suspending government only makes it worse as new legislation to provide support and fill in funding gaps cannot be passed. If you would like to be represented by someone who lives and works in your neighborhood, I would love to have your support.

Unfortunately, in the last three years, the Strathcona/East Hastings area issues have increased exponentially. Even before Covid the neighborhood was seeing these effects. My party is presenting tangible and achievable goals. I pledge to you when I become your MLA, I will not only listen to every concern that you have, but will also work to find an equitable solution for everyone. I will be present and accessible to each of you. I never over-promise and under-deliver.