Elections BC

LOCAL CANDIDATES

RICHMOND MLA QUESTIONNAIRE

RICHMOND NORTH CENTRE

BC NDP - Jaeden Dela Torre
BC Green Party - Vernon Wang
BC Liberal Party - Teresa Wat (Incumbent)

RICHMOND SOUTH CENTRE

BC NDP - Henry Yao
BC Liberal Party - Alexa Loo

RICHMOND-QUEENSBOROUGH

BC NDP - Aman Singh
BC Liberal Party - Jas Johal (Incumbent)
Conservative - Kay Hale
BC Green Party - Earl Einarson

RICHMOND-STEVESTON

BC NDP - Kelly Greene
BC Liberal Party - Matt Pitcairn
Independent - Vince Li

INFORMATION & RESOURCES

Elections BC Site

Voting Safety & COVID-19

1. Do you live in Richmond?

Henry Yao - BC NDP, Richmond-South Centre
Yes.

Alexa Loo - BC Liberals, Richmond-South Centre
Yes.

Kelly Greene - BC NDP, Richmond-Steveston
Yes, and my children attend a Richmond public school.

Matt Pitcairn - BC Liberals, Richmond-Steveston
I live in Delta, hoping to move back to Steveston.

Earl Einarson - BC Green Party, Richmond-Queensborough
Yes! I live with my family in a Strata in the Richmond-Queensborough riding near South Arm.

Jas Johal - BC Liberals, Richmond-Queensborough
No, I live in Tsawwassen with my wife, and son (grade 7).

Kay Hale - BC Conservatives, Richmond-Queensborough
Yes.

Jaeden Dela Torre - BC NDP, Richmond-North Centre
Yes I do.

Teresa Wat - BC Liberals, Richmond-North Centre
No.

2. As an MLA, name one idea that you would like to see improved or considered to make schools safer in Richmond during Covid-19.

Henry Yao - BC NDP, Richmond-South Centre
There’s no question that COVID-19 is the biggest challenge our schools have faced - but with the support and input of public health officials, parents, teachers, school districts and the staff that work in our schools, we are overcoming the COVID-19 obstacles. I know that there is a lot of information to take in so one area I think we can always improve on is making sure staff and parents are getting clear communications and a clear understanding what the public health direction is for our schools.

Alexa Loo - BC Liberals, Richmond-South Centre
My kids are currently attending public school in Richmond and I am satisfied that sufficient protocols are in place to keep kids and staff safe. I would be interested to hear more form the teachers who are on the frontlines about what they want or need.

Kelly Greene - BC NDP, Richmond-Steveston
I am so impressed by District educators’ collaboration and willingness to find solutions to the most unprecedented challenge faced by our school system and society at large, the COVID-19 pandemic. As a parent with children in a Richmond public elementary school, I see firsthand the efforts to educate and keep our children safe. It is certainly a team effort involving public health, teachers, support staff, parents, and school districts. One of the challenges I have talked to teachers and parents about is communication. Incorporating new ways of classroom organization and teaching, connection with families and the larger school, and responding to changing public health directives, is understandably difficult. I would like to see improved and streamlined communication channels between public health and our schools and parent/guardian communities.

Matt Pitcairn - BC Liberals, Richmond-Steveston
Two of my children are school age and attend public school. I know first hand the stress and anxiety on parents, teachers, support staff, administrators and students. We need stronger leadership from the provincial government during this pandemic.

Earl Einarson - BC Green Party, Richmond-Queensborough
Thank you for reaching out to me and giving me a chance to respond to the Teachers in New Westminster. I am working hard to get back to all my enquiries, but it has been a challenge due to quick timeframe that the NDP called snap election has created for me. I truly value Teachers – my son just graduated as a member of class 2020, and the Teachers that we have met along his learning path have been exceptional. Know that I deeply care about the difficult conditions that Teachers are working within during the sitting Provincial Government’s policies and the world wide Pandemic. I will work hard for you.
Teachers are vital in our communities. I work as a Director of an Indigenous-led non-profit that creates and delivers tech sector training to Indigenous Peoples and communities throughout B.C. I’ve worked in Post-Secondary Education for years, including as an AABE Instructor and Student Advisor at the NEC Native Education College in East Van with disadvantaged Indigenous students. I am also completing my Masters in Andragogical Learning Theories and Online Learning (MALAT). I know the struggles that Teachers face with underfunding and lack of support.

Jas Johal - BC Liberals, Richmond-Queensborough
I would like to see more hybrid classes so families have choice about in person vs. digital learning. In the same vein, we would benefit from greater school flexibility to accommodate parents working from home. We need greater funding for the Ministry of Education to implement these safety procedures, but it is a justifiable cause as we are in a once in a century pandemic.

Kay Hale - BC Conservatives, Richmond-Queensborough
All Personnel, Teacher and Student should have a "Temperature" check prior to entering the School Premises. Students and School Official should also be given a swab test on regular interval best suggested by Provencial Health Officer.
Any meeting or consultation between teachers and Parent should be conducted virtually by appointment or over the telephone only. No face to face meeting.

Jaeden Dela Torre - BC NDP, Richmond-North Centre
If elected the next MLA, I would like to see an adoption of temperature checks as an expansion of safety protocols, similar to what some public places do. This measure is just to ensure everyone's safety and so we can be quicker at detecting and preventing and outbreak, should one student be affected by COVID19.

Teresa Wat - BC Liberals, Richmond-North Centre
Smaller class sizes in spaces where physcial distancing cannot be achieved.

3. There are District initiatives such as Diversity and Inclusion, Anti-Racism and SOGI. If elected, what actions will you take to strengthen and support these initiatives in schools?

Henry Yao - BC NDP, Richmond-South Centre
As many teachers in Richmond know, I have been unabashedly pro-SOGI and have attended rallies and other community initiatives in support of it. For taking that position, I have received some negative feedback from some communities but I remain unapologetic in my support for SOGI. That's why I'm proud to be running in Richmond South Centre on John Horgan's team.
The BC NDP are proudly committed to enhancing and strengthening initiatives in BC schools that promote Diversity and Inclusion, Anti-Racism and SOGI education. In the last three years the BC NDP:

Expanded the ERASE anti-bullying strategy to include resources on mental health and wellness, and sexual orientation and gender identity with an additional $3 million in grants.
Embraced reconciliation by being the first province to adopt the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigeneous Peoples and enshrined it in law in 2019. We’ve implemented new First Nations history curriculum and expanded course offerings in Indigenous languages. There are 17 First Nations languages that have been approved to be taught in schools and six more in development.
Led the way as the first jurisdiction in Canada with a tripartite agreement to ensure equitable education for First Nations students, no matter where they live.

If re-elected the BC NDP will re-double its efforts towards strengthening and supporting these important initiatives so that all children, teachers and support staff feel safe and supported in our education system.

Alexa Loo - BC Liberals, Richmond-South Centre
I would like to see more tools in more languages for parents to help them understand what is being taught and why. The initiatives need to “make it home” in order to be truly effective.

Kelly Greene - BC NDP, Richmond-Steveston
As a Richmond City Councillor, I am happy to support initiatives from our Intercultural Advisory Committee, and am proud to have supported the painting of Richmond’s first Rainbow Crosswalk. The BC NDP are proudly committed to enhancing and strengthening initiatives in BC schools that promote Diversity and Inclusion, Anti-Racism and SOGI education. In the last three years the BC NDP:
○ Expanded the ERASE anti-bullying strategy to include resources on
mental health and wellness, and sexual orientation and gender
identity with an additional $3 million in grants.
○ Led the way as the first jurisdiction in Canada with a tripartite
agreement to ensure equitable education for First Nations students,
no matter where they live.
○ Expanded access to Youth Mental Health supports in Richmond and
across BC with Foundry Youth centres, Integrated Child and Youth
teams, and other supports with specific access to culturally safe
services.
If elected, I will work to build on these important initiatives so that all children, teachers and support staff feel safe and supported in our education system.

Matt Pitcairn - BC Liberals, Richmond-Steveston
Discrimination has no place in our society. I would encourage more communication in many languages and more outreach to families as to the importance of these initiatives.

Earl Einarson - BC Green Party, Richmond-Queensborough
My record of working with First Nations Peoples throughout BC gives me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by students. I will uphold the rights for all students in Richmond schools.

Jas Johal - BC Liberals, Richmond-Queensborough
Discrimination due to age, sex, gender, race, or economic status has no place in our society. Within schools, the previous BC Liberal government introduced a SOGI curriculum, but schools do not exist in a vacuum. In a wider societal context, I am concerned with the uptick in racism towards Asian-Canadians during the pandemic, and recent allegations of racism against Indigenous Canadians in our healthcare system. Clearly this is not an issue we tackled yesterday and don’t need to worry about tomorrow; systematic racism is indeed real.

Kay Hale - BC Conservatives, Richmond-Queensborough
The principle that parents are the Child's first and most important teachers, we support parental choice.

Jaeden Dela Torre - BC NDP, Richmond-North Centre
I wholeheartedly support these protocols, in fact it's one of my top priorities to be a strong advocate for these programs. As a young person, I know I would have benefited from these programs during my school years. We have to be more inclusive and understanding so these initiatives help young people understand the issues and continue to build a better world through education. So as an MLA I would be very vocal in supporting these programs.

Teresa Wat - BC Liberals, Richmond-North Centre
Discrimination due to age, sex, gender, race, or economic status has no place in our society. Today, we are concerned with the uptick in racism towards Asian-Canadians during the pandemic, and recent allegations of racism against Indigenous Canadians in our healthcare system. This is why we will be requiring our police forces to actively adopt anti-racism and anti-discriminatory conduct policies. We will also work with the First Nations Health Authority to eliminate systemic racism from the health care system.
We look forward to a discussion on how we can also make our schools more inclusive places.

4. As a result of restoration of the collective agreement language, Richmond School District has seen additional 321 FTE teaching positions. These positions are funded by the Classroom Enhancement Fund. There is still a discussion about changing the current funding model to a “prevalence” funding model that could see the removal of the Classroom Enhancement Fund. If elected, what would you do to ensure that there is sufficient funding to maintain the increased number of teaching positions that support learners in Richmond?

Henry Yao - BC NDP, Richmond-South Centre
The BC Liberal government imposed the current funding model in 2002 after no consultation. They downloaded costs on districts until B.C had the lowest per student funding in Canada.
After forming government the BC NDP appointed an independent review panel to undertake a review of how public education is funded for the first time in almost 30 years. The panel made 22 recommendations to improve equity, accountability and financial management. The BC NDP is moving forward with a two-phased approach to implement those recommendations.
For the 2020/21 school year, the BC NDP is providing an additional $133.6 million in operating grants to school districts this year for a total of $5.536 billion. In their first three years, a BC NDP government has grown per-student funding by 20%, while other provinces have only grown by 5% or less over that time. The funding the BC NDP has added to the education system amounts to an increase of $1,900 in per-student funding. We recognize that after we have more work to do to reverse the years of cuts under the BC Liberals, and the BC NDP remain committed to increasing support to school districts to continue to deliver a world class public education and retain the teachers delivering it.

Alexa Loo - BC Liberals, Richmond-South Centre
I would work to ensure that the funding is maintained. I would also support the school board in its decisions to rationalize facilities in order to ensure enough teachers are available.

Kelly Greene - BC NDP, Richmond-Steveston
After no consultation, the BC Liberal government imposed the current funding model in 2002. It took twenty minutes for the Supreme Court of Canada to rule on their unlawful treatment of classroom sizes, which impacted the learning environment of students and working environment of teachers. They downloaded costs on districts until B.C had the lowest per student funding in Canada. An independent review panel was appointed by the BC NDP to review public education funding. This is the first such review in almost 30 years and 22 recommendations were made to improve equity, accountability and financial management. The BC NDP is moving forward with a two-phased approach to implement those recommendations.
I know that there is more work to do to reverse the years of cuts under the BC Liberals, and the BC NDP remain committed to increasing support to school districts to continue to deliver a world class public education and retain the teachers delivering it.

Matt Pitcairn - BC Liberals, Richmond-Steveston
I believe in maintaining current levels of funding. I would support the school board in its efforts to ensure there are a proper number of teachers in place.

Earl Einarson - BC Green Party, Richmond-Queensborough
Working within this Pandemic environment has been extremely difficult for Teachers. I, and the BC Greens, are committed to ensuring that Teachers are supported during these trying times.

Jas Johal - BC Liberals, Richmond-Queensborough
Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that there are consistent learning options for students across our province. As previously mentioned, I am for enhanced options, including hybrid and online, whether in a public school, independent school or via online learning or Independent Distributed Learning. These enhanced safety measures cost real money, so the implementation of this proposal would mean adequate funding for the teaching positions needed to teach students in these various environments.

Kay Hale - BC Conservatives, Richmond-Queensborough
Funding for our students sould be based of the individual children needs and not just the prevalence of their condition or disability. I will work with the Ministry of Education to deliver fair and equitable education.
It is important that students get the quality education and opportunities they deserve and so parents can have peace of mind that their children are learning in properly supported classrooms.

Jaeden Dela Torre - BC NDP, Richmond-North Centre
I would always ensure that whenever we make funding decisions, that we do not cut funding from education to save money. Our party has committed to public education and unlike the last government, have hired more teachers. To maintain those numbers, we must invest into education, not cutting.

Teresa Wat - BC Liberals, Richmond-North Centre
Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that there are consistent learning options for students across our province. We will ensure there are options for regular school in a safe setting during the pandemic, including hybrid and online, whether in a public school, independent school or via online learning or Independent Distributed Learning. This would mean adequate funding for the teaching positions needed to teach students in these various environments.

5. What do you consider the most significant issue impacting Richmond schools aside from Covid-19/a pandemic? If elected, what will you do to help address or improve that issue?

Henry Yao - BC NDP, Richmond-South Centre
I am a former youth worker and ran the largest volunteer program in Richmond. I know the challenges youth face in today's world. From mental health challenges, to affordability to getting ahead, youth are impacted at every step. I fundamentally believe that public education is at the heart of making life better from K to 12 and beyond for every student in Richmond. Our BC NDP government took an important step in increasing mental health and child care services and connecting them to our public education system. I will work hard to ensure that Richmond schools, teachers and students all have a seat at the table when it comes to advocating for our future. We can do so much more but it requires having some who believes in public education to get there. I do.

Alexa Loo - BC Liberals, Richmond-South Centre
While teachers are inherently creative and capable, too much has been put on their shoulders to understand, craft and deliver the curriculum change. More needs to be done to support teachers to deliver the education and meet the needs of their diverse students.

Kelly Greene - BC NDP, Richmond-Steveston
Aside from the Covid-19 pandemic, I would say that one of the most serious issues facing our schools is the extremely poor condition of our aging schools. After decades of underfunded maintenance and upgrades, our schools have major environmental problems a person would expect from buildings that are 40 years old (or older). Issues like building envelopes, drafty single pane windows, lead piping, heating systems that run too hot or too cold, and seismic inadequacy. If elected, I would work to ensure that these problems were addressed during any seismic retrofits or school addition projects. Since most of our schools require seismic remediation and/or school additions, there is an opportunity to ensure that the repaired school is safe and comfortable for the next generation of learners and educators.

Matt Pitcairn - BC Liberals, Richmond-Steveston
We must pay attention to how Special Needs students are supported during the pandemic. We cannot let them fall behind.

Earl Einarson - BC Green Party, Richmond-Queensborough
I will listen to Teachers, and I will carry their messages forward.

Jas Johal - BC Liberals, Richmond-Queensborough
I don’t know if it is the most significant issue, but I do find it important work. As a person of colour, I was excited to serve on the committee reviewing BC’s police act. That work was stopped and the committee was dissolved as soon as the election was called, which was a big disappointment. I think we were ready to have new conversations about how we talk about race, which would undoubtedly affect our school curriculums. I am committed to pushing for the resumption of this work with whichever party forms our new government.

Kay Hale - BC Conservatives, Richmond-Queensborough
Adding the protection of parental rights as a new responsibility of school trustees under the British Columbia School Act. This would complement their current mandate involving financial matters and academic performance. Moreover, we are committed to enhancing parental involvement in the local governance of the school that their children attend.

Jaeden Dela Torre - BC NDP, Richmond-North Centre
Continuing to ensure that Richmond Schools get the funding they deserve. We have made great strides in fixing the BC Liberal cuts to education, however there is still much work that needs to be done. So continuing to invest into public education, whether thats hiring more teachers, seismically upgrading schools, and building more schools. Ensuring we keep schools in good shape throughout the pandemic and post pandemic.

Teresa Wat - BC Liberals, Richmond-North Centre
Ensuring neighborhood schools are well supported and remain for those that need them.

6. Over the span of 20 years, Provincial government funding for private schools continued to outpace public education funding increases – From 2000-01 to 2019-20 school year, independent schools have seen a growth in inflation-adjusted education funding at an amount of 122.8% compared to 15.9% for public schools. If elected, what will you do to address the imbalance?

Henry Yao - BC NDP, Richmond-South Centre
This is an important question and I'm glad it's being raised.
The BC NDP believe that a strong public education system is the best way to ensure a fair and equitable society where opportunities are equal regardless of financial status. In May of 2020 the BC NDP made changes to the independent distributed learning funding agreement that brought it back in line with public and independent school funding. Now independent distributed learning and independent brick and mortar schools are funded at 50% of the base rate for public schools. IDL’s were being funded at 63% of the base rate under the BC Liberals. After forming government the BC NDP also appointed an independent review panel to undertake a review of how public education is funded for the first time in almost 30 years. The panel made 22 recommendations to improve equity, accountability and financial management. The BC NDP is moving forward with a two-phased approach to implement those recommendations.
For the 2020/21 school year, the BC NDP is providing an additional $133.6 million in operating grants to school districts this year for a total of $5.536 billion in operating grants, the largest operating budget in BC’s history. In their first three years, a BC NDP government has grown per-student funding by 20%, while other provinces have only grown by 5% or less over that time. The funding the BC NDP has added to the public education system amounts to an increase of $1,900 in per-student funding.

Alexa Loo - BC Liberals, Richmond-South Centre
I would investigate and understand why this is happening and how it is affecting the education my children are receiving in public school. Then I would make specific recommendations to address the issue.

Kelly Greene - BC NDP, Richmond-Steveston
The BC Liberal government imposed the current funding model in 2002 after no consultation. The BC NDP believe that a strong public education system is the best way to ensure a fair and equitable society where opportunities are equal regardless of financial status. In May of 2020 the BC NDP made changes to the independent distributed learning funding agreement that brought it back in line with public and independent school funding. Now independent distributed learning and independent brick and mortar schools are funded at 50% of the base rate for public schools. IDL’s were being funded at 63% of the base rate under the BC Liberals. After forming government the BC NDP also appointed an independent review panel to undertake a review of how public education is funded for the first time in almost 30 years. The panel made 22 recommendations to improve equity, accountability and financial management. The BC NDP is moving forward with a two-phased approach to implement those recommendations.

Matt Pitcairn - BC Liberals, Richmond-Steveston
Choice is needed in the school system. Funding of private and public schools are done through a funding formula. We would look at this formula and determine if it needs to be updated.

Earl Einarson - BC Green Party, Richmond-Queensborough
I will advocate strongly for Teachers to ensure that they have what they need in order to serve our community.

Jas Johal - BC Liberals, Richmond-Queensborough
Especially at a time like this, we are committed to improving students’ and teachers’ health and safety, by implementing a province-wide framework for hybrid and online learning options. I want to see the $12 million the NDP cut from Independent Distributed Learning programs reinstated, the earlier the better. From a capital projects point of view, we will upgrade K-12 facilities to ensure they are properly equipped. We will build schools across the province, and expand new construction in areas with rapid population growth.

Kay Hale - BC Conservatives, Richmond-Queensborough
A BC Conservative government will introduce: a funding formula which will provide equal “per student” financing for students attending the same grade as in public schools for traditional, charter schools, and independent schools from K-12 levels. The system will operate throughout British Columbia on the basis of choice by parents in each school district.

Jaeden Dela Torre - BC NDP, Richmond-North Centre
I'm proud that the BC NDP made changes that changed the way the independent distributed learning agreement is funded. Under the BC Liberals there was a large imbalance between the funding of public and private schools. Under the BC NDP, funding for independent schools is equal to the funding of public schools. We must always keep education equitable and fair to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to succeed.

Teresa Wat - BC Liberals, Richmond-North Centre
Especially at a time like this, we are committed to improving students’ and teachers’ health and safety, by implementing a province-wide framework for hybrid and online learning options. This includes restoring the $12 million the NDP cut from Independent Distributed Learning programs. We will upgrade K-12 facilities to ensure they are properly equipped. We will build schools across the province, and expand new construction in areas with rapid population growth.

7. What do you consider to be the top issue facing the future of public education? Explain.

Henry Yao - BC NDP, Richmond-South Centre
I believe the top issue is having a government that believes in and supports our public education system and in working with teachers - not fighting them- to create the best learning environment for our kids. The BC NDP believe that a strong public education system is the best way to ensure a fair and equitable society where opportunities are equal regardless of financial status.
In Richmond South Centre alone, we're making seismic upgrades to Cook and Ferris Elementary schools. Imagine how much more we could with a BC NDP MLA advocating for more funding and upgrades to public education in Richmond. A vote for me, Henry Yao, is a vote for that strong advocacy that I know I will bring, if elected.

Alexa Loo - BC Liberals, Richmond-South Centre
Inclusion - ensuring that each student receives the education that they need according to their specific needs. This requires physical learning space, amenities, teachers and support staff with knowledge and experience.

Kelly Greene - BC NDP, Richmond-Steveston
The top issue is having a government that believes in and supports our public education system and in working with teachers - not fighting them - to create the best learning environment for our kids. The BC NDP and I believe that a strong public education system is the best way to ensure a fair and equitable society where opportunities are equal regardless of financial status.
A re-elected John Horgan government is committed to continuing to invest in our kids and the smallest class sizes in a generation, to build on our record investment of $2 billion over three years for new schools, expansions, and seismic upgrades, and to making sure the people who work and learn in our schools are now getting the support they need.

Matt Pitcairn - BC Liberals, Richmond-Steveston
Having proper resources (learning supports, space, etc.) for all of our diverse learners - and their teachers - to continually be an inclusive education system.

Earl Einarson - BC Green Party, Richmond-Queensborough
Moving forward I will fight for the Teachers we need as we move forward into the future.

Jas Johal - BC Liberals, Richmond-Queensborough
It is hard to see what our province will look like post-pandemic. I anticipate increased conversations surrounding the use of technology in classrooms, as well a need for flexibility in class schedules to meet parents’ changing workforce needs. I know post-pandemic we will be re-investing our efforts in capital upgrades for schools, particularly seismic. This time next year we could be facing an entirely new top issue that does not yet exist; the nature of our world is changing that fast.

Kay Hale - BC Conservatives, Richmond-Queensborough
Give qualified British Columbian students priority for admission to the province's postsecondary educational institutions. Increase training and apprenticeships in the trades and technical sectors. Strengthen the on-line learning capabilities provided by our colleges and technical institutes. Increase scholarship opportunities for students.

Jaeden Dela Torre - BC NDP, Richmond-North Centre
The top issue facing public education is having a government that will support public education. In order for students to have better opportunities, there needs to be support that keeps up the quality of education. You expand opportunities by supporting not cutting. So for young people to have a great start to their lives, we must always continue to keep public education as a top priority, and ensuring education is always inclusive.

Teresa Wat - BC Liberals, Richmond-North Centre
How do we integrate public funded technology into the learning environment to best support teachers and students?

8. How will you work with the Richmond Teachers’ Association to ensure teachers’ concerns and issues are part of your caucus’ and party’s priorities?

Henry Yao - BC NDP, Richmond-South Centre
I believe that open lines of communication and being seated at the table together are integral to working through issues and concerns in a constructive and beneficial manner for all parties. If elected, I commit that the Richmond Teachers Association will have open access to me and my office and can bring any issues or concerns to my attention, and I promise to strongly advocate for them amongst my colleagues and party. I believe the best outcomes are met with a collaborative attitude towards problem solving. Anyone who knows me and has worked with me knows that I listen, learn and lead. I will work with the RTA at every step of the way. Public education is important to me. It's a fundamental building block of society. I am a former youth worker and ran the largest volunteer program in Richmond. I know the challenges youth face and I will be the strongest advocate for more supports for youth in the public education system.

Alexa Loo - BC Liberals, Richmond-South Centre
I will listen and learn and understand the needs and concerns of the RTA and bring your voice to caucus.

Kelly Greene - BC NDP, Richmond-Steveston
If elected, I commit that the Richmond Teachers Association will have open access to me and my office and can bring any issues or concerns to my attention, and I promise to strongly advocate for them amongst my colleagues and party. I believe the best outcomes are met with a collaborative attitude towards problem solving.

Matt Pitcairn - BC Liberals, Richmond-Steveston
If elected my door will always be open. Regular meetings between the RTA executive and MLAs are important for sharing concerns.

Earl Einarson - BC Green Party, Richmond-Queensborough
I will advocate strongly for Teachers to ensure that they have what they need in order to serve our community The BCGreens have committed to:
To ensure a quality education, a safe school environment and flexibility for parents and students, the BC Greens would:
• Fund operating grants for school districts to 100% of the grants received in the
2019/2020 school year to ensure that enrollment during COVID does not
comprise the quality of education, nor the ability of schools to retain current
teachers or education assistants.
• Maintain additional COVID funding for PPE and online learning throughout this
school year, and into the 2020/2021 school year as required.
• Ensure every school district has the resources to develop credible and robust
remote learning and hybrid learning options. This will help ensure that even when
learning from home, students are able to keep a connection to the school they
attend and the community they live in.
• Support the mental health of our students with $24 million in new funding to
enhance the number of counsellors in our schools, starting with the current school
year.
• Develop and implement a province-wide plan to address racism that exists in
schools, and commit to additional, ongoing funding to deepen the work of
reconciliation and Indigenous education across K-12.

To help support the integration of ECE into our public school system, the BC Greens will:
• Provide $300 million in new funding to begin the phase in of up to 25 hours free
early childhood education programs per week for 3 and 4 year olds, rising to $550
million as capacity expands;
• Provide $100 million in new funding to create a new capital program in the
Ministry of Education to fund renovation and additions to existing schools to
support ECE spaces. To help address affordability, to ensure that no child attends
school hungry and to better integrate nutrition into our curriculum, the BC Greens
would create a new $25 million fund for school districts to develop a food program
for their schools in their district.
• Proposals would be developed by the district to ensure local needs are addressed;
• Funding would be conditional on ensuring the program integrated nutrition into
the curriculum and showed how the plan would eliminate the stigma associated
with accessing food programming.

Work with our education partners on a long term plan for how BC can improve its per student funding. This would include:
• Addressing the continued disparities in wages, class size and composition between
districts;
• Access to speech-language pathologists and school psychologists, and develop
new resources for students with special needs.
• This starts with the development of a new funding formula that supports a 21st
century education system.
• Double the funding of the B.C. Access Grant to help support post-secondary part-
time students, and those enrolled in multi-year programs.

Jas Johal - BC Liberals, Richmond-Queensborough
Any conversation that occurs about education should include educators. Post COVID we will be relying on teachers and administrators to report back to government what new issues we are facing. I have an open door policy when it comes to communicating with constituents.

Kay Hale - BC Conservatives, Richmond-Queensborough
Make the public interest paramount in the evaluation of credentials, issuance, suspension, cancellation of certification of all licensed educators and in any investigations into the professional conduct of such educators.
Ensure that any downloading of services from the province to school districts will only be undertaken with openness and accompanied with appropriate resources and funding. Strengthen Student Learning as the Prime Focus for Primary and Secondary Education in British Columbia.

Jaeden Dela Torre - BC NDP, Richmond-North Centre
Being a young person who endured the BC Liberals cuts to education, this is a very big priority for me. I will always put education as a top priority for myself and my party. I would hold regular meetings to listen, learn and advocate for the concerns teachers have. I would like to establish a strong relationship and dialogue with teachers, so I can represent their concerns and as well invite them to be part of policy building so I can bring these issues and effectively legislate them in government.

Teresa Wat - BC Liberals, Richmond-North Centre
My door is always open for meetings and dialogue.