The Cloverdale Reporter reached out to all candidates running in the Cloverdale-Langley City federal election with a questionnaire allowing them to introduce themselves to voters. Candidates were all given the same questions, word counts, and deadlines.
Below are the responses. Questions are in bold followed by candidate answers in their own words. (And published in the order received.)
CANDIDATE: Jim McMurtry, People’s Party of Canada
Where do you live?
Cloverdale
One-sentence bio:
I am an award-winning teacher in Cloverdale, the son of a chief justice, husband of a high school vice-principal, father of three lawyers, and grandfather of five little rambunctious boys.
Why should you be elected?
Voters have seen the doubling of home prices and the national debt during Trudeau’s reign, as well as a steep rise in hospital wait-times and in the cost of groceries, tuition and rent. So for me the most important issue is economic management, starting with wealth creation, good job opportunities, and the fiscally responsible use of taxpayer dollars to avoid the inflation and high interest rates that come from spiralling debt.
Trudeau talked about cost of living, but his focus was on government bills that restricted online speech. First, he tried C-10 then C-11, C-18, C-63 and C-27. Trudeau’s government became world famous for its flirtations with radical woke policies which saw him repeatedly take a knee to voter blocks that he wished to appease. In 2021, he all but cancelled Canada Day to virtue signal. He seemed more interested in international fame than in helping ordinary Canadians, and Carney is just the same.
A vote for the People’s Party of Canada is a vote for something better.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Creating wealth and quality jobs
2. Rational spending on essential services
3. Ending woke indoctrination in schools
CANDIDATE: Kyle Latchford, Liberal Party of Canada
Where do you live?
Langley City
One-sentence bio:
Life-long resident of Surrey and Langley City, husband, father and currently a senior advisor at Translink for the bus rapid transit project.
Why should you be elected?
I’ve spent my entire career working directly with our community—whether in retail and management, as a constituency manager to the former Member of Parliament, or now as a senior advisor at TransLink. At every step, I’ve made it a priority to listen to people, understand their concerns, and take action.
I’ve built strong relationships with all levels of government and local businesses to help deliver real results—and I’ll bring that same commitment to serving the people of Cloverdale–Langley City.
As a father, I know firsthand what it takes to make ends meet. Like many families, I’ve felt the pressure of rising costs and uncertain times. That experience drives me every day to fight for practical solutions that make life more affordable and more secure for everyone.
I’m committed to making Cloverdale–Langley City the best place in Canada to live, work, and raise a family—and to delivering the kind of leadership that puts people first.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Creating more affordable housing spaces
2. Cutting taxes
3. Tackling crime and making our community safer
CANDIDATE: Kevin Wilkie, Green Party of Canada
Where do you live?
Surrey
One-sentence bio:
I’m a first-time dad, first-time politician, and long-time Surrey resident bringing a fresh, relatable, community-driven perspective to politics.
Why should you be elected?
As a first-time father and first-time candidate, I know what it means to want a better future—not just in theory, but in everyday life. I'm not a career politician or a polished soundbite—I’m a neighbour, a family man, a dog owner, and someone who understands the frustration of rising costs, traffic gridlock, and the lack of meaningful representation.
Cloverdale and Langley City are growing quickly, but we’re too often overlooked in Ottawa. I want to change that by being a strong, independent voice who can act as a swing vote and bring real leverage to our region. People are tired of the same old promises and party lines. I’m running to bring fresh energy, grounded in real-life experience, and to fight for practical solutions that make a difference—on housing, climate, and affordability. I want voters to know: I don’t just talk about the issues—I live them, too.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Affordable housing
2. Climate action
3. Lowering cost of living
CANDIDATE: Vanessa Sharma, New Democratic Party of Canada
Where do you live?
Right now, I live in Chilliwack, but I lived in Cloverdale-Langley City for four years.
One-sentence bio:
I am the Equity Vice President at the Canadian Labour Congress, a union leader, and a passionate advocate for social justice, mental health, and workers' rights.
Why should you be elected?
The Liberals have delayed and disappointed people in Cloverdale-Langley City, letting so many down who trusted them with their vote. Families are working hard but struggling to keep up.
New Democrats have secured dental care and tax relief, putting money back into people's pockets. In contrast, the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, plan to cut services and increase costs, putting further strain on working people.
As a union leader, mental health advocate, and anti-racist activist, I bring a fresh, progressive voice to the table. I am passionate about human rights and advocating for peace and justice for Palestinians and Israelis.
I am committed to being a tireless advocate for families, focusing on reducing the cost of living, improving healthcare and mental health support, and ensuring access to affordable housing.
It would be an honour to represent Cloverdale-Langley City, working every day to make life better for everyone.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Affordable housing for families
2. Accessible healthcare, mental health services
3. Workers’ rights
CANDIDATE: Tamara Jansen, Conservative Party of Canada
Where do you live?
Langley
One-sentence bio:
Tamara Jansen, a Langley-native and business owner, champions Canadian values—supporting families, small businesses, and vulnerable communities—while advocating in Parliament for economic strength, personal freedoms, and a brighter future.
Why should you be elected?
I bring real-life experience, a proven track record, and an unwavering commitment to this community. As a business owner, parent, and long-time advocate, I understand the challenges families, workers, and small businesses face every day. I’ve always stood up for economic freedom, responsible governance, and protecting our rights and values. I aim to be a strong voice in Ottawa—not for special interests, but for the everyday Canadians who make our country strong.
The biggest issue in this election is fixing our weak economy after 10 years of Liberal mismanagement. Under their failed policies, the cost of living has skyrocketed, and home ownership is out of reach for many. Our plan is to axe the tax on new homes to save $100,000.
Pierre Poilievre’s Canada First energy corridor will create jobs, boost our economy, and make us more independent. Eliminating the capital gains tax on reinvestment and tearing down interprovincial trade barriers will drive growth.
Top 3 priority issues you would address if elected:
1. Making life affordable for Canadians
2. Fighting for Canada’s Sovereignty
3. Fighting for safer communities
Voters go to the polls
The federal election is set for Monday, April 28, with four days of advance polls running April 18, 19, 20, and 21.
The Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce will host an all-candidates meeting April 16 at 5 Star Catering, 5640 188th St. in Cloverdale. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the event running from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Cloverdale-Langley City
The electoral district of Cloverdale-Langley City is about 60 per cent Cloverdale, about 25 per cent Langley, and about 12 per cent Newton. The riding is about 60 square kilometres in size with a population of more than 130,000. As of December, 2024, there were 88,348 people on the electors list.
