We asked candidates to provide a 300 word (or less) response to the following question: What are the hallmarks of an excellent public servant and how do you epitomize that description? Here are their answers, in alphabetical order. Please note we have not edited or corrected any of the candidates' responses.
Delta
North Delta, which used to be part of Newton-North Delta, currently held by NDP MP Jinny Sims, has broken away from Surrey to be part of an expansive new riding taking in the entire municipality of Delta. Incumbent Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay will square off against Liberal candidate and human rights lawyer Carla Qualtrough in the Delta riding, as well as NDP candidate Jeremy Leveque, who works in health care. Anthony Edward Devellano is running for the Green Party.
Anthony Edward Devellano, Greens
Did not respond
Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Conservative
Did not respond
Jeremy Leveque, NDP
I grew up in Delta in a fairly typical family. My father worked as a teacher and my mother at a grocery store in order to pay the bills associated with raising three kids. Money was frequently tight, but we got by. I went to good Delta schools and enjoyed our beautiful natural environment. It was a good childhood. It prepared me for the future and taught me the value of being a responsible citizen. Graduate school took me to Ontario for several years, where I pursued my master’s and PhD and taught at Queen’s University. I always wanted to come home and give back to the community that gave me so much, so when the opportunity arose, I jumped at it.
Delta needs the kind of representation it can only get from someone who knows and loves it the way I do. Public service is about listening: I understand Delta’s language, its problems, and specific issues. Public service is about caring: Delta is my home. It means a great deal to me and I care deeply about its future. Public service is about passion: A good public servant makes the issues of those they represent their own. I will champion Delta on the national stage and ensure that what is important to the people of Delta is important to our country.
This election is one of the most important elections in Delta’s history. On October 19th we will make a decision not just about who would best represent the people of Delta in parliament but also about the kind of Canada we want to leave to future generations. For me, that means rejecting the divisive and fearful politics of Stephen Harper and the broken promises of the Liberals. I’m choosing an NDP government based on positive, hopeful change.
Carla Qualtrough, Liberals
Did not respond