Conservative South Surrey-White Rock incumbent Kerry-Lynne Findlay is ready for another federal election.
Findlay was elected MP for the peninsula riding – federally, a traditional Conservative stronghold – in 2019, with a four per cent lead over the then-incumbent, Liberal Gordie Hogg. She won again in 2021, again, against Hogg, posting a three-and-a-half per cent lead over her rival.
Findlay said it has been "the honour of my life" to be the Member of Parliament representing South Surrey and White Rock for the past five years.
"I see this as a crucial election. We need to promote Canada First and we need to promote self-reliance," Findlay told Peace Arch News Tuesday (March 25). 'We're here in a border riding — we have two border crossings here — and the Conservative platform is strongly in favour of securing our borders, strengthening our own ability to defend ourselves (and) dealing with rampant crime ... all of these touch our community in a very serious and personal way, so I'm very excited to be part of a team that wants to bring change."
Findlay said if elected, she and her party would bring more fiscal responsibility to the country, and also, promote inter-provincial trade and break down the barriers that currently exist.
"If we broke down inter-provincial trade barriers in Canada, our GDP would go up seven per cent," Findlay said.
She also pointed to the Conservatives' recent announcements of personal tax cuts, as well as no GST on new homes under $1.3 million.
"You're going to save people as much as $65,000 with a cut like this, so this starts right away to make life more affordable."
Formerly a lawyer in downtown Vancouver with a successful practice focusing on civil litigation, family law, employment law, aboriginal land issues and mediation, Findlay spent most of her growing-up years on Vancouver Island before going to UBC, where she earned her law degree and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science.
A seasoned parliamentarian, she previously served as MP for the Delta-Richmond East riding from 2011-2015, during which time she was appointed Minister of National Revenue (2013-2015), Associate Minister of National Defence (2013) and Parliamentary Secretary to Justice (2011-2013).
During her current time in parliament, Findlay served as the Shadow Minister for the Environment and Climate Change for the Official Opposition and has also served on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. She was also the first female to hold the position of Chief Opposition Whip, she noted.
Findlay is hopeful the election will produce a majority federal government.
"I expect — and Canada needs — a strong national Conservative majority government. To get things done, to really get things done at the national level, you need a majority to turn this ship around. We all know that we have a lot to do and a lot of work ahead, but it can be done."
A member of the Canadian Bar Association and the BC India Business Network Advisory Board, Findlay is also highly involved in her community, as an active member of Rotary International, (2018-19 Club President), South Surrey White Rock Chamber of Commerce, and the Surrey Board of Trade.
Findlay lives in South Surrey with her husband, Brent Chapman.
— with files from Alex Browne
