By Breen Ouellette

In the last several months talking to members of our community, I've noticed change is in the air this election. Far from the deception of 2015's "last election under first-past-the-post", popular opinion is focused on what we can achieve if we vote for our values: the ability to afford housing, the right of Indigenous children to equal access to health services and clean drinking water, and the protection of our environment.

Something is different this election. People are waking up to the fact that you don’t need to choose denials or delays from the Liberals or Conservatives; you don’t need to keep being let down. Especially in this riding, the momentum is telling us it’s time for change. People here can’t wait another four years for things to start getting better. We need to act now.

In Vancouver Centre, we don’t have to buy in to the fear that a Conservative could be elected here—despite what the Liberals are telling you. For decades in this riding, it has been a race between the Liberals and the NDP. Think about how many of your friends and neighbours feel betrayed by broken Liberal promises. Think about how many of them are considering a different option this election. If all of us who care about people in Vancouver Centre come together, we can make a change here on October 21.

I am listening to people on the streets and doorsteps of our riding. Voters have made it clear that we want our government to invest in housing solutions, climate justice, national pharmacare, dignity for seniors, prosperity for young people and families, solutions for addictions, and support for small businesses. The NDP has the best plan to deliver these needs to all Canadians. 

We will invest in 500,000 units of affordable social and co-op housing over the next 10 years. There are so many examples of this working in our communities, from Mole Hill community housing in the West End, to False Creek co-ops.

We will shift subsidies from oil and gas to renewable industry research and development, and make sure no worker is left behind in the process.

We will create a national, universal pharmacare plan so that every Canadian will have access to the medications they need. We will move to add vision, hearing, and dental care to our universal healthcare system. 

Vancouver and B.C. have lead the country in adopting innovative health care and harm reduction approaches to saving lives, like establishing North America’s first supervised injection site, preventing thousands of drug overdose deaths. But it is not enough. People are still dying. The federal government needs to do more to address the overdose crisis, and treat addiction and mental health as a health issue and social justice issue, not solely a criminal justice issue.

We will end government profiteering on student debt and move toward free postsecondary education.

We do these things, because we know not enough is being done to provide safety nets for marginalized people. We know that young people, families, and seniors are struggling. We also know that we can and will do better. 

The values of the New Democratic Party align with the values of Canadians. My vision for Vancouver Centre inspires me to fight for all of us. It is time for change. This October 21, I ask that you stand with me. You can vote with your heart this election, and I will deliver for you.