As the federal election approaches, candidates in Langley Township-Fraser Heights are gearing up for a pivotal showdown on April 28, 2025. The Langley Advance Times/Aldergrove Star has provided a platform for the six candidates vying for this influential riding, each sharing their perspectives on pressing local and national issues.
The candidates include: John Aldag from the Liberal Party of Canada, Sepehr Haghighat from the People’s Party of Canada, Holly Isaac representing the NDP, Alex Joehl from the Libertarian Party of Canada, Debora Soutar from the Green Party of Canada, and Tako Van Popta from the Conservative Party of Canada.
John Aldag, the Liberal candidate, is 61 years old and has lived in Langley for 20 years. He previously served as the Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City from 2015 to 2019 and again from 2021 to 2024. Aldag emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in the face of global challenges, stating, "This election is the most important election in more than a generation. With erratic policies coming primarily from the USA, but with Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea also posing threats, Canada needs strong leadership now more than ever." He advocates for a robust response to affordability issues, pledging to fight for economic interests and timely approval of mega-projects while respecting provincial and First Nations' needs.
Sepehr Haghighat, a 29-year-old biologist and candidate for the People’s Party of Canada, has voiced concerns over rising living costs and government overreach. He argues that many families feel they are working harder but falling behind, stating, "Some of the key issues I’m hearing from residents include the rising cost of living, concerns around housing affordability, crime and public safety, and increasing pressures on local services like healthcare and education." Haghighat believes in prioritizing the needs of everyday Canadians and restoring individual freedoms.
Holly Isaac, the NDP candidate, is 38 years old and has lived in Langley for 32 years. With a background as a relief letter carrier and a history of advocating for workers' rights, she highlights the cost of living as a critical issue. Isaac asserts, "We need rent control, affordable housing built, lower interest rate loans for first-time homebuyers to be able to get into the market, and grocery price caps to name a few." Her focus is on improving employment insurance and job protections to prevent vulnerable individuals from falling through the cracks.
Alex Joehl, representing the Libertarian Party of Canada, is 43 years old and has lived in Langley for a decade. He emphasizes the impact of inflation on affordability, stating, "Half of Canadians are $200 from not being able to pay monthly bills – affordability is the greatest issue." Joehl advocates for significant changes to monetary policy, including ceasing deficit spending and reforming the banking system to protect the purchasing power of Canadians.
Debora Soutar, a 68-year-old retired professional forester and Green Party candidate, focuses on climate change as the most pressing issue. She believes effective action is necessary to combat climate change and improve economic disparities. Soutar argues, "We must stay the course and continue to reduce our carbon emissions by removing subsidies to fossil fuels and directing those millions of dollars to safe housing, improved transportation options, and relief from the effects of climate disasters."
Tako Van Popta, the Conservative candidate, is 71 years old and has nearly 60 years of residency in Langley. As a current Member of Parliament for Langley-Aldergrove, he emphasizes the need for economic recovery and stability. Van Popta claims, "The key issue in this election is which political party is best able to manage our economy after a stagnant ten years of Liberal mismanagement." He stresses the importance of incentivizing investment in local businesses and developing natural resources to create jobs and improve wages.
With diverse perspectives and strategies, the candidates in Langley Township-Fraser Heights are preparing for a competitive election that will significantly shape the community's future. Voters are encouraged to consider the candidates' positions on key issues as they head to the polls on April 28.
