The North Delta Reporter sent all four candidates in the upcoming federal election a list of questions to help voters learn a bit more about each of them and what they stand for. Candidates were all given the same questions, word limits and deadline.
Below are the responses as received, with our questions in bold followed by the candidates’ answers in their own words. Here’s what they had to say:
Jason McCormick, NDP
1. Candidate’s age: 54 years old
2. What neighbourhood do you live in? Ladner
3. How many years have you lived in Delta? Since 2009
4. Have you held elected office in past? No
5. What is your profession? Bus driver (translink)
6. Social media accounts and website: N/A
7. Telephone number voters can reach you at: N/A
8: Why are you running to be Delta’s MP? When I was talking to my friends in the community about the upcoming election, you could feel their anxiety. They felt that they were being forced into a melting pot with only two choices of red or blue, just like the American system. Canada is a mosaic, a multi cultural country and this motivated me to provide them with a viable third option. If we look back at the recent history of our federal government you can see the failures of both the Liberals and Conservatives while they were in power. From failed Liberal economic policies that were utilized to maintain our GDP growth at 2% by increasing our population over the last ten years. The failed monetary policy of both Liberals and Conservatives to keep our dollar at or below seventy cents USD. Thus selling our resources at a discount and decreasing our purchasing power by 30%.
9. What is the most important issue facing voters this election, and what should be done about it? The most important issue is housing and how the increased density has placed an unbearable burden on our infrastructure. Housing as an example is unaffordable simply due to supply and demand. As our population grew so did the demand for all forms of housing. The market has not been able to produce enough new units which has caused both housing and rental prices to triple in the last fifteen years. Following the unprecedented growth in our population, this has further highlighted the lack of infrastructure, transportation, and healthcare that is required to meet our needs at this time. It will take both time and money to solve these problems, which no one wants to hear.
10. Describe one concrete action you plan to take for Delta within your first year in office: My first plan of action will be to seek funding and investment in transportation for our community. Look at how long it takes to travel in and out of North Delta and into neighbouring areas of Surrey. The congestion can be overwhelming. We know that the Massey Tunnel project needs to be completed sooner rather than later, but it will not solve the problem it will just move the pinch points to the Oak street bridge northbound and Hwy 99/91 interchange southbound. I will work with provincial and municipal authorities to develop a plan to keep us moving now and into the future.
11. Candidate bio: Jason McCormick and his wife Shireen have lived in Ladner since 2009. They raised their three children here and have been actively involved in the community. Jason has fought for better public transit for more than 15 years, as a bus driver for Translink he is well aware of the concerns of our commuters. He is committed to supporting our transit needs here in Delta. A community leader in the BC Cycling Association, and the South Delta Basketball Association, growing the latter to more than 400 youth participants. He is an advocate for creating more space for community sports, and he helped to design, build, and maintain the Holly Park Pump Track in Ladner. Jason's priorities for Delta include transit, sports, and health care.
Jill McKnight, Liberal Party of Canada
1. Candidate’s age: 45
2. What neighbourhood do you live in? Ladner
3. How many years have you lived in Delta? 42 years
4. Have you held elected office in past? No
5. What is your profession? Business owner
6. Social media accounts and website: IG: @jillmcknightdelta, Facebook: Jill McKnight, Website: jillmcknight.ca, X/Twitter: JMcKnightDelta, BlueSky: JillMcKnightDelta.Bsky.social
7. Telephone number voters can reach you at: 236-808-2877
8: Why are you running to be Delta’s MP? I am running to be Delta’s MP because I believe in leadership that unites people to create meaningful change. As an entrepreneur, I see the possibility of solutions and embrace creativity to solve problems. This election is crucial, especially with sovereignty threats from figures like Trump. Canada needs a strong leader who will stand up with maturity and decorum to protect our values. The decisions we make today will shape the future, not just for us, but for my niece and nephew, and generations to come. I believe in collaboration, diverse ideas, and the power of meaningful dialogue. As your representative, I will listen, engage in thoughtful discussions, and advocate passionately for Delta. I’m committed to creating a future where our communities are safe, supported, and where everyone is treated with dignity. Delta deserves a strong voice in Ottawa, and I am the candidate to fight for you.
9. What is the most important issue facing voters this election, and what should be done about it? While many important issues need attention, building a strong economy must come first, especially with the threat posed by Trump and his tariffs. A strong economy will lower prices, increase supply, and reduce costs for businesses and consumers. Strong business communities are essential to vibrant communities, and supporting small businesses — who employ 47% of Canada’s workforce — ensures local growth and job security for families and neighbors. A healthy economy will also enable us to build more housing, expand our armed forces, and invest in vital services and infrastructure. We also can strengthen our social supports for underrepresented sectors like Indigenous communities, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
Mark Carney, with his extensive economic expertise, will lead Canada in enhancing our internal and external trade relationships, and focus on building our Canadian economy. Under his leadership, we’ve removed the consumer carbon tax, proposed a middle-class tax cut, and committed to building 500,000 homes annually. We’re ready to cut red tape, boost innovation, and diversify our trading partners to protect Canada from external pressures. By prioritizing Canadian-built products and strengthening infrastructure, we will ensure Canadians keep more money in their pockets, bolster our economy, and secure a prosperous future for all.
10. Describe one concrete action you plan to take for Delta within your first year in office: In my first year in office, after voting to permanently eliminate the consumer carbon tax to reduce costs for workers, I will convene a series of roundtables with Delta’s diverse business community. These sessions will focus on tariff impacts, workforce challenges, transportation opportunities, and strategies to boost local economic resilience. By engaging directly with businesses across sectors, we’ll identify ways to support local jobs and ensure our economy thrives — making Delta the best place to live, work, and play. Mark Carney’s visit to a Delta manufacturing business on April 8 showcased the innovation in our community and the critical role Delta businesses can play in a clear, forward-thinking plan. At a time when strong leadership is essential on the global stage, Canada needs someone who can stand up to Donald Trump and champion Canadian businesses, jobs, and a resilient economy.
11. Candidate bio: Jill McKnight was born and raised in Delta and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Business from UVic. For 28 years, she owned South Coast Casuals in Ladner and worked with the Ladner Village Market for over 20 years. This taught her the importance of listening, building relationships, and community passion. Since 2021, Jill has served as Executive Director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce, advocating for local businesses and residents. A long-time community volunteer, Jill was President of the Ladner Business Association for five years. She has received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, Queen’s Jubilee Award, and 2019 Volunteer of the Year Award. As Delta grows, Jill McKnight is committed to advocating for sustainable growth, critical infrastructure, and supporting local businesses.
Jessy Sahota, Conservative Party of Canada
1. Candidate’s age: 32
2. What neighbourhood do you live in? Tsawwassen
3. How many years have you lived in Delta? I have lived, worked, and coached in Delta for many years.
4. Have you held elected office in past? This is my first time running for public office.
5. What is your profession? I serve as a Law Enforcement Officer with the Delta Police Department
6. Social media accounts and website: Facebook & Instagram: jessy_sahota, X: jessysahota_, website: jessysahota.ca
7. Telephone number voters can reach you at: 778-309-4784
8: Why are you running to be Delta’s MP? I decided to run for public office because our country needs a significant change in direction. The Liberals have proven to show little regard for taxpayer funds and have amassed a record level of national debt and inflation making life unaffordable. We pay significant taxes, yet we are not receiving adequate services. People live paycheque-to-paycheque. Before Liberal inflation and fiscal mismanagement, people could afford to buy homes and have a good quality of life. I know we can have this again.
In addition, a pivotal moment for me occurred two years ago when a fellow police officer and friend, Greg Pierzchala, was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty by a repeat violent criminal who was out on bail. That day, I decided the only way to make meaningful change in justice system reform was to be part of the federal government.
9. What is the most important issue facing voters this election, and what should be done about it? The most important issues facing voters in this election are the increased cost of living, high taxation, weak economic growth, and rising crime levels. I have spent 18 months knocking on doors, meeting voters face-to-face, to listen to their concerns. People are telling me we need a change and that we cannot afford a fourth Liberal term. People are resonating with the solutions put forward by Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party to put Canada first for a change and rebuild a strong country.
The Conservative Party will restore affordability by cutting income tax by 15%, cutting $100,000 in taxes on the purchase of new homes, cutting red tape by 25%, protecting seniors’ savings for a promised retirement age of 65, and securing dental care, Pharmacare, and childcare.
To keep our communities safe, the Conservatives will end the wave of violent crime by passing a Three Strikes-and-You’re-Out law to keep dangerous criminals behind bars longer and bring home safe streets. This law will stop criminals convicted of three serious offences from getting bail, probation, parole or house arrest.
Lastly, the Conservatives will ensure there are Life sentences for anyone caught trafficking, producing or exporting over 40 mg of fentanyl.
10. Describe one concrete action you plan to take for Delta within your first year in office: One concrete action I plan to take within my first year in office is working with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to end the revolving door policies for repeat violent offenders brought in by the Liberals. Through my extensive experience working with the Delta Police Department, my immediate priority will be to make good on the promise we have made to impose a mandatory life sentence on anyone involved in the trafficking, production and distribution of over 40 mg of fentanyl because it’s killing people in our community.
Only the Conservatives have a plan to put Canada first and stop the flow of drugs that are killing our citizens. We need to make sure that we as a country focus on keeping criminals in jail and not giving them bail.
11. Candidate bio: I am a decorated law enforcement officer, international athlete, and volunteer sports coach. Recognized globally as one of the top 40 police officers under 40 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (I.A.C.P), my unwavering dedication shines through my extensive work with the young people of Delta. I have invested thousands of hours coaching sports and with the local non-for-profit charity Yo-Bro Yo-Girl Youth Initiative. For my Police service and volunteerism, I was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal.
As a multi-sport athlete, I have clinched national and international awards in wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and kabaddi.
I am entering politics because of my immense frustration with the direction this country is heading in under the Liberals. We need to put Canada First – For a Change.
Natasa Sirotic, People’s Party of Canada
1. Candidate’s age: 60
2. What neighbourhood do you live in? Tsawwassen central
3. How many years have you lived in Delta? 14
4. Have you held elected office in past? No
5. What is your profession? I am a mathematics teacher, teacher educator, and an entrepreneur.
6. Social media accounts and website: X: @ntssirotic, Instagram: @ppc_delta, LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/natasa-sirotic-36974130, Website: peoplespartyofcanada.ca/candidate/natasa-sirotic
7. Telephone number voters can reach you at: 604-337-1766
8: Why are you running to be Delta’s MP? With the current government at the helm, our country has lost its way. I am deeply dissatisfied with rising cost of living and inflation, permissive immigration politics, poor enforcement of crime laws, failing healthcare system, and neglect of our armed forces to the point of compromising our national security.
I want a government that is in service of its people and acts in our best interest. I believe it is something we can achieve through the democratic process — peacefully, by evolution, not by revolution. We CAN elect courageous, truthful representatives that will bring new voice to the House of Commons and perform their duty to the electors.
It is time for reform — on a systemic level. I am drawn to the PPC’s solution-oriented systemic approach that addresses the root causes of our country’s ailments, rather than just trying to fix some symptoms.
9. What is the most important issue facing voters this election, and what should be done about it? The fundamental issue facing this election is cleaning up the effects of mass immigration, a “legacy” left from the Liberal & NDP government. The most acute of these effects are the housing crisis, dysfunctional healthcare, overload on our infrastructure (including social services and school capacities), and a diminished standard of living. We propose to pause immigration until these acute symptoms fade and the country has a chance to recover. At the same time, we need to create well-paying jobs for Canadians, provide training and education in critical fields, invest in our economy, break down trade barriers between provinces and temper federal government’s overreach into the affairs that should be in provincial and municipal jurisdictions. With the economy being freed up, we will be able to secure housing for families and provide social safety for seniors and vulnerable people.
The opiate crisis is also a symptom of a failing system. So far 50,000 Canadian lives have been claimed by these deadly drugs. It is time to implement effective solutions that will obliterate this problem from our society. We must secure our borders at ports, ramp up on inspections and intelligence to stop this crime and provide rehabilitation to those who suffer from addiction.
10. Describe one concrete action you plan to take for Delta within your first year in office: If elected as the new Delta MP, my duty to the constituents will be to deliver on the following promises:
1) Healthcare system that works, is efficient and serves the needs of every Canadian. A compassionate and effective health care system that provides for timely service for urgent matters and access to specialists as needed. This includes putting an end to the opiate crisis.
2) Revived economy that supports businesses and innovation. This includes upgrading our infrastructure and replacing the Massey tunnel.
3) Prosperity for all Canadians through employability, affordable housing, and access to education & training for jobs in high paying fields. This includes supporting families and protecting children.
11. Candidate bio: Natasa immigrated to Canada in the early 90’s with her husband, both electrical engineers, and their two young daughters in the face of a breakdown of their home country, Yugoslavia; a situation of political instability, economic collapse, and sky-high inflation. In Canada, she decided to become a teacher, earning her BEd from UBC and MSc and PhD from SFU in Mathematics Education. She taught at both public and independent schools, students ranging from Kindergarten to university graduate level, held leadership roles, and produced scholarly research. She worked as an inaugural school principal in a newly founded school in South Surrey and as a Faculty Advisor, mentoring new teachers into the profession. She is a mother of four adult children and grandmother to three grandchildren.
Delta voters will get two chances to hear directly from the candidates hoping to represent them in Parliament, with all-candidates meetings planned for the evening of Wednesday, April 16 at the North Delta Centre for the Arts (7 to 9 p.m., 1425 84th Ave.), and the afternoon of Monday, April 21 at Northside Community Church (2:30 to 4:40 p.m., 11300 84th Ave.).
Election day is Monday, April 28, with polls open for 12 hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Advanced voting is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, April 18 through Monday, April 21.
To find your polling station, check your voter information card or use Elections Canada’s online Voter Information Service.
For more information, or to register to vote, visit elections.ca.
