We wanted to know how candidates are planning to represent local issues. It’s easy to find party-wide platforms, but often those don’t reflect our neighbourhood in any way. LynnValleyLife offered each of the big four parties’ candidates a chance to give their local pitch.
The offer
This year Lynn Valley is split down the middle and into two ridings—twice as many candidates and twice as many signs on the roads. We have the west side represented, as in the past, by North Vancouver-Capilano and the east by Burnaby North-Seymour.
We emailed the candidates for the Conservative Party, the Green Party, the Liberal Party and the NDP. We sent the same questions to each person with the same deadline. Of the seven candidates who were reachable, four responded.
In Burnaby North-Seymour, Conservative Mauro Francis’ website is down, and there is no direct contact information available on the Conservative website, so he was deemed unreachable. While the Greens list a candidate, the representative did not officially register for the election.
In North Vancouver-Capilano, there was no response from NDP’s Tammy Bentz or the Conservatives’ Stephen Curran.
Thank you to the candidates who shared their thoughts:
Terry Beech, Liberal
Micheal Charrois, NDP
The Q&A
What is your connection to the North Shore, and how will you specifically serve the unique community of Lynn Valley?
Terry Beech, Liberal:
Since 2015, I’ve had the honour of representing the North Shore east of Lynn Creek. With the riding boundaries changing two years ago, it has been a pleasure getting to know the Lynn Valley community. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been out knocking on doors and attending local community events and parades, so you have a chance to get to know me—as I work to earn your trust and support. I’m committed to working tirelessly on your behalf, alongside Jonathan Wilkinson, just as we always have.
Michael Charrois, NDP:
I have lived in North Vancouver since 2006. Working with Susie Chant on the frontlines with community members has been a privilege. The Grouse Grind is a vivid memory I share with my wife Jacqueline. I was the president of the lower Lonsdale community garden and I have had a green thumb since 2012. I never have to worry about watering my gardens here. It has been an amazing place to live and call home.
What is your greatest priority for the riding?
Beech, Liberal
Traffic and Transit: As the only MP representing communities on both sides of the Second Narrows Bridge, I understand firsthand that addressing congestion and improving transit requires strong collaboration across all levels of government. This isn’t just a transportation issue—it’s about affordability, livability, and ensuring people can live, work, and play in the communities they call home. We’ve already made significant investments—outlined in more detail [below]—but there’s still more to be done. I’m committed to continuing this work as we build stronger, more connected, and more sustainable communities.
Charrois, NDP:
We want better material conditions for the people of North Vancouver. We want to improve transit and alleviate bridge congestion. But we would be remiss if we did not prioritize housing, healthcare and affordability as well.
How will you ensure Lynn Valley (and the portions of the North Shore in the riding) residents are heard and how will you specifically serve the unique community of Lynn Valley and ensure our needs are not lost as they differ greatly from Burnaby? Ex. Federal transit funding and needs are very different than those of Burnaby (That is Burnaby is one of the most transit accessible communities in the Lower Mainland and Lynn Valley/Deep Cove are the least)?
Beech, Liberal:
Although Lynn Valley is new to this riding, I have represented the North Shore east of Lynn Creek since 2015 and have gone door to door to thousands of homes on the North Shore since 2015 to understand and represent the unique challenges residents face. I have worked side-by-side with Jonathan Wilkinson as we tackle common challenges such as traffic, transit, and affordability, a few examples of which are outlined in Question [5]. The needs of Burnaby North and North Vancouver are distinct but interconnected, and I work diligently and do my best to deliver for all residents.
Charrois, NDP:
It bears repeating that myself and the NDP would bring robust and effective transit measures to North Vancouver and Lynn Valley, promptly if elected. I have lived and worked in Lynmore and lower Lonsdale since 2006. I am acutely aware of the impact on lifestyle that bridge congestion brings the people of North Vancouver.
How will you advocate for federal funding for major projects? The lack of more support for infrastructure like the wastewater plant has been frustrating.
Beech, Liberal:
The North Shore sees strong representation in Ottawa from Liberal MPs who work tirelessly to ensure this community receives major investment opportunities, like the Phibbs Exchange renovation. We know that wastewater treatment is very important and that we must support municipal projects, which is why it was the largest single investment in Budget 2016. However, as the Wastewater Treatment Plant is entirely managed and controlled by Metro Vancouver, it is ultimately their responsibility to manage this project responsibly. North Shore residents are paying a disproportionate, if not unfair, share for the plant, and I continue to work with the responsible municipalities to find a resolution.
Charrois, NDP:
We would bring the voice of our constituents to parliament and cultivate personal relationships with people in positions of power. If elected, we could deal directly with major developers and the government. Imagine a deciding vote that works for you.
Will you advocate for improved bridge crossings as a key priority?
Beech, Liberal:
The traffic on the bridge, as mentioned [above], is a top priority for me as your representative. Since 2015, the federal government has invested over $30 billion in transit and active transportation. On the North Shore, that means real results: $66.6 million for the Lynn Valley Bridge, $21.9 million for Highway 1 upgrades, $16.1 million for a third SeaBus, and $20.5 million for bus facility upgrades. We also contributed $200,000 for a Rapid Transit feasibility study—because we plan ahead, not just catch up. This has been and will continue to be a top priority for me.
On the North Shore, improved transit—such as rapid bus routes, dedicated lanes, ferry integration, or a SkyTrain extension—can improve bridge crossings by getting people out of personal vehicles and move more people using less space and with fewer emissions.
Charrois, NDP:
We want to prioritize fare-free public transit to incentivize people to use transit over personal vehicles. This would reduce congestion and would lower emissions. A Burrard Inlet Rapid Transit would be expedited by a permanent Canada Public Transit Fund which would also include cost sharing agreements for operational funding. A Canada Public Transit Fund would give the B.I.R.T access to federal funding immediately.
What is the biggest challenge for the riding in the years ahead, and why are you the best candidate to lead us through that?
Beech, Liberal:
Traffic congestion and tackling it is a big challenge for any elected official. I can lead us through this because I have maintained and established exceptional relationships with elected officials, provincially and municipally. Transit is a shared responsibility. It will not happen through a radical reform but rather it will be a result of marginal improvements compounded over the length of a potential term. You need someone in parliament to fight for you until the day we can call the transit project a success.
Charrois, NDP:
Traffic congestion and tackling it is a big challenge for any elected official. I can lead us through this because I have maintained and established exceptional relationships with elected officials, provincially and municipally. Transit is a shared responsibility. It will not happen through a radical reform but rather it will be a result of marginal improvements compounded over the length of a potential term. You need someone in parliament to fight for you until the day we can call the transit project a success.
Looking for more?
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