The 91原创 Advance Times/Aldergrove Star put a series of questions to each of the candidates running in the 91原创 ridings ahead of the April 28 federal election.
If their responses are not included in the riding package below, it is because they never replied.
In the upcoming election there are six candidates running in the 91原创 Township-Fraser Heights riding:
鈥� John Aldag, Liberal Party of Canada
鈥� Sepehr Haghighat, People鈥檚 Party of Canada
鈥� Holly Isaac, NDP
鈥� Alex Joehl, Libertarian Party of Canada
鈥� Debora Soutar, Green Party of Canada
鈥� Tako Van Popta, Conservative Party of Canada
Replies provided in alphabetical order:
John Aldag
Liberal Party of Canada
Candidate鈥檚 age: 61
Where do you live? (Municipality/neighbourhood): Township of 91原创, Walnut Grove
How many years have you lived in 91原创? 20 years
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify: Yes. Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-91原创 City from 2015 鈥� 2019 and 2021 鈥� 2024
What riding are you running in: 91原创 Township-Fraser Heights
Profession: Retired Parks Canada manager; politician for past 10 years
Social media accounts and website:
Website ;
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Telephone number voters can reach you at: 604-366-3711
Candidate bio: John grew up on a farm on the prairies, and is a proud husband to Elaine and father of Kai, Hattie, and Kalani.
John managed national parks and national historic sites across eight provinces and territories over his 34-year career with Parks Canada including 10 years at Fort 91原创 National Historic Site. During his career, he had the privilege of experiencing Canada鈥檚 diverse history, breathtaking geography, rich culture, and proud traditions.
John represented our region twice in Ottawa, and with your support, will do so again. First elected federally in 2015, John has helped secure up to $2 billion in federal investments for local priorities including transit, affordable housing, environmental initiatives, arts and culture, and seniors and youth programming.
On April 28, vote John Aldag.
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it? (Maximum 200 word response):
This election is the most important election in more than a generation. With erratic policies coming primarily from the USA, but with Russia, China, Iran and North Korea also posing threats, Canada needs strong leadership now more than ever. Mark Carney is leading Canada鈥檚 response against these threats. As the adult in the room, compared to Pierre Poillievre鈥檚 鈥淓verything is Broken鈥� Trumpesque narrative, Mark Carney has a resume that attests to his ability to lead on the world stage.
Affordability remains a top concern with Canadians. Mark Carney and the Liberal Party will continue to fight for the economic interests of Canadians. Prime Minister Carney has pledged to a war-like response to Canada鈥檚 housing challenges. We will also ensure timely approval of mega-projects while respecting the need to work meaningfully with the provinces and First Nations. Climate change is real and responses will be meaningful while balancing the needs of our economy and environment. Locally we need to ensure we are investing in our rapidly growing community.
The Liberal Party of Canada, with Mark Carney and John Aldag, are our region鈥檚 best option to defend the very existence of Canada. Vote John Aldag on April 28.
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Sepehr Haghighat
People鈥檚 Party of Canada
Candidate鈥檚 age: 29
Where do you live? (Municipality/neighbourhood): North Vancouver
How many years have you lived in 91原创? I currently live in North Vancouver.
Have you held elected office in the past? If so, please specify: No
What riding are you running in: 91原创 Township-Fraser Heights
Profession: Biologist
Social media accounts and website:
https://www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca/candidate/sepehr-haghighat
Telephone number voters can reach you at: N/A
Candidate bio: Sepehr grew up in North Vancouver in a hardworking family and has deep roots in the community. He pursued a biology degree at UBC and has worked in both laboratories and the engineering sector, gaining valuable experience in Vancouver and North Vancouver鈥檚 industries. Over time, Sepehr became increasingly concerned about Canada鈥檚 direction under Liberal leadership. Like many Canadians, he saw freedom, personal responsibility, and common sense being pushed aside in favour of government overreach. Sepehr is committed to putting Canadians first. He supports ending mass immigration to ease housing pressure and protect Canada's identity, restoring individual freedoms, and reducing government interference. His goal is to ensure Canada remains a free, secure, and prosperous nation built on strong communities and policies rooted in common sense.
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it? (Maximum 200 word response):
Some of the key issues I鈥檓 hearing from residents include the rising cost of living, concerns around housing affordability, crime and public safety, and increasing pressures on local services like healthcare and education. Many families feel like they鈥檙e working harder than ever but falling further behind. At the same time, people are increasingly worried about unsustainable levels of immigration and the lack of a clear, responsible plan to manage population growth in a way that supports infrastructure and community well-being.
Government overreach and the erosion of individual freedoms are also growing concerns that deserve urgent attention. I believe we need to refocus our priorities 鈥� putting the needs of everyday Canadians first, restoring common sense to public policy, and holding government accountable to the people it serves. That starts with transparency, local decision-making, and ensuring our communities have a real voice in the issues that affect them most.
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Holly Isaac
NDP
Candidate鈥檚 age: 38
Where do you live (Municipality/neighbourhood): Walnut Grove
How many years have you lived in 91原创? 32
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify: No
What riding are you running in: 91原创 Township-Fraser Heights
Profession: Relief Letter Carrier
Social media accounts and websites:
Telephone number voters can reach you at: N/A
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it? (Maximum 200 word response): Cost of living - we need rent control, affordable housing built, lower interest rate loans for first time home buyers to be able to get into the market, and grocery price caps to name a few. We also need significant improvements to EI and job protections in place so people don鈥檛 fall through the cracks.
Candidate bio: Holly has spent most of her life in 91原创 having long been an advocate for getting more for workers, serving as the local 1st Vice President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. She was also the local media contact during their time on the picket lines. In these roles, Holly has seen big bosses get ahead while workers fall further behind. She doesn鈥檛 think that鈥檚 right, which is why she鈥檚 running with the NDP.
Holly grew up in the riding of 91原创 Township-Fraser Heights. She鈥檚 happy being surrounded by rich history, beautiful mountains, incredible farms, and one-of-a-kind restaurants and cafes. Holly loves to sing, read, cross-stitch, and spend time with her dog, Zoey.
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it? (Maximum 200 word response):
Cost of living 鈥� we need rent control, affordable housing built, lower interest rate loans for first time home buyers to be able to get into the market, and grocery price caps to name a few. We also need significant improvements to EI and job protections in place so people don鈥檛 fall through the cracks.
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Alex Joehl
Libertarian Party of Canada
Candidate鈥檚 age: 43
Where do you live? (Municipality/neighbourhood): Murrayville (Township of 91原创)
How many years have you lived in 91原创? 10 years
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify: No
What riding are you running in: 91原创 Township-Fraser Heights
Profession: Meat Department Manager
Social media accounts and website:
Telephone number voters can reach you at: 778-862-4605
Candidate bio: Alex is a veteran of the political battlefield, having run for MP four times previously, MLA thrice, and each electable municipal position once. Never elected, he still sees each election as an opportunity to put forth the message of liberty, freedom, and personal responsibility.
He works for a local grocery store as the Meat Dept. Manager, seeing firsthand the devastating affects inflation has had on affordability.
You may find Alex at your local hockey rink, whether it is viewing, coaching, or playing roller/ice/ball hockey. He鈥檚 a volunteer with VBHA, the school鈥檚 PAC, and CAMRABC, while serving as the Leader of the B.C. Libertarian Party since 2023.
Alex moved to Murrayville in 2015 with is wife and son.
He is your principled vote for more freedom and liberty.
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it? (Maximum 200 word response):
Half of Canadians are $200 from not being able to pay monthly bills 鈥� affordability is the greatest issue.
The answer isn鈥檛 more government rebates. We need to fix our money.
鈥淚nflation鈥� is newsworthy, but few Canadians know how government and the Bank of Canada (BoC) affects it.
Inflating the money supply destroys the purchasing power of all Canadians, hurting those on fixed-incomes and low-wage earners the most. Their paycheques no longer buy them as many groceries or fill their gas tank as quickly.
First, our federal government must cease deficit spending. As the BoC monetizes government debt it inflates the money supply.
Secondly, the BoC should stop irresponsibly setting low interest rates. While those already holding mortgages may prefer that, the low cost of borrowing is one of the direct reasons for the high cost of housing. As well, low interest rates encourage borrowing instead of saving 鈥� and we should incentivize Canadians to prepare for their futures.
Finally, we must end Fractional Reserve Banking, which allows the banks to create credit out of thin air, further inflating the money supply. Those who get the money first are the benefactors, before inflation has diminished purchasing power for the working class.
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Debora Soutar
Green Party of Canada
Candidate's age: 68
Where do you live? Chilliwack/Sardis
How many years have you lived in 91原创? None - I live in Chilliwack.
Have you held elected office in past? No. I ran twice for Chilliwack City Council.
What riding are you running in: 91原创 Township-Fraser Heights.
Profession: retired Professional Forester.
Social media accounts and website:
Facebook - Debora Lynn Soutar
LinkedIn -
Telephone number voters can reach you at: 604 798-0824
Candidate bio: Soutar is passionate about climate action and understands that we all need to do our share. 鈥淏ut even if we all do our best, we still rely on government and big business to make the big decisions. That means, we all need to vote and make sure our elected representatives hear us!鈥�
Soutar had a rich and varied career as a Professional Forester, most recently representing the Fraser Timber Supply Area Coalition. Soutar is also well-known for her leadership in conservation groups.
Soutar has led Cheam View United Church鈥檚 initiative to redevelop its property. Construction is underway and Chilliwack can expect 64 new, affordable apartments for seniors and families within two years!
Soutar enjoys healthy political debates with her husband, sons and grandchildren.
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it? (Maximum 200 word response): The most important issue facing voters in this election is climate change. We know that loss of property & land due to climate change is causing unrest and uncertainty, leading to increased polarization and fear. We must stay the course and continue to reduce our carbon emissions by removing subsidies to fossil fuels, and directing those millions of dollars to safe housing, improved transportation options, and relief from the effects of climate disasters. We must address the increasing discrepancies between the uber wealthy and the former middle class by improving the incomes of the working people. This means significantly reducing taxes to all but the wealthiest. This means creating good jobs that pay well. Then, everyone can have a good home and good food and good healthcare and good education.
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Tako van Popta
Conservative Party of Canada
Candidate鈥檚 age: 71
Where do you live? (Municipality/neighbourhood): Murrayville
How many years have you lived in 91原创? Nearly 60 Years.
Have you held elected office in past? If so, please specify: Member of Parliament for 91原创-Aldergrove since 2019
What riding are you running in: 91原创 Township-Fraser Heights
Profession: Parliamentarian, Lawyer, Electrician
Social media accounts and website:
Telephone number voters can reach you at: 604-396-1935
Candidate bio: I got into politics in 2019 to do my part in improving Canadian鈥檚 lives by advocating for a strong economy. The Liberals had been in government for four years, having promised 鈥渟mall-to-medium sized deficits鈥� and a balanced budget in year four but instead, ran up the nation鈥檚 credit card. Stewarding the economy takes discipline and hard work.
I鈥檝e been a small business owner, then became a business lawyer focusing on small and medium-sized local businesses and learning to respect their contribution to Canada鈥檚 economy and workforce. These are the employers of many of our residents.
Having spent most of my life in 91原创, I am confident that I can continue to effectively represent this community in Ottawa letting their voices and concerns be heard.
What is the most important issue facing voters in this election, and what should be done about it? (Maximum 200 word response):
The key issue in this election is which political party is best able to manage our economy after a stagnant ten years of Liberal mismanagement. We need Canada to be in a strong position to deal with President Trump and his ongoing tariff threats, securing Canada, its sovereignty and its people for generations to come. Our major trading partners, including the USA, have seen substantially increased capital investment during the last decade leading to improved productivity, higher wages, and resilient economies for them. Sadly, Canada has missed out.
Since the Liberal Party took over government, our nation鈥檚 economic strength has weakened. Our country makes fewer things and our workers produce less, all which depress wages and incomes of working Canadians. Our weakened economy affects our ability to raise public funds for healthcare, and education all the while our houses get more expensive, and inflation increases the cost of food at the grocery store.
We need a Conservative government to incentivize investment into our businesses and economy, develop our natural resources and getting new products to diversified markets so that Canadians can take home powerful paycheques once again.
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