The Surrey Now-Leader reached out to all the local candidates in the 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 as received.
Gurbux Saini, Liberal Pary of Canada
Age: 74
What neighbourhood do you live in? Chimney Heights
How many years have you lived in Surrey? 9 years
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify: 14 years as a City Councillor in Williams Lake, British Columbia
Profession: Small business owner
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it?
The most important issue in this election is affordability, and the Liberal Party is ready to deliver real solutions. Under Mark Carney’s leadership, a Liberal government will get back into the business of building homes, doubling the pace of construction to nearly 500,000 new homes a year over the next decade, and build housing that Canadians can actually afford. This ambitious plan will drive down costs, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen the lumber industry right here in British Columbia. At the same time, federal investments like the SkyTrain expansion into Fleetwood–Port Kells – secured by the Liberal government – show what’s possible when we invest in smart infrastructure that connects people to housing, jobs, and opportunity. These are the kinds of projects we want to continue delivering in communities across the country. To help families further, a Liberal government will also deliver a middle-class tax cut of up to $825 for a two-income household, while keeping $10-a-day child care, dental care, and pharmacare in place. Together, these measures will make life more affordable and ensure every Canadian has a fair chance to succeed.
Bio: Gurbux Saini is a longtime community leader and dedicated public servant. Arriving in Canada in 1970 with just $8, he worked his way up from lumber piler to plant manager while supporting his family and pursuing his education - a testament to his resilience and determination. A former Williams Lake City Councillor for 14 years where he helped drive major improvements in local services and infrastructure, he also served on three provincial boards, including the BC Commercial Appeals Commission. Since 2016, he has been a strong advocate for Fleetwood–Port Kells, championing park upgrades, better rural transit, and community development. Gurbux listens, engages, and takes action - presenting petitions and pushing for real results. Now, as the Liberal candidate, he’s ready to bring that same commitment to Ottawa.
To learn more: https://gurbuxsaini.liberal.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/sainigurbux/ https://www.facebook.com/gurbux.saini.1/ or call 778-394-0411
John Hetherington, People's Party of Canada
Age: 57
What neighbourhood do you live in: Near the Langley Township Surrey Border up the hill from Port Kells
How many years have you lived in Surrey: Lived, worked and played in the area for 8 years.
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify: Not yet.
Profession: Multi-Disciplinary Artist Entrepreneur
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it: The most important concern for residents of Fleetwood-Port Kells varied depending on to whom the question was asked. Primary concerns ranged from the “lack of care” in Health Care for seniors, the age appropriateness of SOGI for school children, and parent’s concerns “not being taken seriously”, tariffs, over taxation, poverty and homelessness.
Each of these challenges can be solved by focusing resources and the right team approach between community leaders, social, and government agencies.
Senior’s health care? Hire and train and rightly compensate compassionate people in an interactive feels like home atmosphere, if bringing this care into one’s home is not feasible.
SOGI, listen to parents. Ensure curriculum and literature is age appropriate.
Tariffs? Negotiate, don’t retaliate.
Taxation? Become thriftier with government spending and reduce taxation across the board.
Poverty and homelessness? Strengthen families and individuals through community counselling. It’s helped me. Work with a homelessness prevention team that focuses on those at risk. I have a vision to create a village within Fleetwood-Port Kells that would be a haven for those needing a safe place with healthy boundaries and room to grow both oneself, friendships, as well as fruit and vegetables.
Together we can do all this and more.
Bio: John Hetherington is a faithful husband of 25 years, father of two adult children, and world-traveled, multi-disciplinary artist who brings a creative, fresh perspective to government. John’s depth of experience includes working with Family Services, membership with the Canadian Association of Journalists, serving on an arts council board, and volunteering with homeless children, youth, and adults in Africa.
John is a compassionate conservative who stands for integrity, transparency, and accountability. If elected MP for Fleetwood-Port Kells, he says he will "donate a portion of my salary back to the community.” John desires to see all MPs work together with diverse communities, social agencies, marketplace leaders, and religious groups to build a prosperous future for our children that is founded on freedom, fairness, responsibility, and respect.
To learn more: https://x.com/ArtLookOnLife. https://www.instagram.com/artlookonlife/, https://www.facebook.com/ArtLookOnLife/, https://JohnHetherington.ca or call or text 778-538-VOTE(8683)
Shannon Permal, New Democratic Party (NDP)
Age: 26
What neighbourhood do you live in: Surrey City Centre
How many years have you lived in Surrey: All 26 years of my life!
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify: No.
Profession: BC Public Service employee
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it:
I find that the most important issue facing voters during this election is the cost of living. Rising prices for groceries, housing, and healthcare are straining families in our community and across the country. It has become increasingly difficult to achieve a basic standard of living. Affordability and fairness are critical, and there are a few ways of achieving both.
For starters, Canadians can start saving money if we cap grocery prices and remove GST off essential goods such as grocery meals, baby strollers, diapers, and even monthly bills such as your cell, internet, and heating.
To tackle housing issues, the NDP has proposed: banning corporate purchases of affordable housing; protecting renters from unfair rent increases by implementing national rent control policies; building over 100,000 rent-controlled homes within the next decade; and investing in the construction of social and community housing.
Finally, NDP is advocating for a national pharmacare program that would provide prescription drug coverage to all Canadians. This initiative aims to eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for medications, saving families hundreds of dollars annually.
These are just a few examples of proposed plans that have Canadians—not billionaires— best interests in mind and will ensure basic needs are within reach.
Bio: Shannon Permal, 26, is a community advocate for youth empowerment, mental health, cultural preservation, and social justice. Raised by a single mother who tirelessly struggled to make ends meet, Shannon’s upbringing has continuously guided her actions towards building a future where people can thrive, not just survive. For over 10 years, she has been deeply involved in community service, championing youth initiatives, mental health programs, cultural education, and charitable causes locally and internationally. By age 21, she held Executive positions amongst several non-profit organizations and continues to serve as the youngest Chairperson of Canadian Federation of Fiji Organizations. Shannon’s impact has garnered several accolades including the Shakti Award, Fiji Disaster Relief Society’s Youth Volunteer Award, Surrey’s Top 25 Under 25 Award, the prestigious Diana Award.
To learn more visit: Facebook: Shannon Permal, Instagram: @shannonpermal_ndp or email Shannon.Permal@ndp.ca.
Sukh Pandher for Conservative Party of Canada
Age: 59
What neighbourhood do you live in: Fleetwood
How many years have you lived in Surrey: 30
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify: No
Profession: Businessman
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it:
Sukh Pandher and the Conservative Party are committed to addressing the pressing issues facing residents of Fleetwood–Port Kells, with a clear plan to restore safety, affordability, and economic stability.
To tackle rising crime, the Conservatives will implement a common-sense approach: enforcing tougher penalties for repeat violent offenders through the “Three Strikes and You’re Out” policy, ending catch-and-release bail, and strengthening support for police and community safety initiatives. Residents deserve safe streets and secure neighbourhoods—and under Conservative leadership, that will be the priority.
On the cost of living, the Conservative plan includes axing the carbon tax to reduce fuel, grocery, and heating bills, and stopping inflationary spending to bring down interest rates and mortgage payments. Pierre Poilievre and Sukh Pandher will fight to make life more affordable for working families and seniors struggling to keep up.
To improve affordability, Conservatives will make housing more accessible by speeding up building permits, selling federal land for homes, and rewarding cities that build more. It’s time to get shovels in the ground and roofs over heads.
On April 28, vote Sukh Pandher—your strong, local voice—to help bring home lower prices, safer streets, and a brighter future for Fleetwood–Port Kells.
Bio: My journey began in Punjab, India, where I grew up in a hardworking family and pursued engineering and professional Kabaddi. In 1992, I moved to Canada with my family, building a new life in Surrey, B.C.—a community I proudly call home.
From working on farms and driving trucks to starting my own trucking company in 2000, I’ve grown a business that now employs over 80 Canadians. I later expanded into construction and land development.
My wife, Sukhwinder, and I raised our two children here, and I’ve spent over 30 years volunteering locally. I’m running to be your strong voice in Ottawa—committed to transparency, accountability, and building a brighter future for families in Fleetwood–Port Kells.
Learn more at: fleetwoodportkells.conservativeeda.ca, facebook.com/share/1KXaxt2338 and x.com/SukhSPandher and 604.358.7854
Murali Krishnan, Green Party of Canada
No response
