100 Debates on the Environment — Vancouver Centre
2019, Democracy, Climate + Environment
The environment is an issue that no party and no candidate can ignore this federal election
Join us on October 3rd for a debate between the candidates for Vancouver Centre where the uninterrupted focus will be on their plans to fight climate change and protect the environment.
This debate will be one of the 100 Debates on the Environment happening all across Canada on the same day, an unprecedented national initiative to bring the environment to the forefront of political discourse.
7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (PT)
Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema
SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts
149 West Hastings Street, Vancouver
We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the Unceded, Traditional, Ancestral Territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ, and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm First Nations.
Dr. Hedy Fry
Liberal Party of Canada
The Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry was first elected to Parliament for Vancouver Centre in 1993, becoming the first rookie to defeat a sitting Prime Minister. Re-elected in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2015, she is now the longest-serving female MP in Canadian history.
Inspired by Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s vision for a just society, Dr. Fry immigrated to Canada in 1970, practicing family medicine at St. Paul’s Hospital for decades. She was a leader in the medical community, serving as president of the Vancouver Medical Association (VMA), BC Medical Association (BCMA), and the Federation of Medical Women. She also hosted the popular medical information show Doctor, Doctor on CBC television.
Following her election in 1993, Dr. Fry was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health. From 1996 to 2002, she was in Jean Chrétien’s Cabinet as Canada’s Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Status of Women, where she focussed on social policy, arts and culture, women’s equality, the environment, homelessness, same-sex benefits, and equal marriage.
From 2006 to 2015, she held a number of leadership roles in the Official Opposition, holding the Harper government to account as Critic for Canadian Heritage, Critic for Sport and the 2010 Games, and Critic for Health—where she was responsible for developing the Liberal Party of Canada’s 2015 Health platform.
In addition to her duties as a Member of Parliament, Dr. Fry currently serves as head of Canada’s delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (OSCEPA), and is the OSCEPA’s Special Representative for Gender Issues. She is also a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), which oversees Canada’s intelligence agencies, and Chairs the Canadian Association of Parliamentarians for Population Development.
She has three adult sons and four young grandchildren.
Jesse Brown
Green Party of Canada
Jesse Brown has been involved in Vancouver Centre’s local community for more than a decade, first as a volunteer and educator with YouthCO – a youth-led organization that works on issues related to sexual health and harm reduction. Later, he served as the organization’s Community Engagement Manager, then Executive Director (2011-2016). He is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Vancouver Friends for Life Society – a much needed organization that provides wellness services to those with life threatening health conditions.
Jesse is running as he believes it’s time to elect a new generation of voices to Ottawa. He feels the current federal government has failed to represent the constituents of Vancouver Centre on the issues that matter most, such as the housing affordability crisis and the need to transition to an environmentally sustainable economy.
Jesse grew up in the local community of Ladner on the unceded territory of the Tsaswwassen people. On this land, he developed a passion for our natural environment spending many days and weekends exploring and enjoying the local estuary.
In 2009, he relocated from Ladner to Vancouver and completed a bachelor’s degree at the University of British Columbia. He currently lives in the West End of Vancouver with his partner Aaron, two step-daughters, and their dachshund Jimmy.
Breen Ouellette
New Democratic Party
Breen is a 42 year old Métis man married for 17 years to his partner Cammy. In 2014, they made Metro Vancouver their home.
Over 20 years, Breen has developed diverse experience as a lawyer, a manager in Indigenous governance, a union advocate, and a small business owner.
As one of the Commission Counsel lawyers for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Breen conducted the examination of testimony for over 60 witnesses in nationally televised public hearings and in-camera private testimony. Breen demonstrates the highest integrity and advocates for immediate action to end the genocide being committed against Indigenous people, as found by the National Inquiry in its recently released Final Report.
Breen was an elected union steward, an elected OH&S committee member, and a trained union counsellor of CEP Local 1-S at SaskTel. He took a dangerous work appeal to the OH&S Tribunal of Canada. Breen was also Director of IT for the Métis Nation - Saskatchewan.
Louise Kierans
People's Party of Canada
Louise Kierans - Vancouver CentreLouise grew up in Montreal surrounded by politics. She graduated from McGill University with a degree in Economics and Industrial Relations and is fluent in French and English. After graduation, Louise managed her father's thriving legal practice for more than a decade.
Louise has worked in business with her husband for more than 30 years. She understands the challenges that entrepreneurs feel. Well known in the fund-raising community, Louise is a Past President of the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association where she helped lead the volunteer group that saved this landmark institution. Louise's passion is leading not-for-profit organizations that contribute to society.
In 2004, Louise co-founded the YoungCuts Film Festival, a world-class film festival that has showcased hundreds of emerging Canadian filmmakers. She served as its President for more than a decade, working alongside young filmmakers to produce hundreds of professional educational videos and several television shows. Louise and her family moved to Vancouver to enjoy and contribute to the community that loves this beautiful city. Louise has always been a champion of the rule of law, the health, welfare, and prosperity of Canadians, and the integrity of our government at every level.
David Cavey (Conservative Party of Canada) was invited to participate in this debate, but is unable to attend due to prior commitments.
Moderator
Kayla Blok
Manager, Campus Sustainability at SFU's Sustainability Office
Kayla has called Vancouver home for six years and has worked in corporate, non-profit, and higher education sustainability across Canada. She currently oversees the Campus Sustainability portfolio at SFU's Sustainability Office where she liaises with operational and business functions across all three campuses to implement and scale sustainable decisions and practices. Her work ensures that the University operates in alignment with its sustainability plans, visions, and goals. Kayla offers consulting services for all SFU Community members and works closely with internal and external partners on signature projects and initiatives. Kayla believes that organizations, governments, companies, and individuals all have a responsibility to inspire and implement positive change.
Event Recording
This event is organized by Stacey Martlew, a constituent of Vancouver Centre, and SFU Public Square.
