With another election upon us, Pique once again reached out to all candidates in Whistler and the Sea to Sky with a short questionnaire to help voters learn more about them. Each candidate got the same four questions, and 1,000 words to answer them in their own words.
Advance polls are open in Whistler through Monday, April 21. Election day is Monday, April 28.
1. Please share a short bio and any relevant experience
I'm Jäger Rosenberg, your federal NDP candidate. I was born and raised in our riding. I’ve spent the last few years actively involved in politics, youth advocacy, and grassroots campaigns focused on affordability, climate justice, and mental health.
At 17, I made history as the youngest person to ever run for office in Canada, seeking the B.C. NDP nomination in Powell River–Sunshine Coast. That experience deepened my commitment to building a more just, democratic, and sustainable future—one that puts people and communities first.
I currently serve as Diversity Director for the BC Young New Democrats and have held executive roles on two NDP riding associations. I also participated in the Gibsons Citizens’ Assembly on housing. In these roles, I’ve worked to elevate youth voices in politics and champion policies for affordable housing, stronger public health-care, climate action, and democratic renewal.
I’m running to represent the people of West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country and give a voice to the people who feel shut out of the political process.
2. Trade with the U.S. aside, what do you see as the top three issues in our riding? How would you address them?
Housing affordability is one of the most pressing challenges across our communities. People who work here can’t afford to live here, and the dream of home ownership is out of reach for an entire generation. The federal NDP is committed to bold action: banning corporate landlords from buying up affordable rentals, building 500,000 units of below market and co-op housing, publicly backed mortgages for first-time home buyers, and using federal tools to incentivize affordable developments—not luxury real estate that sits empty.
Climate action and emergency preparedness are also top priorities. Our region is already feeling the impact of the climate crisis—from wildfires to floods and extreme heat. The federal government must invest in renewable energy, wildfire prevention, and resilient infrastructure. The NDP will end fossil-fuel subsidies, cap oil and gas emissions, and fund a just transition that supports workers and communities—so no one is left behind as we move toward a net-zero, green economy.
Health-care access is another major concern. Residents across the riding struggle to access timely care—from family doctors to mental-health services. The federal NDP will deliver universal pharmacare and dental care, ensure mental health is covered under our public system, and increase federal transfers tied to hiring more frontline staff, especially in rural and remote communities.
3. If elected, how will you make life better for Whistler residents?
Whistler residents are dealing with some of the highest living costs in the country—while seeing basic services like health-care, childcare, and public transit stretched to the limit.
As your MP, I’ll fight for:
- Affordable housing: support co-ops, fund below-market rentals for workers and locals, and crack down on property speculation and vacant home flipping.
- Better health-care access: attract and retain health-care professionals in underserved communities through federal funding, improved training programs, and incentives for rural practice.
- Improved public transit: fund regional transit networks that connect Whistler, Pemberton, and the Lower Mainland, so people don’t have to rely on cars.
- Environmental protection: safeguard alpine ecosystems and support sustainable tourism policies to ensure Whistler remains a livable and resilient community for generations to come.
- Strengthen democracy: advocate for proportional representation and a lower voting age, so every vote counts equally, and our government reflects the will of the people.
The NDP’s vision is one where communities like Whistler don’t just survive—they thrive.
4. If elected, how will you help Whistler businesses?
Whistler’s economy is powered by local businesses, hospitality workers, and tourism—yet many small businesses are struggling with labour shortages, high commercial rents, and supply chain instability.
Here’s how I’ll help:
- Address labour shortages by investing in affordable housing for workers, speeding up credential recognition for newcomers, and expanding childcare so parents can rejoin the workforce.
- Ensure small businesses have access to fair credit and recovery support—including better access to federal grants and loan forgiveness from pandemic-era programs.
- Push for sustainable tourism development, including federal investments in infrastructure, environmental protections, and workforce development that support long-term economic stability.
- Support digital infrastructure improvements, especially for businesses in rural and remote parts of the riding that need reliable high-speed internet and online tools to grow.
I’ll be a strong advocate for a thriving, inclusive economy that supports small business—not just big corporations.
This election is about choosing who we want to work for us in Ottawa: corporate lobbyists or community voices. I’m not a career politician. I’m someone who grew up here, who understands the urgency of climate action, affordability, and making our democracy work better for everyone.
If elected, I’ll bring integrity, energy, and a strong voice for working people, renters, youth, and small businesses in West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country. Let’s build a future where no one is left behind.
