Coquitlam City Council candidate Phil Buchan joins We’ve Got Issues co-host, Nancy Furness. Phil has lived across Canada, studied Political Science, and taught English in Japan for 18 years. He returned to Canada in 2013. Phil learned about campaigning by assisting a woman running for City Council in Calgary. He learned about door-knocking, making signs and pamphlets, talking to voters, and working on a platform. Phil attends many public events and sells poppies for the Legion. He was inspired to run for Council due to lack of affordable housing and because the City failed to have a by-election as required by law to replace Councillor Bonita Zarrillo. Coquitlam citizens were denied a democratic opportunity to replace this Councillor. Phil supports participatory democracy meaning Mayor and Council must consult and respond to citizens’ concerns. For example, the only remaining wading pool in Coquitlam, located in Blue Mountain Park is being removed despite concern expressed by some citizens. Phil would like to see it retained as a free, recreational opportunity for families. Coquitlam faces a housing crisis and Phil says although some affordable housing is being built, it’s not enough. He proposes a minimum of 20% below-market housing in all new developments. The City must work with Provincial and Federal governments, non-profits, and push developers to provide safe, affordable, and appropriate housing for everyone. Phil feels wildlife habitat on Burke Mountain needs to be protected to prevent dangerous human-wildlife interactions. We need to plant more trees and to protect the trees we have to cool our cities and store carbon. Trees provide a cooler, more welcoming space for businesses. Phil says the mature trees on the səmiq̓ʷəʔelə/Riverview lands must be protected. Buses and skytrain need to be expanded and consideration given free transit for all, to facilitate transit use and to reduce emissions and stress. More Coquitlam-based jobs are needed so people can live and work close to home. Phil is actively engaged and committed to standing against all forms of racism and to supporting meaningful Reconciliation with First Nations. He feels a respectful workplace includes defining the culture, leading by example, practising diversity and inclusivity, asking civility questions, implementing respectful workplace training, and providing bonding experiences and regular check-ins.