As the April 28 B.C. federal election approaches, Black Press Media has given Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies an opportunity to respond to questions around policy and matters affecting voters.
Q1: Please explain how your party will improve access to housing for first-time buyers and/or individuals struggling to save a down payment at a time when the average home price across B.C. is around $964,000.
Mel Arnold, Conservative Party of Canada
Improving access to housing requires building more homes and a Conservative government will quickly increase the supply of homes to make homes affordable, lower down payments, and make home ownership more accessible.
Conservatives will achieve this by removing the GST on new homes under $1.3 million dollars while also requiring municipal governments to facilitate new home construction by freeing up land, speeding up permits and cutting building charges and taxes. For every dollar of relief a municipality offers in development charges, a Conservative government will reimburse 50%, up to a maximum of $50,000 in savings for new homebuyers.
Conservatives will also increase new home construction by selling off 6,000 federal government buildings and thousands of acres of federal lands to be used for new homes. We will increase training of skilled workers for building new homes by backing 350,000 positions for trade schools and union halls to train red-seal apprentices, and we will bring back the $4,000 apprenticeship grant eliminated by the Liberals.
By growing every link in the housing supply chain, Conservatives will increase construction of new homes so more Canadians can access home ownership.
Michael Henry, People's Party of Canada
The housing crisis is being driven by two major factors: out-of-control immigration levels and government-created inflation.
The People’s Party of Canada will dramatically reduce immigration levels – from over 500,000 a year to a more sustainable 100,000 – so demand can stop outpacing supply. This will take pressure off the market and give Canadians a fair shot at home ownership.
We’ll also end the Bank of Canada’s inflationary policies, which have devalued the dollar and driven up the cost of housing, building materials, and mortgages. Our party opposes reckless government spending that fuels this inflation in the first place.
On top of that, we will eliminate the capital gains tax on the sale of rental properties, encouraging more private investment in housing and more rental supply.
Instead of bloated government programs and band-aid subsidies, we offer real solutions: fix the root causes, restore affordability and put Canadians first.
First-time buyers deserve more than slogans-they deserve a government that stops inflating the market and driving up demand artificially.
Phaedra Idzan, New Democratic Party
High prices result from high demand and scant supply. Therefore, we will make it easier to buy an affordable place to call home by:
• We’ll build more homes, many more homes that people can afford. In contrast, much of developer driven home construction is for the high end, since profits are greatest there;
• We’ll announce a plan to help first-time homebuyers realize their dream of;
• home ownership;
• We’ll ban investment firms from buying up properties. Homes are for families, not investments for corporations;
• Using public land to build affordable housing, not luxury condos.
Owen Madden, Green Party of Canada
I know firsthand how hard it is for people in our communities to afford a home. Housing prices have skyrocketed, wages haven’t kept up, and saving for a down payment feels impossible for many. The system isn’t working for regular people – it’s working for investors and speculators. That needs to change.
The Green Party will push for policies that put homes back in the hands of people, not just those looking to make a profit. That means increasing the supply of truly affordable housing, expanding co-op and non-market housing options, and making down payment assistance more accessible. We need to crack down on speculation, ensure new developments prioritize local buyers, and invest in solutions that actually make homeownership possible.
Housing is a human right. We need bold action – not just minor tweaks – to fix this crisis. I’m committed to fighting for policies that help first-time buyers, renters, and anyone struggling to find a stable home. We deserve a future where owning a home isn’t just a dream for the wealthy – it should be a reality for all of us.
Ken Robertson, Liberal Party of Canada
First, a Mark Carney-led government will increase the housing supply. We’ll get government back into the business of building homes.
Among other actions, we will double the pace of construction over the next decade to build almost 500,000 new homes a year. We’ll also provide over $25 billion in financing to innovative prefabricated home builders in Canada, including those using Canadian technologies and resources like mass timber and softwood lumber. Second, we’ll make life more affordable for Canadians by eliminating the GST for first-time homebuyers on homes at or under $1 million. This will save Canadians up to $50,000 on the purchase of their first home.
Meanwhile, we cancelled the “carbon tax,” saving Canadians on average 18 cents/litre on the price of gas. We will also deliver a middle-class tax cut, saving two-income households up to $825 a year.
A Mark Carney-led government will fight against U.S. tariffs, protect our workers and businesses, and build a stronger Canada.
Q2: If elected and your party doesn’t form as government, how will you best represent your riding?
Mel Arnold, Conservative Party of Canada
Since being first elected in 2015, my work and advocacy in Ottawa has been informed by the Canadians I represent.
I know first-hand how engaged citizens in our region are and their inputs have assisted me in my work as I have advocated for the needs and priorities of communities across our region. Relationships and cooperation I have built with representatives of Indigenous, regional, municipal and provincial governments has also guided my work. Input of local organizations focused on priorities like social supports and wildlife conservation, to name a few, have also assisted me in being a strong advocate in Parliament.
Regardless of which party forms the next government, if I am re-elected, my commitment to constituents, our communities, and our collective Canadian future will not change.
I will continue to fight for policies that allow citizens to achieve home ownership, laws that increase public safety, especially for the most vulnerable, and actions that support mental health and those fighting addictions. I will continue to connect with citizens and local governments and grassroots organizations to receive their inputs and strongly advocate on their behalf in Parliament.
I will continue to fight for a prosperous and sovereign Canada, strong and free.
Michael Henry, People's Party of Canada
If elected, I will be a fierce and unapologetic advocate for the people of this riding-regardless who forms government. I won’t be muzzled by party lines or whipped votes. My loyalty is to the people, not to Ottawa insiders.
The People’s Party of Canada believes in honest representation and local accountability. That means showing up, listening, and fighting for the issues that matter most to our communities-whether it’s crime, affordability, housing or protecting farmers and small business owners from overregulation.
While others play political games, I will use my seat to expose corruption, challenge bad legislation, and hold every party accountable-in Parliament and in the media. I’ll be your voice, your watchdog, and your ally on the ground.
Real change doesn’t start at the top-it starts with bold individuals who refuse to back down. That’s the kind of MP I intend to be.
Phaedra Idzan, New Democratic Party
Like all non-governing MPs, my job is to represent the people of my Riding—by speaking up in Committee and in Parliament, by engaging directly with Ministers and public servants, and by helping constituents navigate their interactions with the Federal government. I will be YOUR voice in Ottawa—the voice of working people, not billionaires, bankers, or big corporations like the other two major parties represent.
Owen Madden, Green Party of Canada
I’m not in this to sit back if we don’t form government – I’m here to fight for our communities no matter what. If elected, I will hold the government accountable, push for policies that benefit our riding, and work across party lines to get results.
I will amplify the voices of our rural communities and small business owners, ensuring our needs aren’t overlooked in Ottawa. Whether it’s advocating for better infrastructure, rural healthcare, or climate action that creates local jobs, I will work relentlessly to bring meaningful change.
This campaign isn’t just about one election – it’s about building long-term support for a Green vision in our riding. No matter what, I’ll keep showing up and pushing for the solutions we need.
Ken Robertson, Liberal Party of Canada
The Liberal government has a proven track record of working with other parties to benefit Canadians. We worked with the NDP to create dental care, $10 a day child care, and universal pharmacare programs. As a Liberal, I’m proud of these accomplishments and of the cooperation of Canada’s progressive parties.
