Election Q&A: Liberal Party of Canada

Incumbent Patrick Weiler addresses constituents

This is the second in a series of articles aimed at local readers prior to this year's federal election, coming up on April 28.

The Watershed has offered questions to each of the candidates running in the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country.

Liberal candidate Patrick Weiler has represented this riding since 2019. As a lawyer, his background is in international environmental law, and he has worked for the United Nations and other international organizations setting up systems to manage shared aquatic ecosystems, and helped govern natural resources.

Q: You were elected to represent this riding in a different world, back in 2019, before the advent of Covid. How has being an MP for this riding changed since then? Are your priorities different?

A: It’s hard to overstate how much the world has changed since 2019—from the global pandemic to rapidly evolving technologies, worsening climate risks, and now a more uncertain geopolitical landscape with the re-election of Donald Trump. Through it all, some priorities have remained consistent: addressing the housing crisis, and supporting community infrastructure, tackling climate change, protecting our natural environment, and building a strong and resilient economy. COVID-19 brought some fundamental changes to the way my work has been done from growing comfort of constituents to meet virtually, and the ability to participate in parliamentary duties in a virtual and hybrid formats. This has brought some improvements in making me more accessible and allowing parliamentarians to spend more time in their ridings and connecting with the people we represent, which is a good thing.

But the context we’re working in has fundamentally shifted. Trump’s return and the unjust and harmful tariffs he has imposed on Canada poses real risks to our economy and as do his threats to our sovereignty. We need to respond boldly by protecting Canadian industries, standing up for our workers, and strengthening our domestic economy. The stakes are higher now, and I remain committed to showing up for this community with both urgency and purpose.

Q: Living in a coastal village in British Columbia, local voters often feel sidelined by federal politics. What policies or plans do you have to engage the voters of Lions Bay?

A: From day one, my focus has been on being our voice in Ottawa—not the other way around. That means showing up, listening, and making sure federal policies reflect the unique needs of communities like Lions Bay. 

That means delivering on the priorities and needs of residents. Back in 2021, I was proud to help secure federal support for the Lions Bay Beach Park revitalization—a project that reflects the values of this community: sustainability, recreation, and livability. Securing federal support for important upgrades to the Lions Bay Emergency Building Upgrade Project was especially important as well, to make sure that we can respond to quickly when people need us most. These are examples of how I continually listen to the concerns of our constituents and do my best to deliver for them. 

As for voters in this election, I am out knocking on doors and making calls every single day. There’s a good chance that me and my team will come say hi and talk to you about this election. For the people that feel sidelined, come out and join the campaign. Politics is a team sport, and there’s nothing better than getting involved in the democratic process.

Q: With our village located in the Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere, many Lions Bay residents are deeply concerned about environmental issues. What are your priorities to address changing climate realities and to improve the protection and resiliency of this region against wildfires and drought?

A: Living in a UNESCO Biosphere like Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound is a privilege — and a responsibility. The people of Lions Bay are on the front lines of climate change, and we’ve all seen the growing threat of wildfires, drought, and the tragic reality of extreme weather for residents.

That’s why I’ve fought for real investments in nature-based solutions like forest restoration, wetland protection, and local climate adaptation programs. We’ve doubled funding for wildfire risk reduction, supported Indigenous-led stewardship initiatives, and invested in clean water infrastructure. 

Communities like Lions Bay rely on an incredible group of volunteer firefighters and search and rescue personnel. That is why we invested in upgrading the fire hall, and we doubled the volunteer firefighter and search and rescue tax credits. This isn’t just about protecting nature — it’s about protecting our homes, health, and future.

But we need to ensure that Canada does it's part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through policies we have implemented greenhouse gas emissions are the lowest they have been since 1996. We have a long way to go to meet our targets by 2030 and to get to net zero by 2050, and my priority is to ensure that we are on track to do that, while ensuring we are saving money for residents, and attracting investment and creating well-paying sustainable jobs in the green economy.

Q: During this time of uncertainty because of the levying of international tariffs by the Trump administration, what commitment have you made personally to buying local and/or Canadian?

A: As Canadians, we’re at our best when we support each other, especially in uncertain times. I’ve always made a point of buying local and supporting Canadian businesses, and that commitment is even more important now as we face renewed trade threats.

We need to take pride in what we produce here in Canada, whether it’s local food, manufactured goods, or clean technology. As a government, we’ve launched initiatives to strengthen domestic supply chains, promote Canadian-made products, and invest in industries that create good local jobs.

Personally, and professionally, I’ll keep championing local businesses — because a strong local economy is a strong Canada.

Q: Federal leaders have all been talking about housing shortages, but very little has been put forward about transportation. For those of us who use the Sea to Sky every day, we see what increased density without other transportation options means for commuters. What would you do to address the transportation problems faced in our region?

A: Anyone who drives the Sea to Sky knows how strained our infrastructure has become — and how urgently we need better transportation options.

With the projected growth of the Sea to Sky region, this stress will only grow. The detailed work done by all orders of government on the North Shore identified the only way to reduce congestion was to provide people options other than single occupancy vehicles. A few weeks ago, I announced a new federal investment in Translink that will support the build out rapid transit across the North Shore that will connect all the way to Metrotown by skytrain.

In addition, I have been working with all municipalities in the Sea to Sky to get regional transit. Long term sustainable funding has been announced for BC Transit which will set the stage for regional transit to become a reality. With the recent commitment of the province to bring in that service by the end of this year, if I am elected, I will do everything I can to ensure the federal government is a partner.

This Liberal Party believes in the value of public transit, that is why we have invested more than 10 times what the Conservatives did when they were in government.

Q: What else would you like to share with voters in Lions Bay?

A: First off, thank you — for caring, for getting involved, and for always showing up for your community. I truly believe that the best ideas and solutions come from the ground up, and Lions Bay is a perfect example of that.

Being your MP has been the honour of my life. I care deeply about this place and the people who call it home. Whether it’s protecting our environment, making life more affordable, or navigating big global challenges, I’m committed to standing up for you and building a future we can all be proud of.

So if you see me around, don’t hesitate to say hi. Let’s talk about what matters most to you — and let’s keep working together to make this community even stronger.

This is the second in a series of articles addressing the 2025 federal election.

Read Green Party Candidate Lauren Greenlaw's views HERE.

Share your comments below, or email us at editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca

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