Nancy Furness is joined by Coquitlam City Council candidate Harvey Su on her program We've Got Issues.

Harvey came to Canada in 1999 and has lived in Coquitlam for 15 years with his wife and two daughters. He has volunteered with Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation and the Terry Fox Foundation. He feels current Council is doing a good job and he would like to keep the momentum going.

Harvey feels he could bring more diversity and inclusion to Council. He was inspired to run for council to give back to the community and to serve as a role model for new Canadians. Harvey wants to see Coquitlam transformed into an economic and cultural centre and as a business-person he feels he can identify issues and provide solutions. His priorities include improving transportation infrastructure, addressing the family doctor shortage, and public safety.

Housing affordability, local economies, Riverview Hospital, and recreation and parks are also important issues. Harvey will advocate for more transit services to Coquitlam. He proposes increasing frequency of the WestCoast Express commuter train, currently operating between Vancouver and Mission during Monday-Friday rush hour only. With Coquitlam’s rapidly growing population of young working families, better transit will bring more opportunities by turning a bedroom community into a business hub. It will support housing affordability by reducing transportation costs and will help Coquitlam reach carbon neutrality by 2050 by reducing car use. One million BC residents, including young families, currently don’t have a family doctor.

Harvey proposes speeding up business registration, waiving registration fees, and increasing medical space as ways to attract more doctors.

Harvey notes Coquitlam remains relatively safe, despite increases in violent crime and drugs. He suggests introducing “Empower Coquitlam Parents” workshops hosted by the City and School District to provide parents with ways to recognize and respond to warning signs of gang involvement and to keep children away from gang activity.

He also proposes a Smart Neighbourhood App with a group chat to keep residents connected on local safety and social activities.

Harvey supports Coquitlam’s non-partisan approach and feels listening and discussing are important before making final decisions. Harvey supports the implementation of a Provincial integrity commissioner to provide oversight for situations that can’t be resolved at the Council table.