Who are Chilliwack and the eastern Fraser Valley’s provincial election candidates, and what would they prioritize if elected to BC’s legislature?

We asked every candidate running in Chilliwack and the eastern valley’s three ridings about transit, agriculture policies, and the issues they personally consider to be the most important for their local community.

Below are the responses to our Valley Votes questionnaire. We also gave candidates a chance to share more about themselves and why they are running for office.

Of nine candidates running in three ridings in Chilliwack and the eastern Fraser Valley, eight responded—the highest response rate in the Fraser Valley. You can find answers for candidates in each riding below.

Chilliwack North | Chilliwack-Cultus Lake | Fraser-Nicola 

You can find responses from candidates in other ridings here: Langley | Abbotsford and Mission

We asked candidates from all nine local ridings about five specific topics. You can find answers from all candidates to those questions here: Bridal Veil Resort or Cascade Skyline Gondola? | Sumas flood protections | Transit priorities | Removing land from ALR | Climate change and infrastructure

Make sure you also check out our election hubs. They include candidate biographies, riding descriptions, videos of all-candidates meetings, and links to news stories. Find them here: Langley | Abbotsford and Mission | Chilliwack and the Eastern Fraser Valley

Chilliwack North

In Chilliwack North, we received responses from all four candidates: Dan Grice (Independent), Heather Maahs (BC Conservatives), Dan Coulter (BC NDP) and Tim Cooper (BC Greens).

Responses are organized in order of survey submission.

You can find the full list of candidates, as well as their bios and links to their social media, here.

Meet the candidates

Dan Grice - Independent

Lives in riding: Yes

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

I've practiced as a real estate and estate planning lawyer for over 10 years in the Fraser Valley, and have a background in technology and democratic reform. I work with clients from all backgrounds to help them buy homes, develop properties, start businesses, and deal with the loss of a family member. I am a parent with two kids in public schools and care about protecting vulnerable youths.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

I am tired of partisan politics distracting from local needs and felt that I needed to speak out against both the NDP's plan to abolish the law society and the Conservative's plans to gut our education system and muzzle teachers from addressing complex topics.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Chilliwack is a highly diverse community, but because we are on the outskirts of the lower mainly, we get a disproportionate amount of homeless and those living in TVs and cars who live in and just outside of the community. I don't think the public or the rest of BC realize how bad it is and how nearly every cul-de-sac or park has someone without a permanent home. When I walk a few hundred meters and see acres and acres of estate homes and mansion, and then see a homeless camp, it really makes me wonder how our current building plans benefit BC.

Heather Maahs - BC Conservatives

Lives in riding: Yes

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

I am a mother and grandmother first. I have been a School Trustee in Chilliwack for the last 15 years. I am an advocate for families and believe they are the foundation of a healthy society.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

I am concerned about the cost of living, the provincial debt, the infringement of our rights and the ramification of increased drug use and addictions challenges which currently exist and what all of this means for our children in the future.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Did not answer.

Dan Coulter - BC NDP

Lives in riding: Yes

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

My name is Dan Coulter and I’ve had the pleasure serving the community of Chilliwack for the last 4 years as an MLA and the Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit. Before that I served for 7 years as a school trustee on the Chilliwack Board of Education.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

I grew up in a working class family, and I saw them lose everything in the 1980s. I remember my parents doing what it took to put food on the table and make ends meet. We stick up for people like my family. I know that folks are struggling right [EXCEEDED WORD COUNT]

Note: Candidates were told there were strict word count limits, and would be cut off at the word count if they went over.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Chilliwack has a thriving non-profit sector. As the former co-chair of Chilliwack Healthier Communities, I have seen first hand how all these organizations come together to work for the betterment of the people of Chilliwack.

Tim Cooper - BC Greens

Lives in riding: No (Chilliwack-Cultus Lake)

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

Born in the UK. Spent my career as a physics researcher and teacher. Originally in nuclear physics but the last 20 years as a speaker on climate change (science, technology, economics and politics). Have 3 kids from a previous marriage, currently living with an engineer for the last 13 years. Lived 30 years in Chilliwack, before that living in Alberta, Quebec, Ohio and Indiana.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

With the NDP recently announcing they will drop the carbon tax, a most effective tool to reduce emissions, I elected to run for the greens as they are the only party to maintain the tax.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Based on Current carbon dioxide levels, the sea will rise 15-20m. The centre of town is only 10m above sea level. This won't happen overnight but it will significantly affect property values. We may not be able to stop this, but we can avoid making it worse.

The questions

What is something with local resonance that is not explicitly mentioned in your party's platform and for which you will advocate for your local constituents if elected? (150 words)

Dan Grice, Independent: As an independent, my entire platform is local. I'm the only candidate talking about increasing ALR flexibility to allow tiny homes and more on farm housing. I believe we can both eliminate homelessness and reduce the need for foreign farm workers by allowing farmers to offer more housing options for full and part time farm workers. As Chilliwack is a farm community, I believe my constituents will love my idea of strata farms that will allow more collective ownership of farms and make it easier to pass farms down to multiple generations. People want to see farmland used for farming and not just mansions with large lawns. Allowing farmers to build more small housing on their farms will increase overall productivity and make it easier for people to enter farming.

Heather Maahs, BC Conservatives: Did not answer.

Dan Coulter, BC NDP: I will continue to advocate for the expansion of Highway 1 through to Chilliwack—the highway is integral to the movement of goods and people. I know that many people who call Chilliwack home travel that highway every day. By expanding that highway, people will be able to get home faster and have more time to spend with their families.

Tim Cooper, BC Greens: Based on numbers from the Canadian Association of Physicians for the environment, 20 people a year die from breathing air contaminated by fossil fuels. A side effect of climate protection policies would be to improve the air quality increasing the quality of life for folk in the Chilliwack.

What is something from another party or candidate's platform that you agree with? (50 words)

Dan Grice, Independent: I agree with the Conservatives that no-fault insurance went too far and harms those with severe disabilities and needs to be improved. I agree with many of the NDPs housing plans, but believe that they need to be tweaked to move away from a one size fits all model.

Heather Maahs, BC Conservative: I support A'aliya Warbus and her concerns regarding the impact of addictions on First Nations peoples.

Note: Á’a:líya Warbus is also a candidate for the BC Conservatives.

Dan Coulter, BC NDP: Other than the carbon tax, I can agree with many of the BC Green’s ideas on how to combat climate change.

Tim Cooper, BC Greens: The NDP's policy on housing, getting rid of out of date red tape and easing restrictions on building.

Which of the following projects do you support?

Note: We unintentionally made respondents able to select more than one option. However, the two projects are mutually exclusive, and both cannot be developed. Dan Grice chose both. Dan Coulter did not respond because the proposals are before government.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Would your government provide funding for flood protections on Sumas Prairie?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

What transit upgrades should the province prioritize?

Note: respondents were only allowed to select one option. Dan Coulter chose more than one project. Most Fraser Valley NDP candidates returned their forms (against direction) via email, writing extended answers rather than specifically choosing a priority.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Do you support the removal of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve for any of the following reasons?

Note: respondents were allowed to select more than one option.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Should climate change projections be used when setting building and infrastructure standards?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Chilliwack-Cultus Lake

In Chilliwack-Cultus Lake, we received responses from both candidates: Kelli Paddon (BC NDP) and Á’a:líya Warbus (BC Conservatives).

Responses are organized in order of survey submission.

You can find the full list of candidates, as well as their bios and links to their social media, here.

Meet the candidates

Kelli Paddon - BC NDP

Lives in riding: Yes

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

Chilliwack has been my home since I was 12—it's where I’m raising my two kids. Prior to serving as MLA, I worked in the community living sector, including as a community support worker, youth employment counsellor, and sessional instructor at UFV. I also worked with local community groups that support youth, as well as community corrections and RCMP victim services. I believe we’re at our best when we look out for one another and have each other's backs. That’s who we are as British Columbians-- and it's definitely who we are here In Chilliwack.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

During my time as support worker and employment counsellor, I saw first hand the damage caused by underfunding and cuts to services. Now, our community is finally seeing provincial investments. We have been successful in advocating for many investments here based on what I have heard from our community, including [EXCEEDED WORD COUNT]

Note: Candidates were told there were strict word count limits, and would be cut off at the word count if they went over.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Our community is unique, and is fortunate to share in rich culture and a strong sense of commitment to each other- including the important work happening around reconciliation.

Reconciliation is a collaborative effort here in Chilliwack-Cultus Lake. There are 10 First Nations whose traditional territories make up our community and we know working together is the best path forward. The relationships built along this journey together have so far resulted in partnerships like on-reserve housing, more culturally safe and relevant services, and our Indigenous Justice Centre.

Á’a:líya Warbus - BC Conservatives

Lives in riding: Yes

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

I am Stó:lō, proud mother of three beautiful children and married to my husband Kalvin for ten years. I have roots in the communities of Musqueam, Sumas, Skowlitz, and Chehalis First Nations via grandparents who are all Residential school survivors. My only living grandparent, Rena Point-Bolton is 97 years young. I am a filmmaker and small business owner. I spent many years of my career working on the front lines with youth at risk and in-care, studying policy and engagement so young people can directly affect the services they receive. I care deeply for people and my community.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

We need diverse voices in the democratic process. Life expectancy of Indigenous people has declined by six years, we are fighting a losing battle against addiction, drugs, homelessness. The system desperately needs reform. Everyone longs for change. I bring a perspective that will facilitate change for all British Columbians.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

My father Grand Chief Steven Point was the first Indigenous Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. He taught me the importance of being able to serve all British Columbians regardless of race, color, creed, sexual orientation or political leaning.

The questions

What is something with local resonance that is not explicitly mentioned in your party's platform and for which you will advocate for your local constituents if elected? (150 words)

Kelli Paddon, BC NDP: We have been successful in advocating for many investments here during the last four years based on what I have heard from our community, including thousands of new student seats through new schools and expansions, new infrastructure for Chilliwack and FVRD, a new Bradley Centre, and a Foundry for our youth, but there is more work to do. Important services that I will be advocating for to continue supporting our work here include a Community Dialysis Unit, an ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) team for Chilliwack, and increased supports for seniors.

Á’a:líya Warbus, BC Conservatives: John Rustad recently announced expanding Highway 1, to six lanes, and that is something that many people in Chilliwack would love to see as soon as possible.

What is something from another party or candidate's platform that you agree with? (50 words)

Kelli Paddon, BC NDP: While there are significant differences in approach, I think all parties and independent candidates want our kids to have access to good public education.

Á’a:líya Warbus, BC Conservatives: Did not answer.

Which of the following projects do you support?

Note: Kelli Paddon did not respond because she said she did not know enough about the two projects.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Would your government provide funding for flood protections on Sumas Prairie?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

What transit upgrades should the province prioritize?

Note: respondents were only allowed to select one option. Kelli Paddon chose more than one priority. Most Fraser Valley NDP candidates returned their forms (against direction) via email, writing extended answers rather than specifically choosing a priority.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Do you support the removal of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve for any of the following reasons?

Note: respondents were allowed to select more than one option.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Should climate change projections be used when setting building and infrastructure standards?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Fraser-Nicola

In Fraser-Nicola, we received responses from two candidates: Jonah Timms (BC Greens) and Francyne Joe (BC NDP). Tony Luck (BC Conservative) did not respond. Joe responded at the end of our extended deadline, nearly a week after the original deadline for responses.

Responses are organized in order of survey submission.

You can find the full list of candidates, as well as their bios and links to their social media, here.

Meet the candidates

Jonah Timms - BC Greens

Lives in riding: Yes

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

I am a new father to a six-month old girl and I live in Lillooet. I work in Indigenous relations. I am on the board of the Lillooet Naturalists, I sit on the board of my church, and I am on the local executive for the BC General Employees Union. I grew up in Clearwater in a forestry family. My dad worked at the mill and my grandpa and uncles were loggers. I know natural resource jobs are integral for rural communities and want to see a BC where those jobs are available for the long term.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

I am running for MLA because I have found that people, and myself, are increasingly frustrated by our leaders not listening to locals on how to solve the problems that we are facing. Our leaders seem incapable of thinking of solutions to problems from climate change, housing, and healthcare.

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

My local community, Lillooet, has informed my views on politics in that Lillooet is a rural community full of smaller-scale farmers, loggers, miners, First Nations governments, and BC and federal government employees. This cross-section of British Columbia has taught me that we can come together to solve our collective problems. It has also taught me about St'at'imc culture and the value of Indigenous organizations in our province and in making informed decisions that put people first.

Francyne Joe - BC NDP

Lives in riding: No (Kamloops-North Thompson)

Tell the public who you are: (100 words)

Fraser-Nicola is my home; I grew up in a Nicola Valley ranching family where helping neighbors and working as a community was normal. After moving to Kamloops for school and raising a family, I was pulled to Ottawa to advocate for Indigenous issues and create a better future for my kids. Over the last six years, I've advocated nationally and globally – including at the United Nations - built relationships, and collaborated with organizations on community programs across Canada. Now, I've returned to be closer to family and to use my experience and network to advocate for and support my community.

Why are you running for MLA in your community? (50 words)

My grandparents showed me that we all play a role in our community – sometimes as leaders, sometimes as followers. But no matter our role, the goal is the same – to make our home a better place. I hope to use my experience as an advocate to positively impact my community!

What is a piece of information about your local community that the public may not know about, and informs your views on policy or politics? (150 words)

Growing up on-reserve in a ranching town taught me through experience the importance of looking out for and working with one another. When it's time to brand cattle, harvest hay, catch and process fish, collect fruit and vegetables, or help grieving families; it's all made easier – made possible – when we can reach out and work together - knowing that your community will be there to reciprocate when needed. I understand that it's improbable for one person to fully understand and have the answers for every issue facing our vast riding, but I am always open to listening and learning from those [EXCEEDED WORD COUNT]

Note: Candidates were told there were strict word count limits, and would be cut off at the word count if they went over.

The questions

What is something with local resonance that is not explicitly mentioned in your party's platform and for which you will advocate for your local constituents if elected? (150 words)

Jonah Timms, BC Greens: The loss of much of the town of Lytton in 2021 has still not been resolved at a level adequate for locals nor I. Much of the downtown is still not rebuilt. It has been over three years and the Province has not put enough resources into the Archaeology Branch, they haven't provided supports for the municipality to manage the large amounts of artefacts found in Lytton, and there needs to be more done to support those who are victims of climate change caused emergencies like fires and floods. I would advocate for Lytton with the Minister of Forests to staff up the Archaeology Branch and the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Resilience to ensure that the Lytton Rebuild team is adequately staffed to manage the task at hand.

Francyne Joe, BC NDP: Our youth are at the heart of our future. As such, we must offer genuine opportunities for mentorship; to learn about the diverse responsibilities they will face. Programs providing youth with experiences to develop leadership, decision-making, and emotional intelligence in paid and volunteer environments could be implemented in schools, municipalities, and nonprofits. Opportunities that integrate cross-cultural experiences and regional exchanges could be part of summer programs. Integrating program components of working with our Elders, children, and across various socioeconomic groups could be beneficial. Providing youth with such experiences and opportunities, I believe, could help better determine how youth can move forward into rewarding careers that help grow a more empathetic and prepared generation.

What is something from another party or candidate's platform that you agree with? (50 words)

Jonah Timms, BC Greens: We need to depoliticize public safety. Public safety is something that every party needs to prioritize because if our citizens aren't safe government has failed. We need a depoliticized public safety committee that takes the most up-to-date knowledge on how to manage safety and enact it across the province.

Francyne Joe, BC NDP: Did not answer.

Which of the following projects do you support?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Would your government provide funding for flood protections on Sumas Prairie?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

What transit upgrades should the province prioritize?

Note: respondents were only allowed to select one option.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Do you support the removal of land from the Agricultural Land Reserve for any of the following reasons?

Note: respondents were allowed to select more than one option.

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.

Should climate change projections be used when setting building and infrastructure standards?

You can see how all Fraser Valley candidates responded to this question here.