BC NDP MLA candidates in Richmond are relying heavily on their party's previous policies while running against independents and Conservatives in this provincial election.
The News spoke with Henry Yao of the BC NDP for Richmond Centre, the incumbent MLA, and Glynnis Chan, independent candidate for Richmond-Bridgeport to discuss their proposals to address housing and infrastructure, small business concerns as well as public safety.
NDP defends record on cracking down on Airbnbs, vacant homes
Regarding housing, Yao focused on policies already put forward by the NDP to increase the supply of housing.
He acknowledged young people face challenges when accessing housing due to factors such as global inflation and high interest rates. But he noted the NDP government put forward Bill 44 and 47 to increase the supply of housing via densification in transit-oriented areas and single-family neighbourhoods.
The vacancy tax and limiting Airbnbs were other NDP policies aimed at alleviating the strain on housing supply, Yao said.
“We came out with the speculation tax to encourage people who are holding onto empty units and not doing anything with them to return (them) back into the long-term market,” he said.
“And, of course, we also limited Airbnb, making sure that anybody having units, (is) focusing on turning (them) into long-term homes, instead of a way of building up profit.”
Yao added the strategy has always been to focus on not turning housing into a for-profit business. He mentioned the recently announced $1,000 per family tax cut, which Premier David Eby claims will benefit 90 per cent of British Columbians.
Chan said she didn’t have a specific plan to tackle the housing issue yet, but added she understood the severity of the situation. According to her, immigration has played a key factor in the housing shortage, and there's a need for more housing supply.
Additionally, Chan explained the need for more low-income housing in Richmond to support families, providing the examples of Hong Kong and Singapore.
In their platform, the Conservative Party of BC states their “Get BC Building” plan will introduce more supply and affordability in the province by cutting red tape and providing relief for housing costs.
“The housing crisis continues to make life more difficult under the NDP, as British Columbians find it harder and harder to secure a good place to live. After having 7 years to fix the problem, the NDP is out of excuses and out of time,” states their platform.
Starting in 2026, the recently announced “Rustad Rebate” would give a $3,000/month income tax deduction for the housing costs of renters and homeowners.
Increasing construction efficiency is also a priority, the BC Conservative say. According to the party, it currently takes three or more years to get a new housing project approved under the current BC NDP government.
This would require rezoning and development permits be approved within six months and building permits within three months. A Conservative provincial government would issue the permits if a clear yes/no answer isn't given by local municipalities within the required timeline.
Conservatives criticize George Massey delays
As Richmond’s density increases, Yao wants to strengthen Richmond’s public transportation infrastructure and ensure the expansion of Richmond Hospital continues.
“I understand we're dealing with a really difficult time,” he said. “There's long wait times from different locations… Thankfully, Richmond has a better wait time, but that doesn't mean we should let down our guard.”
He added the BC NDP is hoping to advocate for more health-care resources to support residents, especially for seniors. According to Yao, a policy was recently put forward to provide free bus transportation for the elderly in Richmond.
For Chan, Richmond should prioritize building infrastructure to tackle addiction and mental health, which according to her, is a top priority for those she’s spoken to.
“Everyone says, no drugs,” said Chan. “They're not talking about housing first. They're not talking about transportation first. I believe the people in Richmond really want a peaceful and (harmonious) city.”
Infrastructure would be focused on more treatment facilities, with Chan strongly opposing safe supply and mentioning involuntary care should be needed depending on the person.
In an Aug. 7 release, Teresa Wat, who's running for re-election in Richmond- Bridgeport as a Conservative, expressed her disapproval of the supportive housing project on Cambie and Sexsmith, referring to the concerns of residents regarding public safety.
“Moving at-risk people into community housing without proper consultation and support systems in place is reckless and irresponsible,” said Wat in the release. “This decision not only endangers these individuals but also places an undue burden on the surrounding community.”
Regarding transportation infrastructure projects, the Conservative Party of BC has been critical of the NDP’s proposed George Massey Tunnel and its delays, pledging to propose a new high-capacity structure to connect Richmond and Delta at the earliest date.
Independent pushes for more drug education for youth
As labour shortages and public safety concerns pose challenges to small business owners, Yao said small businesses in B.C. already have some of the lowest small business tax rates in the country and will continue to find ways to support them moving forward.
To address public safety concerns, Yao highlighted the addition of 2,150 police officers into the system, as well as working against gang violence, illegal weapons and drug trafficking.
He also explained the necessity of tackling the root cause of public safety concerns from businesses, by addressing addiction, mental health and homelessness with an evidence-based approach.
“Premier Eby recently talked about involuntary care as well,” he said. “It is a difficult choice, but we want to make sure people who could potentially harm themselves or others are taken to a safe space to see the care they need.”
Chan reiterated the way to solve public safety concerns for businesses is to invest more in treatment facilities and stop the circulation of drugs, alluding to the decline of Chinatown since Expo 86.
“Once we have the drug problem solved, that means we can have good health,” she said. “If you don't solve the drug problem, our young people will take drugs and overdose. Our health system has overspent money.”
On the topic of addiction, Chan proposed an anti-drug education plan for primary and high school children to prevent usage.
The Conservative Party of BC’s platform claims it will strive to make the province “the best place in Canada to run a small business”, saying small business owners have been squeezed by crime, unaffordability, red tape and reduced consumer spending power.
“They are the cab drivers, bakers, landscapers, store owners, trades contractors, and daycare operators who keep our province running,” states their platform.
The Conservatives plan on reducing small business taxes to one per cent and zero when finances allow, cracking down on crime by addressing catch-and-release policies and reducing business permit waiting times.
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