At least five candidates will be in the federal election race in the New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville.
As of 3 p.m. on Monday, April 7, Elections Canada’s website listed three confirmed candidates in the electoral district:
- Peter Julian, New Democratic Party
- Jake Sawatzky, Liberal Party of Canada
- Lourence Almonte Singh, independent
Singh, who had previously been running as the Conservative Party of Canada’s candidate, was ousted as the party’s candidate last week. Instead of running for the Conservatives, he’s now running as an independent.
In addition to these confirmed candidates, two others have indicated they’ll be running in New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville:
- Indy Panchi, Conservative Party of Canada
- Tara Shushtarian, Green Party of Canada
April 7 (today) is the final day for candidates to file their paperwork with Elections Canada. A full list of candidates across Canada will be available on Wednesday, April 9.
Hear from the candidates
New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville constituents will get their first chance to hear from some of the candidates this week.
At least three of the riding’s candidates will be attending a Q&A with the New Westminster Residents Downtown Association’s this week. It’s taking place on Wednesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. on the fourth floor of Anvil Centre.
Peter Julian (NDP), Jake Sawatzky (Liberal) and Tara Shushtarian (Green) have confirmed their attendance at the meeting, which will be followed by the residents’ association’s postponed annual general meeting.
Attendees are asked to pre-register to ensure they have a seat.
Conservative leader visits New West
The campaign bus for the Conservative Party of Canada’s leader rolled into New West on Sunday morning.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the Official Opposition, held a press conference at Anvil Centre on Sunday morning.
At the press conference, Poilievre said the Conservatives’ new funding model for drug treatment centres would help 50,000 Canadians get off drugs. He said a Conservative government would also stop federal funding for opioids and safe consumption sites.
Poilievre’s press conference took place at 10:30 a.m. At 11:15 a.m., New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville NDP candidate Peter Julian and about two dozen supporters gathered for a sign waving event at Hyack Square – across the street from Anvil Centre.
Burger poll returns
The Bun-official burger poll has returned to New Westminster for the April 28 federal election.
Burger Heaven Restaurant is once again serving up burgers with a political flavour. Diners can vote for their favourite candidate burger up until April 27.
Here are the restaurant’s “tongue in cheek” burger descriptions:
- The Mark Carney (Liberal Party) burger: This “seasoned lean-to-the-middle” prime Grade A juicy selection was top in our previous Burger Poll menu but now with a new name it savours to make it’s “mark” with the chance to stay on top of the burger board as things heat up in the proverbial political frying pan by striving to have a majority of diners choose this burger. Cooked on the front burner, it includes Alberta medium-aged cheddar, zesty sauce, crisp lettuce, a liberal slab of bacon, a slice of fresh tomato and is aiming to spice things up with ingredients that are indigenous to the country.
- The Pierre Poilievre (Conservative Party) burger: This tasty “lean-to-the-right” prime Grade A Beef burger, currently sizzling on the second burner, has hopes to ‘cut the mustard’ and be on top of the burger board by saying “lettuce lead.” This culinary choice is cooked with relish and includes a conservative slice of tangy Alberta-aged cheese, aromatic onion, and zesty sauce. Plus, this “platter-form” can come with mushrooms (not mushrooming expenses). Full of flavour, it can also include pickled (we want to) “beet” the current ruling party.
- The Jagmeet Singh (NDP) burger: To spice things up, this burger is ‘Singh’ing the praises of a Nicely Done Patty of “lean-to-the-left” Prime Grade A Beef as it tries to gain “ground” on the rear left burner by stirring the pot with promises of affordability. It includes strong o(u)nions, juicy tomato, tangy sauce, Scarborough orange cheddar, and is served on a multigrain bun. This burger candidate relishes the opportunity to drain some fat out of the Liberals’ slice of bacon and ‘ketchup’ with the leading parties in the political kitchen.
- The Elizabeth May/Jonathan Pedneault (Green Party) burger: Grilled on the back burner, this Prime Grade A patty of beef well-seasoned is an alternative to the burger poll menu. Served with a dollop of green relish, a dollop of ‘May-o,’ a slice of organic garden tomato and Saanich goat cheese, it is cooked in a controlled carbon-free area on a back burner and offers the option of a green lettuce wrap. This burger is popular with our food-conscious customer concerned about ecological issues and their political diet.
- The Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois) burger: This choix de Prime Grade A Patty du bœuf is B(BQ)’d i.e. grilled on the back centre left burner comes with crisp greens, French dressing, piquant sauce, a dab of French mustard, et fromage bleu du Quebec. A chip off the old “Bloc,” this burger juteux is “separated” from the rest in the proverbial political frying pan. Bon Appetite!
- The (b)undecided/other burger: This one is for folks who are not sure which burger candidate to select at the moment.
