Paige Munro is the Conservative Party of Canada candidate in New Westminster-Burnaby
Tell us about yourself:
My name is Paige Munro; I was born and raised in New Westminster. I currently live in Sapperton where I operate a small security risk analysis business. When not at my desk, you can find me at the weightlifting gym training with my brother.
Describe your political experience – or your life experience that you think would make you a good member of Parliament?
Despite only being 26 years old, I have made a sincere effort to broaden my horizons, get to know my country, and educate myself such that I could be an effective advocate for my community. In university, I studied International Security and wrote on Canadian foreign policy in Afghanistan, but I also studied moral philosophy because I think it’s important to have a solid understanding of what we want to aim at as a society. I am “home-grown,” so I do not have to pretend to understand what locals are facing in this riding – I have skin in the game.
Why are you running in the 2021 federal election? What’s your Number 1 priority?
The current government is seemingly incapable of rising to the occasion when it comes to putting forward a serious plan to address the concerns at the forefront of Canadians’ minds; especially in New Westminster-Burnaby. We have a lot of senior citizens and young families who are suffering due to rising costs of housing and basic necessities. If elected, I would instill a greater sense of security for the local community. This means applying the Conservative plan to uplift small businesses, offer real support to the homeless, and help people take advantage of tax credits for senior and childcare.
Wildfires, heat waves and other extreme weather conditions are indicative that climate change is underway. True or false? What would your party do to slow climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
An increase in extreme weather events is certainly evidence of global climate change. To address climate concerns, the Conservatives are committed to implementing a hydrogen energy strategy that will rapidly increase Canada’s use of green hydrogen. We will also introduce a tax credit to companies developing carbon capture, utilization, and storage technology. Importantly, Canada’s Indigenous communities will be an integral part of our climate plan such that they are consulted and gain access to mutual benefit agreements on resource development projects.
Has the federal government done enough to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action? What action would your party take to implement all of the calls to action – and when?
Thus far, the federal government has done a poor job of taking meaningful, practical steps toward reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous communities. The Conservative plan focuses on helping Indigenous peoples develop their local economies, secure access to mental healthcare, and gain access to affordable housing. The CPC aims to empower Indigenous communities to manage their affairs in a way that is culturally appropriate by their own standards.
What steps should be taken to ensure Canada is prepared for future pandemics? Overall, how would you rate the federal government’s response to COVID-19?
The Conservative platform is very clear on pandemic preparedness: we need to secure a strategic stockpile of essential products, including PPE, and develop the capacity to manufacture vaccines domestically. Pandemics are not a one-time deal, either. The Canada Emergency Preparedness Plan put forward by the CPC will be updated annually to ensure it is timely and effective. Unfortunately, the current federal government was totally unprepared when it came to PPE distribution and vaccine procurement. For several months, Canada was embarrassingly behind on vaccination rates and we are only now just catching up.
What makes your party’s leader the right person to serve as prime minister?
Erin O’Toole has a proven history of service to his country. He became the Conservative leader not because of name recognition, but because he holds true to Canadian values: freedom of the individual, equality before the law, honouring tradition and heritage, and the pursuit of prosperity for all.
Do you have any hobbies?
My big passion is Olympic Weightlifting. I love that the sport requires both physical and mental discipline because it builds a lot of character. My brother introduced me to the sport, and now he is my coach! It’s great to have him training me for competitions.
Where can voters find you? (website, social media, email, etc.)
Voters can find me on Facebook at “Paige Munro for New Westminster-Burnaby” or they can email me at [email protected].
