As part of our commitment to keeping Members informed, we reached out to all candidates in our riding with questions about issues that matter to Tsawwassen First Nation. Answers that we received are posted below as a source of information to help you make an informed decision ahead of the April 28, 2025 vote.
Please note: The New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate was unavailable during the time we were collecting responses. We recognize, however, that he has made prior efforts to engage with us.
What do you see as the biggest issues First Nations people are facing and how will your party address them?
Liberal
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Self-determination: ensuring that First Nations have the tools, resources, and decision-making powers they need to take care of their people and their communities. Shifting the systems to Indigenous-led approaches creates better outcomes for some of the most pressing challenges First Nations are experiencing both on- and off-reserve. The Liberal party will double the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion and open it to sectors outside of energy and natural resources to support more Indigenous-led infrastructure, transportation, and trade projects across the country. It’s time to build in this country, and it’s important that rights-holders are part of it.
Health Disparities: The First Nations Health Authority is an example of what’s possible when First Nations have access to long-term, sustainable, predictable funding to deliver services for their people in their own communities. We are committed to working with communities on expanding economic opportunities on-reserve such as unlocking private mortgages on-reserve and providing capital for Indigenous Financial Institutions that support Indigenous entrepreneurs. A Liberal government led by Mark Carney is committed to working with First Nations partners and provincial/territorial governments to coordinate across jurisdictions on long-term solutions to closing the infrastructure gap, fighting the mental health and addictions crisis, and keeping communities safe and healthy. First Nations also experience challenges facing all Canadians, such as Donald Trump’s tariff war, extreme weather caused by climate change, often disproportionately. Here in Delta, we are feeling the impacts of tariffs in both our proximity to both the Canada-U.S. border and one of Canada’s most important trade corridors. Mark Carney understands it’s essential that First Nations voices are included in the conversations about how Canada responds to these challenges; Tabatha Bull, CEO of the Canadian Council on Aboriginal Business, is a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations.
Conservative
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Through my experiences working as a Delta Police Officer, training as a multi-sport athlete, and volunteering as a youth sports coach, I have seen firsthand how people are struggling with affordability, high inflation, rising crime, and mental health and addictions. The current approach taken by the Federal Government is not working. I am passionate about working with the Conservative Party to rebuild our economy, create well-paying jobs, and prioritize treatment and recovery options to help people get off drugs and build a strong and prosperous future for themselves.
In addition, as a proud resident on TFN lands in the leasehold community, I have heard from TFN Members that they want to continue re-building their nationhood, exercise their rights to self-determination, and see Elders, families, and youth continuing to thrive. This means making life more affordable, getting Ottawa out of the way to empower the TFN Government to make key decisions about their lands and Members without unnecessary barriers, investing in infrastructure to support growth, and building healthier communities.
Should I be fortunate to serve as the Member of Parliament for Delta, I look forward to collaborating with the TFN Government and TFN Members to build relationships and decide together how we can advance these priorities.
People’s Party
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The People’s Party of Canada believes that lasting reconciliation begins with respect, fairness, freedom, and responsibility. The most pressing issues we see are: lack of economic opportunity, limited autonomy due to the Indian Act, and gaps in education, health, and infrastructure. Our party is committed to empowering Indigenous communities by gradually phasing out the Indian Act and replacing it with a legal framework that respects self-governing Nations, encourages prosperity, and treats all Canadians equally.
2. Self-Government & Treaty Recognition:
a. How will you advocate for consistent recognition and support of self-governing First Nations like TFN?
Liberal
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The Liberal Party of Canada recognizes the inherent rights of Indigenous people in section 35 of the Constitution. Mark Carney has committed to a distinctions-based
approach that recognizes the unique relationships between Canada and First Nation, Inuit and Métis people. This approach must be grounded in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Liberal government has made a number of initialings, signings and announcements in British Columbia to implement aspects of Self-Governing agreements and Modern Treaties for better relationships. We believe in the power that direct dialogue has to support communities with Self-Governing agreements so that we can return the power of governing back to the hands of Indigenous People because communities know how best to help their people. In my role as a Member of Parliament, it is my responsibility and privilege to work with TFN to ensure constant collaboration and input. That is my promise.
Conservative
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The previous Conservative Government was proud to negotiate and ratify the Tsawwassen First Nation Treaty back in 2009. As a Modern-Treaty First Nation, TFN is a strong example of what is possible when Indigenous Peoples are empowered to make decisions that are in the best interests of their Members, lands, and resources.
I am grateful to have a beautiful home, that I share with my wife Joti, in the warm and welcoming TFN leasehold community. We hope to raise our family here in the years ahead. I support the work TFN has undertaken to provide housing options for Delta residents to remain in the community and continue growing the economy.
My commitment to TFN would be to champion solutions that help overcome unnecessary bureaucratic barriers in place, which currently prevent TFN from reaching its fullest potential. I will always maintain an open line of communication and invest my time to grow my relationships with TFN leaders, Elders, and Members.
People’s Party
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As the MP for Delta, I would advocate strongly for federal recognition of the rights and authority of self-governing Nations like TFN. Your Treaty status must be respected, and federal policies must reflect the autonomy that self-governing Nations have earned. Our party supports moving away from top-down federal control and toward a nation-to-nation relationship based on trust, clarity, and partnership.
3. Housing & Infrastructure:
a. How will you support investments in housing, water, wastewater, roads, and broadband on TFN lands?
Liberal
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A Liberal Government will continue to invest in Indigenous communities. Since 2015, the federal government has committed more than $6.7 billion for housing in Indigenous communities and a further $4.3 billion to advance an Urban, Rural, and Northern Indigenous Housing strategy to improve and expand Indigenous housing in Canada. A recent AFN report found that every dollar invested in First Nations infrastructure generates $1.82 in economic output. Investing in First Nations strengthens the Canadian economy. Since 2015, the Liberal government has increased investments for housing on-reserve by over 1,300%. This supported the construction, renovation, and retrofitting of over 36,000 homes in First Nations communities across Canada. A Mark Carney-led Liberal government will create a new entity called “Build Canada Homes” (BCH), which will get the federal government back in the business of building homes. BCH will provide $10 billion in low-cost financing and capital to affordable home builders. $6 billion will go towards rapidly building deeply affordable housing, supportive housing, Indigenous housing, and shelters. Indigenous people in urban areas face unique challenges to accessing the services and cultural support they need. That is why last year the Liberal government invested $60 million over two years to support Friendship Centres, across the country, which provide much-needed supports and services to members of their communities across a range of areas including health, housing, education, recreation, language, justice, employment, economic development, culture, and community wellness. First Nations, no matter where they reside, should have access to culture and services.
Conservative
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In addition to building more homes that expand the leaseholder community, the Tsawwassen First Nation Government has also done an incredible job to build housing that allows Members to remain or return to live on TFN lands. Keeping generations of families together is very important for South Asian families like mine, and I know it is very important for Indigenous families as well. Any work I can advance to enable families staying together in their community will be a key priority for me in Ottawa.
With development also comes the need to invest in the critical infrastructure to accommodate growth. The Conservative Party of Canada is committed to prioritizing infrastructure funding for communities that have a strong commitment to building housing. I am confident that by working together we can secure the investments necessary to support existing developments and enable more housing and strengthen waterways, wastewater, roads, and broadband across TFN lands.
People’s Party
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We recognize that investments in housing, clean water, wastewater systems, roads, and broadband are essential for the health and progress of First Nations. A PPC government would ensure that these investments are made transparently and efficiently, with funding going directly to communities rather than being lost in layers of federal bureaucracy. As MP, I would listen to TFN’s infrastructure priorities and advocate for targeted support that reflects your plans and needs.
4. Economic Reconciliation:
a. What are your party’s commitments to Indigenous economic development, particularly for urban and peri-urban Nations?
Liberal
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With my experience at the Delta Chamber of Commerce and in small business, I understand that strong businesses build strong communities. I want to make sure Indigenous businesses have every opportunity available to them. As someone who advocated for Delta’s businesses, I want to make sure that Indigenous-led businesses are given the information they need to access government support. I support implementing a mandatory 5% minimum Indigenous procurement target to ensure that Indigenous entrepreneurs have opportunities to grow and use the federal government’s purchasing power to create good paying jobs. The Liberal Government will expand the Indigenous Loan Guarantee program. Now is the time to cut red tape, and build a more resilient economy that is less dependent on the United States. This program will support Indigenous-led energy projects, infrastructure, transportation and trade projects. A Liberal government will also expand support for students in the red seal trades; including:
- Apprenticeship grants of up to $8.000,
- Funding grants of up to $15,000 for workers in priority sectors, including manufacturing, health care, construction, A.I. and technology, and
- Advocating for Indigenous Youth participation in the Canada Summer Jobs program.
Conservative
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The Conservative Party’s commitment to Indigenous economic development is helping existing businesses grow and fostering a business-friendly economic environment that attracts a variety of different businesses to available opportunities on Tsawwassen First Nation lands.
The previous Conservative Government demonstrated their support of TFN’s economic development priorities by delivering $1.7 million in funding to support the construction of the drainage pump station at TFN’s industrial park through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program. This, in addition to a $3.7 million investment to enhance TFN’s water reliability, shows the Conservatives have a proven track record of supporting Indigenous economic development through investments in infrastructure. This is something I am confident we can continue working on together through collaboration and frequent engagement.
People’s Party
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a) Our party’s vision for economic reconciliation is rooted in fairness and freedom. We support Indigenous entrepreneurship, partnerships, and business development, especially in urban and peri-urban Nations like TFN. We want to remove bureaucratic obstacles and create conditions for self-sustaining growth.
b. All parties are talking about the need for economic stimulus through resource development – how will you ensure Treaty and other Aboriginal Rights are protected if such projects proceed?
Liberal
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A Liberal government will be committed to meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous communities, ensuring that your leadership and perspectives are integral to building a thriving, inclusive economy. During his meeting with the leaders of the National Indigenous Organization in his first week, Mr. Carney emphasized that the federal government will seek partnership and input from Indigenous leaders on how to build our economy together. This includes opportunities for Indigenous participation in major projects and respect for Indigenous rights. Prime Minister Carney highlighted that the Government of Canada will be doubling the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion and opening it to sectors outside of energy and natural resources to support more Indigenous-led infrastructure, transportation, and trade projects across the country. This will ensure that rights-holders are a part of Canada’s accelerated push to build. A future Liberal government would establish a Major Federal Project Office to advance a “One Project, One Review” approach which will provide efficiency and certainty. This office will have a strong new mandate to issue decisions on major projects within two years instead of five – including additional approvals outside of the Impact Assessment Act – while fully upholding environmental integrity and Indigenous rights. A Liberal government would also increase funding to $40 million per year, for Indigenous capacity to engage on projects early and consistently through the Impact Assessment Agency. We will also double the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 to $10 billion and expand it to support more Indigenous-led infrastructure, transportation and trade projects across the country. This will make it easier for more Indigenous communities to become owners of major resource projects. A future Liberal government will also continue to work in partnership with the First Nations Tax Commission, First Nations Financial Management Board, and First Nations Finance Authority so First Nation communities can exercise jurisdiction over property taxation and financial management, and gain access to capital, which results in increased revenues, improved socio-economic conditions and opportunities to advance their visions of self-determination.
Conservative
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The Conservatives are committed to responsible resource development to reduce Canada’s reliance on trade with the United States in the face of tariffs and confront a potential economic recession.
We would like to unlock economic opportunities here at home that will create good, well-paying jobs, generate revenue for social services, support Member-owned business opportunities, and enable meaningful economic participation for Indigenous rightsholders, Governments, and Members. This means ensuring Indigenous perspectives are heard at decision-making tables and working closely together to identify where Indigenous rightsholders are interested in seeing growth and economic opportunities in their territories, and advancing shared priorities.
People’s Party
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b) On resource development, we believe that no project should proceed without respecting Treaty rights and meaningful consultation with Indigenous communities. Economic growth and rights recognition are not mutually exclusive — they must go hand in hand.
5. Climate Resilience:
a. How will your party support climate adaptation and flood protection for low-lying Nations like TFN?
Liberal
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Across the country, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are on the ground managing land, water, and helping communities thrive while safeguarding the natural spaces we all depend on for current and future generations. Last September, the Liberal government invested $27.6 million to support 80 First Nations Guardians initiatives. This investment will support 18 new and 62 existing initiatives to safeguard the land, water, and wildlife within First Nation territories, while also creating meaningful employment opportunities in remote areas. Locally, I know dykes need to be raised. Overall, it is estimated that we will need over two billion dollars to raise the 68 kilometer of dykes in the riding of Delta. This is a significant issue that must be addressed to safeguard us from the effects of climate change. The low lying areas of TFN and Delta play a crucial role in supporting our ecosystem, the migratory bird path and our agriculture community.
Conservative
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Investing in climate adaptation and flood protection for low-lying Nations, like Tsawwassen First Nation, is critically important. Protection from flooding through building up our dikes is necessary to support the integrity of existing housing and infrastructure, as well as into the future. This is something I will strongly advocate for in Ottawa.
I would also be keen to learn more from Members and work with the TFN Government to identify climate adaptation initiatives that are currently underway, or being explored, and discuss how the Federal Government could offer its support.
People’s Party
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We are aware of the particular vulnerability of low-lying areas like TFN to flooding and sea-level rise. While our party supports environmental protection through responsible stewardship, we also emphasize pragmatic adaptation. As MP, I would work with TFN to prioritize federal support for flood protection, dyke reinforcement, and climate adaptation planning based on your local expertise and environmental values.
6. Health & Wellbeing:
a. What plans do you have to support culturally appropriate health and mental wellness services?
Liberal
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Last year, the Liberal government invested $630.2 million over two years through Budget 2024 to support Indigenous people’s access to mental health services, including through distinctions-based mental wellness strategies. Indigenous Services has convened several Mental Wellness Summits over the last few years with a goal of
bringing together leaders in Indigenous mental wellness to discuss best practices, develop and strengthen networks, and share resources. To ensure the vibrancy of Indigenous cultures and languages for generations to come, the Liberal government will continue to invest in language and cultural programs, in alignment with the Indigenous Languages Act. In BC, the First Peoples Cultural Council has been a fantastic partner working with First Nations to promote wellness through revitalization and strengthening of Indigenous languages. The Liberal government also invested $60 million over two years in 2024 to support Friendship Centres, across the country, which provide much-needed supports and services to members of their communities across a range of areas including health, housing, education, recreation, language, justice, employment, economic development, culture, and community wellness. We know that supporting Indigenous people’s access to mental health and addiction supports doesn’t just mean increasing access to care, it also means ensuring services respect, value, and use cultural knowledge, approaches, languages, and ways of knowing. We look forward to providing further details on the Liberal Party’s ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous people facing mental health and addiction challenges in the coming days.
Conservative
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A Conservative Government would commit to prioritizing treatment and recovery options for persons struggling with addictions and their mental health. We have lost far too many people to the overdose crisis and a change in approach is needed to prevent these heartbreaking losses.
As a Modern-Treaty First Nation, it is also important that Tsawwassen First Nation is empowered to exercise their Indigenous rights to ensure that existing and future health and wellness services are culturally appropriate.
Before determining culturally appropriate health and mental wellness services that should be brought to TFN, I would look to engage in a respectful dialogue first. My commitment would be to work in collaboration with the TFN Government to understand how current health and wellness services can be enhanced, what services are still needed, and come to an agreement on how we can work together to deliver the strongest health and mental wellness outcomes for TFN Members.
People’s Party
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Culturally appropriate and community-led health services are key to long-term wellness. I believe in supporting Indigenous-led initiatives that integrate traditional knowledge with modern care. As a teacher and educator, I’ve witnessed the importance of culturally relevant supports in education, and I believe the same principle must guide our approach to mental health and primary care services.
7. Land Stewardship:
a. How will you respect Indigenous land, marine, and harvesting rights, particularly near sensitive areas like the Fraser River?
Liberal
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I appreciate the significance of the Fraser River to TFN and other Indigenous Communities in the region. The Liberal Party of Canada fully supports Indigenous People to exercise their land, marine and Harvesting Rights. We know that these rights are vital for economic reconciliation and we want to make sure that we are balancing that with maintaining population levels. We know that varies by community throughout the year, and is not always aligned with commercial seasons and that is why we will continue to use Right.
Conservative
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I understand that Tsawwassen First Nation is working closely with Musqueam Indian Band on the Lower Fraser Partnership to promote land and water stewardship initiatives, address cumulative effects, enhance decision-making processes, and improve outcomes in the Lower Fraser River region. I encourage this collaboration and I would like to engage in further dialogue with the Tsawwassen First Nation Government on this important work. Proposing frequent engagements to discuss TFN’s priorities is something I would like to explore.
I also know that securing sustained dredging funding for the secondary channels of the Fraser River is critically important for TFN Members out of respect for their Indigenous marine rights. I understand the necessity of this investment to enable TFN fishermen and women to exercise their Indigenous rights and practice cultural activities on the water. We are seeing boats unable to operate on a low tide due to all the buildup of sand and silt.
The last time the Federal Government committed to sustained dredging of the secondary channels of the Fraser River was under the previous Conservative Government. If elected, I will be a strong advocate to secure those dollars and restore swift marine transportation along the secondary channels of the Fraser River.
People’s Party
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The Fraser River estuary is not only ecologically sensitive, but also spiritually and culturally vital to TFN. I would advocate for full recognition of Indigenous harvesting, marine, and land stewardship rights. Land use decisions near sacred or sensitive areas must be guided by your voice and your values.
8. Education & Youth Opportunities:
a. How would you invest in Indigenous youth education, training, and employment?
Liberal
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Every child deserves access to quality education in spaces that celebrate their culture and identity. The Liberal government was the first government to ensure funding parity for education in every province, so that First Nations children receive the same funding as children living off-reserve. It’s also important to make sure that First Nations youth
have support to pursue post-secondary studies should they choose. The Liberal government recently invested $242.7 million over three years through last year’s Budget, starting in 2024-25, to increase access to post-secondary education for First Nations students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program. We know there is much more to do, and we look forward to sharing further details on our future commitments to First Nations education in the coming days. Canada Summer Jobs is a program I know many businesses in Delta use to hire young people. As a national priority, I will continue to advocate for underrepresented groups, including the hiring of Indigenous youth. The previously mentioned commitments to economic development will also increase access to capital for young First Nations entrepreneurs and create good jobs closer to home.
Conservative
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Empowering the next generation of Indigenous Peoples through education, training, and employment is crucial to ensuring Tsawwassen First Nation Youth are able to bring home a powerful paycheque, afford a nice home to raise their family, and be proud of their unique contributions to the Canadian economy.
I had the honour of working with TFN Youth through my brother and I’s non-for-profit Yo-Boy Yo-Girl Initiative several years ago, and was able to see the many talents of TFN Youth firsthand. I heard from several youth about their desires to seek out career opportunities in any field that also allows for flexibility to practice cultural activities. I commit to helping TFN Youth reach success in any way that I can.
One measure the Conservatives have announced to support Youth education, training, and employment is delivering fairness for the skilled trades by requiring banks to recognize apprenticeships for Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs). Financial institutions that offer RESPs will be required to recognize all skilled trades and apprenticeship programs as eligible RESP programs, ensuring that all related expenses qualify for Education Assistance Payments.
People’s Party
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As a math educator and teacher educator, I’ve had the privilege of working directly with First Nations youth in programs like the SFU Academic Summer Camp for Aboriginal High School Students. I have also delivered teacher development workshops in Barriere and Lytton, supporting educators who work on reserve. These experiences have shown me the critical importance of Indigenous youth empowerment through education. I would advocate for increased access to quality, culturally informed learning opportunities and post-secondary pathways, including trades, entrepreneurship, and STEM programs.