The Tri-City News sent out a questionnaire to all candidates in the local ridings for the 2024 B.C. election.
The following is from Mike Farnworth, BC NDP candidate in Port Coquitlam.
Name: Mike Farnworth
Profession: Elected MLA since 1991
Residence: Port Coquitlam
Biography
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Mike Farnworth has been a strong voice for Port Coquitlam for over 40 years. First elected as MLA in 1991, and most recently re-elected in 2020, he has served in various key roles, including Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Deputy Premier. Mike has also held positions such as Minister of Health, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Social Development, and Government House Leader. Raised in Port Coquitlam since 1969, he earned a degree in geography from Simon Fraser University and served three terms on Port Coquitlam city council starting in 1983. Mike also worked internationally on democratic governance in Bulgaria, the Balkans and Iraq.
Contact information
- Website: mikefarnworth.bcndp.ca
- Email: [email protected]
- Socials:
- Facebook: facebook.com/MikeFarnworthForPoCo
- X: @mikefarnworthbc
- Instagram: @mike_farnworth_mla
Questionnaire
Recent legislation designed to get more housing built in urban areas close to transit has created tumult in some communities. How might your government further refine this approach to ensure the new housing that gets constructed also addresses local needs for affordable housing as well as homes for families and seniors?
I hear from voters all the time about the lack of affordable housing options for their families, and I want you to know that the BC NDP is committed to tackling this housing crisis head-on. We're focusing on solutions that serve everyone — especially families, seniors and those in need of affordable homes. With our Housing Action Plan, we’re taking bold steps to create 300,000 homes that middle-class British Columbians can afford. This includes simplifying regulations to encourage the construction of more townhouses, duplexes, and triplexes that are ideal for growing families.
We’ve also introduced legislation that allows us to build homes on public land and support secondary suite developments, offering even more affordable options. But we know the work isn’t done yet. That’s why we’re focused on ensuring that new housing developments meet the unique needs of each community, providing not just more homes — but the right homes — affordable for families, seniors, and those who need it most.
What would your government do to help municipalities provide more supportive housing?
We’ve been clear: tackling homelessness and supporting vulnerable people is a top priority for our government. The BC NDP has already built nearly 6,000 supportive homes and there are more coming. But I know there’s more to do, that’s why we are providing municipalities with the tools and funding they need to get people off the streets and into housing with wraparound supports. This includes everything from mental health services to healthcare, and it’s backed by our commitment to build more complex care housing for those who need it.
How would your provincial government support municipalities dealing with the increase in growth and demand for infrastructure like schools, childcare, parks and recreational facilities brought on by the new provincial housing regulations?
As our province grows, so too do the demands on our schools, childcare, parks, and recreational facilities. That’s why the BC NDP has made historic investments in infrastructure to meet those needs.
I’m proud to have secured $9.4 million for the City of Port Coquitlam to support growing infrastructure, and an additional $6.7-million grant to turn Gates Park into a world class sports field. Across the province, we have 125 new, expanded and seismically upgraded schools underway for over 70,000 students, with more on the horizon. This is unlike John Rustad and the Conservatives — who want to take us backward by increasing class sizes just like their BC Liberal friends did when they cut education. Instead, we're focused on ensuring our communities aren't just places to live, but places to thrive.
How will your government help make $10-a-day childcare more widely available to more families?
Affordable childcare is life-changing for families, and we’ve already cut costs in half for more than 148,000 families across the province. But we know we’re just getting started. Currently, we have two $10-a-day childcare centres in PoCo. We are committed to expanding this $10-a-day childcare program to even more families, and we’re building new childcare spaces at an unprecedented rate to make sure parents can return to work knowing their kids are safe, cared for, and getting the best start in life.
Small businesses are struggling with onerous leases, petty crime, increasing costs. According to a recent survey almost half fear they won't be around in four years. What will you do to make it better for those businesses to have a chance to survive and new ones to start up?
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we know they’re facing unprecedented challenges. The BC NDP has delivered tangible support to local businesses, including doubling the exemption threshold for the Employer Health Tax, cutting small business taxes, and providing relief on electricity costs. Another way we are helping small businesses is through our Small Business Rebate program, allowing businesses to apply to get up to $2,000 per year to help with repairs. I am committed to helping small businesses not just survive, but thrive, by ensuring they have the tools, workers, and support they need to succeed in today’s economy.
Our cities are growing into the surrounding wild areas; that’s creating increasing concerns about wildlife encounters and the threat of wildfires, what kind of supports would your government be able provide in those communities to protect wildlife and residents?
As our cities grow into surrounding natural areas, we must be proactive in protecting both residents and wildlife. Our government has invested heavily in wildfire preparedness and response, and we’re working closely with local communities, conservation officers, Indigenous groups and wildlife organizations to ensure they have the resources they need to mitigate risks and foster growth. We have recently partnered with the Grizzly Bear Foundation to help lessen bear-related conflicts across the province, but especially here in Port Coquitlam. We’re also focused on ensuring that development in these areas is done in a way that respects the natural environment and keeps residents safe.
In September, Premier David Eby told the Tri-City News his NDP government is committed to rebuilding Hazel Trembath Elementary in the same location. What will you do to ensure the school is rebuilt before the 2025-26 academic year begins?
What happened at Hazel Trembath Elementary was absolutely tragic, and the resulting disruptions for students and staff have been significant.
David Eby and the BC NDP are absolutely committed to rebuilding Hazel Trembath in the same location as quickly as possible because investing in K-12 education is how we build a brighter future, not just for our kids, but for our entire community.
How will your government ensure Port Coquitlam gets SkyTrain?
I am committed to working closely with TransLink and the City of Port Coquitlam to expand SkyTrain access throughout Metro Vancouver, including right here in Port Coquitlam.
The recent B-Line addition has been a great success, and we’re constantly in discussions with TransLink on ways to further improve transit access for our community. My goal is to ensure that residents have fast, reliable, and convenient public transit options as our communities continue to grow.
Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West has called the provincial government “irresponsible” for not replacing the Coquitlam River bridge, along the Lougheed Highway. When will your government fix this aging piece of infrastructure?
As Coquitlam River Bridge is in the middle of a key commuter route, it is of great importance that this bridge is replaced as quickly and efficiently as possible in order to support our community and keep traffic flowing smoothly.
I, alongside David Eby and the BC NDP, will continue to collaborate with the City and TransLink to support this project where we can, and to expand and improve transportation infrastructure.
The Mary Hill Bypass has many vehicular and cycling accidents each year. How will your government improve its safety?
Road safety is extremely important for me and for our government, and we’re always looking to work with communities to make our provincial roads more safe as well as work with municipalities to make local roads more safe.
This year, we announced $10 million in upgrades to the Mary Hill Bypass. These improvements will enhance safety for all users, ensuring that drivers and cyclists can travel with greater peace of mind.
There is more work to be done to ensure residents of Port Coquitlam can get where they need to go safely and efficiently, and I am looking forward to continuing that work.
