Peter Julian is the New Democratic Party candidate in New Westminster-Burnaby
Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised in the New Westminster-Burnaby, where my family has lived for years. After graduating from New Westminster Secondary School, I held several jobs as a manual labourer and factory worker and received business excellence awards in managing businesses. I speak English, French and am learning Mandarin.
Describe your political experience – or your life experience that you think would make you a good member of Parliament?
I was first elected, in 2004, as an MP representing New Westminster and Burnaby. Since then, my team and I have helped over 20,000 individuals and families. Since 2014, I have been serving as the Finance Critic and House Leader for the NDP. During COVID, I was the negotiator for Leader Jagmeet Singh and the NDP in the 43rd Parliament for all the pandemic-related support programs and legislation. We had to force the Liberal government to implement a $2,000 CERB, 75% wage subsidy, sick leave, small business rent subsidy and support for seniors, students and people with disabilities.
Why are you running in the 2021 federal election? What’s your Number 1 priority?
There needs to be a better set of priorities in this country. We’ve seen the government constantly put the needs of the ultra rich and big banks over the needs of people. In the 43rd Parliament I fought to get $120 million in COVID benefits to people in New Westminster and Burnaby, to allow people to keep a roof over their head, food on their table, and allow small businesses to remain open. I want to continue fighting and build on the tremendous progress we’ve made to ensure that no one is left behind.
Wildfires, heatwaves 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?
The NDP has been outspoken about Canada falling behind in fighting the climate emergency. We don’t need any more promises. Canada must address the climate emergency with ambition and urgency. The NDP is committed to eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, reducing emissions, addressing the growing socio-economic inequalities and ramping up the shift toward a clean energy low-carbon economy. I proposed Motion M-1 for a Green New Deal and Motion M-94 to call for an immediate stop to the TMX pipeline project. The world's ultra-rich, responsible for higher CO2 emissions, should pay their fair share of taxes to help fund climate action.
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?
No, federal governments have denied the basic human rights of Indigenous peoples. The NDP is committed to undertaking the important work of reconciliation in good faith and partnership with Indigenous communities. On behalf of the NDP caucus, my colleagues Mumilaaq Qaqqaq and Charlie Angus have been calling on Attorney General Lametti to investigate crimes against Indigenous Peoples carried out through residential “schools”. Perpetrators of these crimes need to be tried and held accountable for the abuse that continues to impact Indigenous communities. Trudeau should stop using tax dollars in court to deny residential “school” survivors compensations.
Overall, how would you rate the federal government’s response to COVID-19?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Trudeau had to be forced by the NDP to provide real support for people. We fought to double the emergency benefit for workers and the self-employed, save people’s jobs and small businesses with a higher wage and rent subsidy, ensure students, seniors, and people with disabilities received support and fought to ensure workers have 10 days of paid sick leave. The Liberals' lack of support would have left millions of Canadians behind. The NDP will continue to fight for Canadians who are struggling to get by, rather than supporting the ultra-rich and big banks.
What makes your party’s leader the right person to serve as prime minister?
Jagmeet Singh is a compassionate leader who is always in touch with the needs and concerns of people. A country led by Jagmeet will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of Canadians. Jagmeet Singh and the NDP don’t answer to the powerful elites, we are fighting for you.
Do you have any hobbies?
I spend time with my family and work on our organic vegetable farm with Chuck Puchmayr on Barnston Island. We grow and harvest vegetables like zucchinis and squash, which we then donate to local food banks in New Westminster and in Burnaby. We anticipate two tons of produce this year.
Where can voters find you?
https://m.facebook.com/MPPeterJulian/
https://www.instagram.com/peterjulian_/
