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
It’s been the honour of my life to represent Whistler and our entire riding since you first elected me as your MP in 2019 and to make a real difference in the region where I was born and raised. Before politics, I worked as a lawyer for municipalities, Indigenous governments, and small businesses on environmental, constitutional, and business law issues, while also working internationally with the United Nations to improve how countries manage shared waterbodies.
In Parliament, I served as Chair of the BC Liberal Caucus and the All-Party Tourism Caucus, helping advance important federal investments for our province, from salmon restoration and old-growth forest protection to growing our tourism economy and supporting small businesses and B.C. entrepreneurs. I also chaired the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee and served on Finance, Environment, and Fisheries committees—helping shape legislation and policies that reflect our region’s values and priorities.
I have championed clean energy projects, nature conservation, and climate adaptation measures that help communities like Whistler become more resilient to wildfires, floods, and drought. I am seeking re-election to continue building a future where people can thrive with good jobs, affordable homes, and an environment that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
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 is one of the most urgent issues in Whistler, and through collaboration with the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and organizations like the Whistler Housing Authority, the federal government is stepping up to tackle the housing crisis—more than $78.5 million in funding and 295 affordable homes in Whistler that have been built. We are also working with the RMOW to help them expedite the way homes are permitted to get more housing built, fast. Investments like these are critical to ensure that the folks that work in Whistler can afford to live in Whistler, and keep the community as vibrant as it is.
This remains a critical issue and we are proposing the most ambitious housing plan in Canadian history to build half a million homes per year. We’re eliminating GST on homes under $1 million and reducing it on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million. We will support housing-enabling infrastructure so municipalities can reduce development cost charges, and support prefabrication of homes to speed up the construction process. Together, we will build, using Canadian resources and skill, to make sure everyone has a home they can afford.
To tackle the congestion on our highways, and better connect the Sea to Sky for all, we are focusing on supporting transit improvements. We have invested 10-times what the previous Conservative government did, and are committed to long-term predictable funding so that transit expansion can move ahead. Tens of millions have been invested in Sea to Sky transit, and regional transit needs to be core to the future transit plans for the corridor. A Liberal government would be a key partner in this and the future of transit.
Finally, we need to continue growing our local economy, and sustainable tourism in particular. When we do this right, visitors will support our businesses, create good jobs, and contribute to economic growth without negatively affecting the quality of life of residents. Working in partnership with the businesses and organizations like Destination Canada, Whistler can continue to attract visitors that grow our economy, celebrate our nature, and return year after year.
3. If elected, how will you make life better for Whistler residents?
In a community like Whistler, I have seen how affordability and access to services can be major challenges. Beyond advancing housing investments through the Whistler Housing Authority and regional transit upgrades, I’ll also focus on services that directly improve people’s quality of life.
We’re going to continue expanding programs like dental care and pharmacare, so people who need it can receive the preventative health-care and medication they need, as well making sure we have more $10-a-day childcare spaces to help families. If we want a strong economy, we have to support our workforce and our health, and not make parents choose between working and childcare, or neglecting health issues that will unnecessarily push people into our hospitals. We’ll also cut taxes for the middle-class that leave more money in people’s pockets, while maintaining strong public services.
I’ll also continue advocating for climate adaptation investments, like wildfire prevention and infrastructure upgrades, to protect homes, businesses, and our community. These projects will help Whistler thrive in all seasons for generations to come as we confront the reality of climate change—something some political parties are unwilling to acknowledge.
Most importantly, I’ll continue collaborating with and supporting those who work the hardest for Whistler. From the small businesses, the municipality, affordable housing advocates, and our social service providers that dedicate themselves making this community the best it can be. I’ll be your voice and advocate in Ottawa, not the other way around.
4. If elected, how will you help Whistler businesses?
Whistler’s businesses are the backbone of our local economy. To support them, we need to address the source of the challenges they face: labour shortage, affordable housing, and the rising cost of living.
I’ve heard from business owners who, due to a lack of local staff, have been able to fill their labour gaps through federal programs but I’m also hearing that these programs need to be more responsive to local business needs. The long waits, uncertainty, and convoluted process puts a strain on businesses and business owners. For the people who leave their home countries to support our local economy, it puts them in an incredibly vulnerable position. That’s why it’s important that we work towards improving immigration pathways and support faster processing for workers in sectors like food and beverage, tourism, and hospitality, and treat areas like Whistler separately from large urban areas.
On the tourism front, we have an opportunity to welcome Canadian and international visitors reconsidering their vacation to the U.S. As part of my role Chairing the National Tourism Caucus, I work with organizations like Destination Canada to attract folks here, and develop programs and incentives that lead to investment in tourism-enabling infrastructure like better transportation and conference centres.
