The riding of Coquitlam - Burke Mountain is one of those hotly contested swing ridings we keep hearing about in the news. It has switched back and forth between Liberal and NDP a number of times and in 2017 Liberal candidate Joan Isaacs won by less than 100 votes. 

As with the other ridings throughout the Tri-Cities, much of the discussion revolves around the party platforms dealing with COVID 19. Other topics of discussion include their policies in dealing with the resulting economic repercussions of COVID 19,  housing / homelessness, and climate change. 

The three candidates who took part in this debate hosted by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce were;
 

Adam Bremner-Akins, Green Party candidate;

Mr. Bremner-Akins describes himself as a local climate activist that is fighting for climate action and sustainable business in B.C. Adam says he has also worked to advance the issues of youth. As one of the youngest candidates running in B.C., he feels he can bring the perspective of youth to legislature.

The BC Green Party platform includes; a fair and just transition away from fossil fuels, an immediate ban on fracking, and zero subsidies for fossil fuel corporations with the goal of having a carbon neutral BC by 2045. They are also the only party at this time that is not in favor of continuing with the Site C Dam project. 

Mr. Bremner-Akins claims that the BC Green Party is also committed to supporting our most economically vulnerable, those on income support, youth aging out of care, seniors, those with disabilities and renters. At the same time we will immediately move to support small businesses with a $300 million six-month rent subsidy program.
 

Mrs.Joan Isaacs, Incumbent, BC Liberal Party candidate; 

Mrs. Isaacs describes herself as a person who is enthusiastic to help and build better communities. She is community-minded and passionate about youth and families, seniors, housing and homelessness, mental health and restorative justice.   

Mrs. Isaacs has 30 years in the financial services industry and founded a consulting company to help non-profit and for-profit organizations. As a hockey mom with two sons, she says she also understands the importance of providing more affordable daycare options.

If Mrs. Isaacs is re-elected to legislature for a second term she says her top three priorities are to build a middle / secondary school in the Burke Mountain region, to improve supports for child care, and to  support local small businesses.

Mr. Fin Donnelly, BC New Democratic Party candidate;

Mr. Donnelly says that, as a former Coquitlam City Councillor and Member of Parliament, he knows and understands the Tri-Cities community's needs. He describes himself as a community and environmental advocate.

During is 18 years of political service Mr. Donnelly  has raise awareness about the health of B.C.’s waterways and encourage environmental conservation. He founded and currently chairs the Rivershed Society of BC, and co-founded the Fraser Watershed Initiative. 

Mr. Donnelly's priorities include building a new middle school and high school on Burke Mountain, expanding Eagle Ridge Hospital and bringing a new Urgent Primary Care Centre to the Tri-Cities, and more $10-a-day childcare.