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Election Qs: Why do Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam candidates believe their party can solve Canada's housing crisis?

Each week before Sept. 20, we'll ask local candidates a question on a key topic or issue relevant to the Tri-City region and/or local residents.
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer
Kingsway affordable housing in Port Coquitlam
An artist rendering of an affordable rental housing development on Kingsway Avenue in Port Coquitlam. This was presented to city council in June 2021.Screengrab/City of Port Coquitlam

On Sept. 20, local residents will be voting for a member of parliament in the Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam riding for the 2021 federal election.

Each week leading up to decision day, the Tri-City News will publish answers to topical questions from those vying for a seat in the House of Commons.

Responses from candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

QUESTION:

  • Canada is facing an affordable housing crisis and all federal parties have a solution. Why is your party’s plan better?

ANSWERS:

Katerina Anastasiadis — Conservative 

  • The Conservatives’ Canada Recovery Plan aims to build one million homes in three years. Combined with banning foreign ownership, we will make buying a home more affordable for families in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. Additionally, our introduction of seven-to-10-year mortgages and fixing stress tests will help stabilize the market, end discriminatory practices, and make homeownership a reality for young Canadians.

Kimberly Brundell — People's Party of Canada

  • As of this publication (Sept. 16), Brundell has yet to respond to our question. We will update this article when information becomes available.

Laura Dupont — NDP

  • Jagmeet Singh and the NDP will work with communities and non-profit developers to build 500,000 affordable homes — because building more units of expensive market housing won’t solve the housing crisis. We’ll waive the federal GST/HST on affordable rental construction, while introducing a Foreign Buyers’ Tax to tackle rampant housing speculation.

Ron McKinnon — Liberal

  • The Liberals have the best plan to increase housing affordability and are the only party with a plan to end chronic homelessness. A re-elected Liberal government will build or repair 1.4 million homes in four years — nearly seven times the NDP target. We are introducing a new Rent-to-Own Program, creating the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, introducing the Home Buyer’s Bill of Rights, and doubling the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit.