Why is Iain Black running to be the MP for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam

What a privilege to return to my community and ask for your support.

I am drawn back into politics out of deep concern for where we are as a country because I believe I can help do something about it.  In seeking your support, I again lean on my understanding of business & our economy and my experience as a twice-elected Tri-Cities MLA and provincial Cabinet Minister.

But above all else, I am leaning on my profound passion for our country and its enormous potential, should we get our priorities straight.  After 10 years, the proof is all around us that the Liberal government’s approach is not working.

Jumpstarting a Stalled Economy

Economists increasingly refer to the last ten years in Canada as “the lost decade”. Under the policies of the Liberal Party, our economy has stalled – and, with a wildly unpredictable US president, at the worst possible time.

Our American neighbours have experienced economic growth at a per-person rate almost ten times that of Canada.  This happens when you allow inflation to balloon out of control, prevent our economy-driving resource projects from proceeding, burden our small businesses with suffocating regulations and implement new taxes that drive us to the top of a very undesirable list:  one of highest taxed jurisdictions in the world, with among the lowest economic performance in developed countries.

Those that invest in Canada, employ people in Canada, and pay taxes in Canada, well, they have taken their investments, employment and tax revenues elsewhere. The result? No growth in our economy, stagnant wages, housing that has become flatly unaffordable for an entire generation, and food costs that are putting seniors and low-income families at risk of slipping into poverty.

All this while we possess amongst the highest deposits in the world of oil, natural gas, and precious minerals – all of which are in great demand, and all of which are extracted at the highest environmental standards on the planet.  But Liberal policies have us held captive to America, selling premium quality petroleum products to them alone, and (worse!) at a 30% discount to what we could get anywhere else.

We can do better.  We must do better.

A Conservative government will lower taxes, remove government bureaucracy and invest in our trades.  We will get our vast natural resources to countries worldwide while ensuring our indigenous people benefit directly. And that’s just for starters.

Addressing Housing Affordability in Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam

Housing costs have doubled in Canada since the Liberals came to power.  We certainly feel that in the Tri-Cities.  Much of this is blamed on hidden taxes, comprising up to 35% of the cost of a new home, and the lack of new housing starts. The Liberal government built just under 200,000 homes last year, as per CMHC; only about 80% of what was built in 1975 when Canada’s population was half of what it is today.

Now add reckless, uncontrolled immigration:  Under the Liberals, the ratio of “homes built for every new resident” has dropped almost in half.  Liberals ignored warnings for years that our immigration targets were outstripping housing availability, so we got government-induced housing inflation.

We will fix this by eliminating GST on new homes and financially incentivizing cities that can build fast.

Making our Communities Safe Once Again

Public safety is a growing concern for families and businesses in Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam. Repeat offenders, rising property crime, and drug-related violence are threatening the well-being of our neighborhoods, and our neighbors have had enough.

Two new Liberal laws are responsible for our current “catch and release” system, where violent criminals can be out on bail before their victims are out of the hospital. Judges are directed to be more lenient with repeat violent offenders.  The data speaks volumes in this regard; the rate of violent gun crime has increased 29%.  I will vote to repeal those two laws.

A Stronger Future for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam

I believe in a Canada where families can afford to live, businesses can thrive, and communities are safe. My track record as a community leader, business professional, and public servant proves I have the experience and capability to achieve results. After 10 years of Ron McKinnon and the many failed Liberal government policies, it is time for change. Vote for change. Vote for Iain Black.