2024 BC Provincial General Election Series: The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has invited all candidates running in the five Tri-Cities ridings to answer our questions, and provide a 60-second introductory video. Come and meet the candidates in person at the Chamber's Business Showcase on Tuesday, October 8th. Learn more >
Adam Bremner-Akins, MLA Candidate for Port Coquitlam, BC Greens, Fall 2024
"We are breaking ground on a SkyTrain extension to Port Coquitlam by 2026. Yes, you heard that right," says Adam Bremner-Akins. Watch the video>
1. If elected, how would your government encourage more business investment, job creation, and higher wages in British Columbia?
The BC Greens will invest in local economies and prioritize small businesses by updating procurement policies to give preference to local contractors and resources. We will support innovative industries, including green technologies, and invest in training and education to help workers transition to higher-wage careers. Our commitment to green infrastructure projects, such as the breaking ground on the Port Coquitlam SkyTrain extension by 2026, will not only create new local jobs for residents, but also boost business revenue through improved transit accessibility. For every dollar spent on public transit, five dollars are generated in business revenue. In addition, we will incentivize businesses to pay living wages through targeted tax breaks and reduce unnecessary red tape that hinders small businesses, ensuring a more dynamic and inclusive business environment.
2. How would your government address the rising cost of living, to make life more affordable in the Tri-Cities and throughout the province?
We will tackle the housing crisis by investing $1.5 billion annually to build 26,000 units of non-market housing, making homes affordable for families and low-income individuals. Our party will also streamline public transit with fare reductions and improve access to affordable childcare by expanding the $10-a-day childcare program. We will increase social assistance rates above the poverty line and introduce a single income-tested housing grant for both renters and homeowners to ease financial pressures. Furthermore, we will create a progressive tax system to ensure fair contributions from high-income earners, alleviating the burden on working families.
3. What is your party's priority with respect to addressing the labour challenges we face today?
The BC Greens will address labour shortages by strengthening and expanding training and apprenticeship programs, especially in emerging green industries and healthcare. We will work with post-secondary institutions to develop specialized programs for high-demand sectors, and implement loan forgiveness and bursary programs for students committing to work in underserved areas. We would also streamline the accreditation process for internationally trained professionals, particularly in healthcare, and invest in programs that support workers transitioning from fossil fuel-dependent industries to new high paying green jobs.
4. What are your party's vision and priorities for the transportation infrastructure and public transit service in the Tri-Cities?
Our vision is to create an accessible, frequent, and no-cost sustainable public transit system in the Tri-Cities. We will prioritize the extension of SkyTrain to Port Coquitlam by breaking ground on the project before the end of 2026, boosting local business and improving mobility. We will double the city's bus service within four years, and within eight years, we plan to triple it. In addition, we will work to increase the frequency of West Coast Express services, ensuring reliable connections to major hubs across the Lower Mainland remain easily accessible by transit. These improvements will help build a more connected, efficient transit system, reducing congestion and supporting both local businesses and commuters. Our long-term goal is to provide free public transit across BC to encourage more usage, reduce congestion, and lower emissions, creating a greener, more connected community.
View a map of the Port Coquitlam electoral district here.
5. If elected, how will you work with industry to help establish frameworks that enable both economic and environmentally sustainable growth?
The BC Greens are committed to establishing frameworks that balance economic prosperity with environmental sustainability. We will work closely with industry leaders to promote clean technologies, while setting clear emission reduction targets. We will incentivize businesses to transition to renewable energy sources and encourage green innovation by expanding the Advanced Research and Commercialization program. Through collaborative efforts, we will foster an economy that not only grows but also supports long-term environmental goals, ensuring businesses thrive while reducing their ecological footprint.
6. What would you do to help the homeless throughout the Tri-Cities, and in particular those camped at or near businesses, impacting the business owners' ability to stay in operation?
We will expand funding for supportive housing and mental health services to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to stable, long-term housing. Our approach includes working with municipalities to identify locations for supportive housing units, while providing wraparound services such as addiction treatment, job training, and mental health care. For businesses impacted by homelessness, we will work closely with local authorities to ensure public safety while offering support to business owners navigating these challenges. At the same time, we will address the root causes of homelessness by increasing access to supportive housing and services, ensuring this complex issue is treated with the compassion and care it deserves. Through collaboration, we aim to create safer and more vibrant business districts while providing those experiencing homelessness with the resources they need to regain stability.
7. What changes would you implement to improve healthcare?
We will invest in expanding primary healthcare access by establishing more integrated community health centres across BC, including on right in Port Coquitlam. These centres will provide holistic care and alleviate pressure on hospitals. The BC Greens will streamline healthcare administration, reducing bureaucratic burdens on doctors and healthcare workers to allow them to focus more on patient care. We will also invest in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved regions, and make mental health care more accessible by integrating mental health services into primary care settings.
8. Please provide a link to your website and/or contact information where readers can follow up with you should they want more information.
For more information, you can visit my website at adamba.ca or reach out to my team at email teambremner-akins@bcgreens.ca.
I would encourage anyone to read through our platform and see how our policies aim to make life better in BC, I have linked every issue directly on my website page adamba.ca/policy so it is easy for anyone to navigate.
Twitter: @Abremnerakins
Instagram: adam.bremner.akins
Facebook: Adam Bremner-Akins
View more Candidate videos and Q&A stories here.
The Tri-Cities Chamber is neutral in all elections, as it is stated in its bylaws to not support any particular candidate for public office. We do encourage everyone to learn about local candidates, their positions on issues, and party platforms. Please vote on October 19th.
Authorized by Chamber of Commerce Serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, registered sponsor under the Election Act, 604-464-2716.