Blog

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?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

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 North Vancouver-Capilano, there was no response from NDP’s Tammy Bentz or the Conservatives’ Stephen Curran.

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.

Thank you to the candidates who shared their thoughts:

Andrew Robinson, Green

Jonathan Wilkinson, Liberal

The Q&A

What is your connection to the North Shore, and how will you specifically serve the unique community of Lynn Valley?

Andrew Robinson, Green: 

I am a family man with two teenagers who has lived in North Vancouver since 2009. My consulting business is based here, I am a North Shore outdoors enthusiast, and I have volunteered throughout the community. I would serve the community by:

• Advocating for affordable housing and sustainable urban planning.
• Supporting local businesses.
• Fighting for fair taxation to ease the burden on low- and middle-income residents.
• Investing in public services—from healthcare and education to transit and infrastructure—to ensure the community is well-supported.
• Promoting climate resilience and preparing for environmental challenges.

Jonathan Wilkinson, Liberal:

I’ve lived in North Vancouver for about 27 years and raised my family here. I’ve spent much time on Lynn Valley trails, (my favourite of which is Hanes Valley), supported local small businesses, and spoken with countless residents about the issues that matter most— housing, seniors’ care, affordability and more. Over the last 9 years, I have been humbled to be Lynn Valley’s member of parliament, and have been a regular participant at Lynn Valley Days. While I now will share that my colleague Terry Beech due to the redistribution of riding boundaries – a map of which you can find on my website – I will continue to stand up for Lynn Valley’s priorities.

What is your greatest priority for the riding?

Robinson, Green:

My number one priority is to build a strong local economy that aligns environmental and economic goals by supporting existing clean industries like hydrogen development and sustainable shipbuilding. I will prioritize local procurement, invest in green infrastructure, and champion policies that reduce emissions while creating high-quality jobs. I will encourage innovation, training, and partnerships that grow local expertise in cleantech, services and marine industries. By focusing on sustainable growth and supporting North Vancouver businesses, we can strengthen the economy, protect the environment, and build long-term community resilience.

Wilkinson, Liberal:

Over the next four years, we must collectively forge a path to prosperity that embraces a more global orientation – and orientation of enhanced economic and social resilience. While there are many issues of importance affecting Canadians, Canada’s response to so many issues depends in large part on defending sovereignty and building a more resilient economy.

This must inevitably mean that we must;

• Eliminate inter-provincial trade barriers
• Enhance trade infrastructure and diversify trade partners.
• Create greater housing affordability.
• Enhance social resilience through programs like Dental Care, $10 a day childcare and pharmacare.
• Fight climate change.

How will you advocate for federal funding for major projects? The lack of more support for infrastructure like the wastewater plant has been frustrating.

Robinson, Green: 

The Green Party advocates for the responsible management of taxpayer funds. For the wastewater treatment plant project, I would champion an increase to the original 30% federal contribution indexed to inflation to cover the increased costs without requesting a full bailout to the tune of $1.1B. Because federal contributions across BC and Canada matched what was promised for the treatment plant project, a full bailout would send the wrong signal to voters and taxpayers. However, in addition to the increase to cover inflation, I would convene stakeholders with all levels of government to explore various funding mechanisms that do not disproportionately impact North Shore residents.

Wilkinson, Liberal: (Edited for length, there is more information on his website)

The federal government is committed to funding and supporting major projects. We have invested billions in clean growth and infrastructure projects and will be instituting a one project, one review window to make sure major projects get built faster.

During 2014/15 Metro Vancouver was looking for a commitment from the federal government that it would provide ⅓ of the ~$700M in capital required to build a new wastewater treatment facility.

During the 2015 federal election campaign I committed to advocating for federal participation in this important project. And in the Liberal Government’s budget of 2016, funding for the treatment plant was the largest single item that was indeed funded.

As folks will likely know, the engineering and the cost estimating for this project – as for all municipal infrastructure – is done at the municipal level. The federal government has no expertise and indeed no direct involvement in this work. Unfortunately, the project that was budgeted to cost $700B, ballooned to $4B – and there are very legitimate questions that taxpayers should be asking Metro Vancouver about this escalation in costs, as it was their role to manage the project engineering and budget.

The project will be completed and work is presently underway – residents are rightly frustrated by the significant cost overruns and the disproportionate and unfair impact it will have on ratepayers here on the North Shore. We all should expect transparency and accountability from Metro Vancouver on this matter. See my full comment on this matter at my website: jonathanwilkinson.ca

Will you advocate for improved bridge crossings as a key priority?

Robinson, Green: 

The Green Party will strongly advocate for investing in improved public transit. The Canada Line, built ahead of the 2010 Olympics, has exceeded ridership expectations, significantly reduced car dependency, eased congestion on key routes, and connected people across the region faster and more reliably. It shows that when fast, frequent, and convenient transit is available, people choose it.

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.

Wilkinson, Liberal: 

I’ve long supported improvements to reduce congestion across the Ironworkers and Lions Gate bridges, like the Lower Lynn Highway 1 improvement. The federal government recently committed an investment of more than $2 billion over 10 years to provide Metro Vancouver’s transit network with long-term predictable capital funding.. This funding will, in part, go to implementing dedicated lane  Bus Rapid Transit on and from the North Shore as an initial step towards bringing SkyTrain to the North Shore.

What is the biggest challenge for the riding in the years ahead, and why are you the best candidate to lead us through that?

Robinson, Green:

Affordability! The Green Party is best positioned to tackle affordability in North Vancouver by addressing root causes with bold, integrated solutions. Our platform includes building affordable, energy-efficient housing, implementing a Guaranteed Livable Income, and eliminating income tax for low earners. We support local job creation through clean energy, services, shipbuilding, and hydrogen development, while investing in small businesses and transit infrastructure. By reforming taxation so wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share and ending fossil fuel subsidies, we’ll redirect public money toward services that directly benefit communities—making life more affordable and secure for everyone.

Wilkinson, Liberal:

Navigating economic uncertainty tied to Canada–U.S. trade tensions, including tariffs that threaten key industries right here on the North Shore, is the greatest threat facing our riding. We need to reduce our overreliance on the U.S. by expanding global trade partnerships and strengthening domestic supply chains—especially in clean technology, forestry, and advanced manufacturing.

I have spent significant time as a senior business executive and as a senior public servant. I have been an influential member of Cabinet for a number of years and more recently have been a member of the Canada-US Cabinet Committee that has  helped shape Canada’s response to tariffs, secure trade protections and support affected workers.

Over the past few years I have worked collaboratively with different levels of government to remove interprovincial trade barriers, while protecting local jobs and building a more resilient economy.

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.

There will be twice as many election signs lining Mountain Highway this year because for the first time Lynn Valley will be split down the middle. Half will remain in North Vancouver (currently represented by Jonathan Wilkinson) and half will join Burnaby-North Seymour (currently held by Terry Beech).

Divided

The multi-year evaluation of electoral boundaries in Canada culminated with public input and official changes taking effect in 2023. This will be the first federal election with Lyn Valley divided by Mountain Highway. Previously the community was represented by one member of Parliament – Johnathan Wilkson – with the riding of North Vancouver. 

During the process there were a few different scenarios dividing Howe Sound, West Vancouver, City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver. Previous elections have had those East of Lynn Creek in the District join North Burnaby. For the first time, parts of Lynn Valley and Grand Boulevard will join them.  

“The system is reviewed after every 10 year census that is to make sure electoral boundaries are fair and reasonable and reflect the population and where growth has been” said Dr. Caroline Elliott, a sessional instructor in the Political Science Department at SFU. “The main thing they look at is population equality.” 

Dr. Caroline Elliott

The goal is to make sure each district has approximately the same population within a province, with considerations to keep language, culture and history considered to to keep communities together, she said. 

“One of the big things they look at are geographic boundaries that make sense in less dense communities. In Northern British Columbia to get a [riding] density the same as metro Vancouver, it would take up so much physical land that it would be very hard to physically move throughout the region to represent the people effectively,” said Elliott. 

“We might think what does Deep Cove have to do with Hastings Street but also think of one community in the Peace region and a town completely out of the region represented by the same person.”

Less about space, more about people

Having Lynn divided could have challenges and benefits. There are now two voices in Parliament representing the neighbourhood but the percentage of voices within the ridings will be smaller. 

“I think there are impacts on the representative and on the communities,” said Elliott. “It’s challenging when it might not be close to their home. [West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country] from Pemberton to Sechelt – that puts the onus on the representative to get to know and understand communities that may have very different interests. The impact on those being representative is getting your voice heard can be difficult if traveling is required to be heard. A riding like North Vancou

ver-Capilano is much more contained, representing Ambleside, Edgemont, North Vancouver and parts of Lynn Valley.”

A split like Lynn Valley has faced can be jarring.

“Generally communities like to be kept whole,” said Elliott. “A lot of people in Lynn Valley may be thinking ‘Are we going to get the attention our community needs if they only represent half the people?’ It’s an excellent question to ask candidates about how they will listen to your community.”

Despite the discomfort of change, Canadians can feel protected by the process of electoral boundaries, she said. The process is independent from politicians and happens regularly and with a rigorously defined process. 

“There is a lot that goes into being a representative beyond geographic boundaries. Like community and interest groups and once they have been elected it is their job to do their absolute best to represent each and every person who lives in that riding,” said Elliott. “Regardless of whether they voted for them or not or whether they live in the area they live in or not. More than a boundary, I think it is the person that gets elected that matters.

“Get engaged in the electoral process, ask the questions about how we will be represented, ensuring the candidates are thinking about the new communities they are representing.”

Looking for more?

There’s always something fun and exciting happening in Lynn Valley. Check out our Community Events Calendar or learn more about Local Activities, Mountain Biking or Hiking and Walking Trails.