New Westminster-Coquitlam candidates answer your questions

Candidates were given five days to answer these questions. Two of three candidates responded by deadline.

Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words per question.

Maureen Curran, BC Green Party

How long have you lived in the riding?

I moved to the Tri-Cities in 1998 and started teaching in SD43 the same year. I’ve lived in New West for the last 20 and been very involved in both communities. Locally I’ve coached swim teams to top 3 provincial finishes, taken students to the Annual UBC Physics Olympics, started up an AP physics program at Centennial, and sponsored numerous clubs, including the Environmental Award winning Trash Club.

How will you create more good jobs in your riding?

Youth unemployment is a big concern, as is our lack of diversification in economic endeavours. The BC Greens know that we cannot count on LNG and gas when 90% of new energy development is in renewables; we need to support business growth in electrification, battery development and other forward thinking projects so that our youth can be trained in jobs that have a strong future and help us build a more resilient community.

Under what conditions, if any, should B.C. welcome AI data centres?

Any AI data center has to be able to show it will not impact our water resources (we already suffer from shortages and need to prioritize agriculture and other necessities). It would also need to be low or zero carbon, and not put strain on our electrical grid or increase local pollution.

What steps should the province take to mitigate the effects of climate change?

We need to support cities in their efforts to reduce the impacts of floods and mudslides, as well as find more effective ways to prepare for droughts by being more water efficient. Too many of our key crops in the Okanagan have had extremely difficult years where an early thaw or late frost has wiped out an entire season. The province needs to show leadership in coordinating across municipalities up and down the Fraser, working with farming communities and supporting local efforts to plan ahead.

What measures will you take to protect and restore biodiversity and watersheds?

Recently it’s been heartbreaking to see the repeated spills and deadly fish kills that happened in our local salmon bearing streams. I used to live right by Hoy creek, and would watch with my kids and cheer as the salmon worked their miracles heading upstream every fall. Fines after the fact doesn’t bring back the thousands of lost fish; we need more education and protections built into draining systems to reduce these risks. Salmon are part of our community and deserve our protection.

Would you support a change to proportional representation in B.C. elections?

I think it is long past time for us to actually get the government we vote for, and to see the diversity of our community fully represented in Victoria. Before the first referendum I went door to door; every single person who wanted to engage in a conversation ended up being in favour. Many had questions, but, once they were answered, deemed it was worth a try. The citizens assembly did a good job, because it came up with a plan that puts the power back in our hands. Let’s use it.

What is your stance on micromobility devices and improving first/last kilometre travel?

These devices have SUCH great potential, but right now the province has been avoiding its responsibility in managing them being properly regulated so that they can be used safely. At present they pose a great risk to users and pedestrians, and that has to be fixed. The six long years of “studying” has to be wrapped up and an initial plan put into place, with proper safety gear requirements and firm limits on speeds, age restrictions and where they can be used.

Has the province provided enough funding for the construction of new schools? If not, what should change?

We are finally close to being on track with school construction, but at this point what schools need most is adequate staffing of EAs and custodians, along with providing funding for mental health services and equipment. Our kids deserve support, they deserve clean buildings, and they deserve to have access to modern textbooks and equipment that isn’t held together with duct tape. As a teacher I’ve seen the decline over 30 years and it’s beyond disappointing.

Are you in favour of privatizing or partially privatizing medical care in BC? Explain why or why not.

We already have a partially privatized model and it is the reason why costs for health care have gone up, while access has gone down. The Greens want to see an expansion of the Community Health Centers that have already been created, so that everyone has access to the services of a health practitioner without clogging up the ER. We need to get creative and support the medical professionals who want the chance to do the work they love without the added stress of running a business.

Why should residents vote for you?

As a scientist (MSc physics) and a 30-year veteran teacher, I can offer my skills as a problem solver and a collaborator. Although I am a great team player, my service record shows that I am also determined and fight hard for what I believe in. I am ready to work with whomever is in power to make things better for my constituents; and I won’t ever be made to vote against my beliefs to keep my party happy. I look forward to working with and learning from you, my neighbours, so that your voices are finally heard.

Jennifer Whiteside, BC NDP (incumbent)

How long have you lived in the riding?

I was born and raised in New Westminster and have called it home for much of my life.

The Burquitlam part of the riding was always part of my life growing up—Lougheed Mall was a frequent destination and the Wai Lai was a favorite family restaurant. It’s exciting to see the vibrant growth of the Korean business community in this area. I attended Douglas College which has a special place in my heart. I’m particularly excited by the 368-unit student housing building currently under construction.

How will you create more good jobs in your riding?

Small to medium businesses are the backbone of our community and we’ll provide direct relief for small businesses impacted by US tariffs, and create a hiring incentive credit for businesses who hire young people for their first full time job. Working with the federal government, we’ll open new markets for BC products, and help BC businesses to grow and trade with the world.

Under what conditions, if any, should B.C. welcome AI data centres?

We all want to protect our communities, our water supply and our power grid. That’s why last fall the BC NDP passed a new law to limit the power available for data centres, safeguard our power grid, and support our climate goals. We’ll also be setting strict new water-efficiency standards, mandated public reporting of water use, and requiring engagement with local communities on conservation and drought planning.

What steps should the province take to mitigate the effects of climate change?

The BC NDP has been taking action to fight climate change while growing our economy.

Under our plan, emissions per dollar of economic activity are down over 30%, and methane emissions are down 48%. Our proposed Clean Futures Fund will dedicate a portion of provincial revenue from oil and gas to fund climate action programs that help families and businesses choose less costly clean energy, and create new jobs, starting with an investment of $50 million. Many Conservative candidates don’t believe in the science behind climate change, and they can’t be trusted to take serious action.

What measures will you take to protect and restore biodiversity and watersheds?

The BC NDP is on track to meet our goal to protect 30% of B.C.’s land by 2030. We are currently at 20% protected, or 18.9 million hectares. We also successfully fought to maintain the North Coast Tanker Ban, protecting an incredibly unique ecosystem. Next, we will invest $30 million per year into the BC Watershed Security Fund, to secure healthy watersheds and thriving communities for generations. The Conservatives oppose our 30×30 goal, and would roll back conservation.

Would you support a change to proportional representation in B.C. elections?

It’s crucial that our democracy is strong and that we have the tools to adapt to changing pressures on our democratic system. In 2018, we held a referendum in which British Columbians indicated that the current voting system was where they wanted to stay. But there is still work to be done to make sure our political system reflects the needs of British Columbians. In 2025 we struck an all-party committee to examine democratic engagement, and we’ll continue to work together with all parties to ensure the integrity of our democracy.

What is your stance on micromobility devices and improving first/last kilometre travel?

New options that allow people to get around with lower carbon emissions are exciting, but the safety of all road users needs to be paramount. That’s why we launched a detailed study of e-scooters to see how best to safely integrate them into our transportation networks. Local governments know their needs best, which is why municipalities have the choice to opt-in to this study period. Our BC NDP government has invested in active transportation infrastructure projects like cycling lanes and multi-use paths that make it easier for people to get around their community.

Has the province provided enough funding for the construction of new schools? If not, what should change?

Investments must keep up with growth. We’ve built seismic replacements for Moody and Irvine Elementary and additions at Charles Best Secondary and Scott Creek Middle, along with the brand-new Coast Salish Elementary.

In progress are the seismic replacement of Montgomery Middle, the replacement for Hazel Trembath, and as Education Minister I was proud to deliver funding for the new Burke Mountain Secondary.

The last time conservatives were in government, they closed 250 schools including eight in SD 43. The BC NDP has 250 new or upgraded schools complete or underway across the province.

Are you in favour of privatizing or partially privatizing medical care in BC? Explain why or why not.

Absolutely not. I, along with every single BC NDP candidate, have signed a Public Health Care Guarantee because we believe no matter your income, you should have access to quality care, when you need it. The BC NDP will close loopholes that allow clinics to charge user fees and extra billing for publicly insured, medically necessary services.

In Alberta, the conservative government is creating a two-tier healthcare system, with private-pay options that pull resources from the public system. We cannot let the same thing happen here.

Why should residents vote for you?

I love my community, and so much is at stake in this volatile time. It’s a critical time for BC and for Canada. People are worried about paying their rent and putting food on the table. The impact of tariffs is real—for workers, for families, and for New Westminster- Coquitlam’s small businesses.

David Eby and our BC NDP team have a strong plan to stand up for BC, to protect the services people count on and support people who need it, and to build a stronger economy for the future. That’s why I’m asking for your support once again.