Why are you running for federal office?
- This is the most consequential federal election of our lifetime. I was asked to run and I couldn’t stay on the sidelines. Our sovereignty, economic stability and environment are at risk. I’m proud to stand with Team Carney and the Liberal Party of Canada as the candidate for MP in our riding. I’ve spent over 20 years in health care, followed by leading strategic growth and business development in the private sector. I’ve also served three terms on Port Moody city council and currently serve as a Coquitlam school trustee. Like most locally elected officials, I’ve always balanced those roles with full-time work. I’m not a career politician: I’m someone who shows up, rolls up my sleeves, and gets things done. I’ve lived in this community since 2004 and have been a long serving volunteer in the community for most of my adult life. I consistently reinvest a significant portion of my public service income back into local causes. Why? Because I love our community and the people in it. I’m passionate about the arts, protecting our environment, and improving quality of life for everyone, especially families, seniors, and youth. And my biggest inspiration? My mom. Now 85, she was one of Canada's first female OB/GYNs and helped launch the feminist movement through her co-authorship of the Shocking Pink Papers. Her courage and tenacity remind me every day that real progress requires passion, persistence and heart. I’m ready to bring all of that to Ottawa and be a strong, trusted voice for our community.
What federal roles have you held in the past four years?
- None; however, I’ve been elected locally since 2011.
What is your current job?
- I currently serve as a school trustee and as Strategic Growth Officer for Massive Canada Building Systems. That said, I’ve taken an unpaid leave from both roles to fully focus on the federal election. I’m also proud to have created a story collection designed to inspire and empower girls and young women.
How long have you lived in the riding?
- I’ve proudly called this community home for 20 years. My husband and I have started several businesses here and in 2009 we built one of the first passive solar homes in the Tri-Cities, also one of the first in all of Metro Vancouver. We’ve always believed in contributing to our community, reducing our carbon footprint, living our values and leading by example.
Why are you running for this party?
- I’m a lifelong progressive who believes deeply in the Liberal Party’s core values: freedom, opportunity, social justice, and a strong democracy. These values have guided my life in public service. I’m proud to stand with Prime Minister Mark Carney. He has the experience, judgment, and vision to lead our country through these challenging, uncertain times and into a secure, prosperous tomorrow. In a time when our sovereignty, climate and middle class are all under pressure, we need leadership that puts Canadians first — and delivers for all of us.
How long have you been a party member?
- Since 2019.
What are your Top 3 campaign promises?
1. Climate Action & Clean Energy Investments
- I believe Canada must lead on climate, and that starts with bold, practical action. If elected, I’ll work with my colleagues to strengthen carbon pricing on major polluters, bring back rebates for zero-emission vehicles and phase out fossil fuels in federal buildings by 2030. We'll invest in clean energy and protect our future with a carbon border adjustment, ensuring countries that lag on climate don’t undercut Canadian workers or businesses.
2. Doubling Housing Construction
- Housing should be within reach, for families, seniors, and young Canadians trying to build a life. If elected, I’ll fight to double Canada’s home construction to 500,000 units a year. We’ll invest in the infrastructure communities need, eliminate GST for first-time homebuyers on homes under $1 million and create a national agency to deliver affordable housing. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home and we’re going to build it!
3. Middle-Class Tax Cut & Affordability for All
- This election is about helping Canadians get ahead. I’ll support a middle-class tax cut that lowers the federal income tax rate. This will help over 22 million Canadians, especially seniors on fixed incomes, young workers, and growing families. And for the small businesses that are the lifeblood of our communities, we’ll continue cutting credit card fees, boosting access to capital and supporting local entrepreneurs who create jobs and keep our main streets vibrant.
If elected, how will you ensure you are available to constituents?
- Since first being elected in 2011, I’ve prided myself on being accessible, approachable, and genuinely responsive to the people I serve. If elected MP, that won’t change. I’ll maintain regular office hours for walk-ins, host town halls and community gatherings, and continue sharing updates through newsletters and an active social media presence. Whether it’s a quick question, a personal concern or a big idea, my team and I will always make time to listen, connect and follow through.
How are you and your party preparing for future pandemics?
- With over 20 years in health-care administration, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of preparation, coordination and compassion in supporting people’s well-being. That’s why I support the Liberal Party’s strong and thoughtful approach to pandemic readiness. We’ve already established Health Emergency Readiness Canada (HERC) — a new agency focused on accelerating vaccines, medical treatments and diagnostics, while ensuring we can respond quickly to emerging health threats. The Liberals are also rebuilding Canada’s domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity, including investments in mRNA technology and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. A new national pandemic preparedness plan is being developed in collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners and health experts. It will guide Canada’s future response to respiratory pandemics and be regularly updated as science evolves. We’re also modernizing our early-warning systems and real-time data sharing to detect outbreaks and ensure faster access to life-saving health tools. I know how critical it is to have systems that care for people, work in real time and restore public trust. We’re not waiting for the next crisis — we’re preparing for it now.
How are you and your party implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action?
- Canada’s history has caused deep and lasting harm to Indigenous peoples. When I served on Port Moody council, I co-authored a report that led to a council-endorsed plan for meaningful reconciliation — including Indigenous-led consultation, cultural safety training and stronger relationships with the Nations whose lands we live on. I bring that same commitment to federal leadership. The Liberal government has so far taken many steps to address these Calls to Action, but we know there is much more work to be done. So far, we have achieved the following:
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: The Liberals established Sept. 30 as a statutory holiday to honour survivors of residential schools and promote public awareness (Call to Action 80)
- National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: The government has provided funding for the construction of a permanent home for the Centre and committed sustained financial support for its operations, including work on Missing Children and Unmarked Graves (Calls to Action 72–76)
- Changes to the Citizenship Oath: The oath now recognizes Indigenous peoples, fulfilling Call to Action 94.
- Bill C-15: This legislation implemented the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
- But there is still more work to do. The Liberal government continues to develop a national action plan in partnership with Indigenous communities, and I will advocate to ensure we follow through with truth, accountability, and lasting impact. Vital ongoing efforts include:
- Missing Children and Burial Information: The government continues collaboration with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to maintain the National Indian Residential School Student Death Register and develop a registry of residential school cemeteries (Calls to Action 72–73)
- Covenant of Reconciliation: Work is ongoing to fulfill Call to Action 46 by developing a Covenant of Reconciliation that outlines principles for advancing reconciliation collaboratively
- National Council for Reconciliation: Bill C-29 was introduced in 2022 to establish an independent, Indigenous-led council that will monitor progress on TRC Calls to Action (Call to Action 53)
Municipalities are struggling with growth orders from senior levels of government. How will you and your party address the needs for more/upgraded infrastructure?
- As a former city councillor, I spent years reviewing land use and transportation plans to help ensure residents could live close to transit, car share options, and active transportation routes. I’ve always believed people need efficient, reliable options, ideally just a few steps from their front door. That’s how we reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. I support the Liberal government’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure that supports real, livable growth. A recent example is the $1.5 billion investment over the next 10 years for public transit in Metro Vancouver through TransLink: the kind of investment that directly improves daily life for people in our region. Our plan is to continue working in partnership with local governments to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with housing and population needs because smart growth depends on smart, accessible systems.
How will you and your party improve income support for seniors and people with disabilities?
- Everyone deserves to age with dignity and security. That’s why we’re committed to easing financial pressures for seniors and those living on fixed incomes. We will reduce the mandatory withdrawal amount from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25 per cent for one year, giving retirees more flexibility and peace of mind. We’re also increasing the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) by five per cent for one year, which means up to $652 in additional, tax-free support for low-income seniors. It’s a step toward ensuring that no senior is left behind, because Canadians who spent their lives building this country deserve to live with comfort and respect.
With threatened annexation by the U.S. president, do you and your party support an increase in defence spending?
- Yes, I believe Canada must be able to stand strong and protect our sovereignty, especially in uncertain times. That’s why I support our commitment to reach NATO’s target of two per cent of GDP for defence by 2030. This investment isn’t just about equipment; it’s about supporting the people who serve. That includes better recruitment, higher pay, new on-base housing, and improved health-care services for Canadian Armed Forces members and their families. We can’t take our independence or safety for granted and I won’t.
Canada's overdose epidemic is a national crisis. What will you and your party do to ensure that harm reduction services and safer supply programs are more available?
- This crisis is touching families across every community, and it demands a compassionate, health-first approach. As someone with a background in health care, I support treating substance use as a public health issue, not a criminal one. The Liberal government has already enacted a comprehensive strategy that emphasizes prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and decriminalization. This includes:
- $500 million to help provinces and territories expand access to a full range of treatment options
- National standards for substance use treatment to ensure quality and accessibility
- $25 million in public education to reduce stigma and promote understanding
- Wider access to naloxone kits and life-saving interventions
- Repealing mandatory minimums for certain drug offences to redirect people toward care instead of incarceration
- Investing in real-time research and monitoring tools to respond to emerging drug trends.
- We’re working with Indigenous partners, provinces, and frontline organizations to ensure care is accessible, and responsive to the lived reality of this crisis. Lives are at stake and we are committed to showing up with urgency, compassion and action.
Contact
📣 Got an opinion on this story or any others in the Tri-Cities? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
📲 Want to stay updated on Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra news? Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
💬 Words missing in an article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
