Q & A with Surrey councillor candidate Narima Dela Cruz

Q: What is the biggest issue facing Surrey in the next 10 years.

Crime is clearly the dominant issue of this election. 
The public reaction to the murders of Julie Paskall and Serena Vermeersh has shown that Surrey residents want immediate action to ensure our communities are safe. I believe that Surrey residents are tired of simply being told that things are improving. People want to see bold action. Most residents I have spoken to have direct experience with property crime, or have experienced incidents in which they felt unsafe themselves. The RCMP personnel are doing the best they can, but Surrey’s detachment simply does not have the resources it needs to deal with the problem. 
I am running with the One Surrey team, along with Mayoral candidate Barinder Rasode. Our 360 degree crime plan proposes that Surrey hire 200 by-law enforcement officers immediately to help alleviate some of the burden on the RCMP, who have the highest caseload burden in the Lower Mainland. The plan also calls for changing how we deal with mental health and domestic violence issues, establishing community courts, and ensuring that the city and the RCMP reach out to at-risk youth in a comprehensive way. The city must also secure more officers in Surrey as quickly as possible, however the reality is that this may take years. Our plan can be implemented now.
Inadequate transit in Surrey is also a top issue of concern for myself, as is ensuring that Translink as an entity is more accountable to municipalities and to the citizens they serve.

Q: How do you think Surrey should go about attracting business?

I believe that the largest barrier to businesses expanding in the Surrey region is its reputation as being a high-crime region. As a result, one of the prerequisites for attracting greater investment, and securing better jobs for our youth, is ensuring that our communities are safer.  

Q: Why should voters vote for you over any of the other choices available on the ballot this year?

I have been a leader within the Filipino community for years, and have been a passionate volunteer since arriving in Surrey. I have also been a successful entrepreneur and am a licensed Realtor. I believe that Surrey residents are looking for individuals who have experience building community, and who have become engaged volunteer community leaders simply because they want to improve this great city.  
I am a Founding Director of the Surrey Philippine Independence Day Society (SPIDS), which is a duly registered and incorporated organization of Filipino-Canadians in Surrey. SPIDS has been the head organizer of the annual Surrey Philippine Independence Day Celebrations, a large-scale event now on it’s 7th year. I have also served with organizations such as S.U.C.C.E.S.S., and Options Community Service Society. I am actively involved in the school system as Vice Chair of the Johnston Heights Secondary School Parent Advisory Council. I was also the Scholarship Committee Coordinator for the Johnston Heights PAC from 2008-2014.
I have received numerous awards for community work, including being named one of the RBC Top 25 Immigrants in Canada. I have also been honoured with the REALTORS CARE Award, an award given by the memberships of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver to a member who exemplifies excellent community volunteerism.

Q: What’s wrong with Surrey?

• Crime rate and inadequate resources for law enforcement
• Inadequate transit, and a tendency for developments to expand in areas without proper transit access first
• Not enough community and neighborhood cohesion
• Poverty is high in many areas, and there is a serious need for better mental health services, more affordable housing, and proper programs for individuals dealing with addictions.

Q: What’s right about Surrey?

I am actually very much in love with Surrey. I arrived here in 2005 with my family, and this community has allowed me the opportunities to be a successful entrepreneur, and to engage with my community in a way that makes a difference.
I love the diversity of this community, its mixture of highly urbanized city and countryside. It has beautiful parks, wonderful creeks, and proximity to the ocean. It is an affordable place for new families who are looking for a place where they can raise their kids and thrive as valued members of a community. 

Q: As a Filipino-Canadian, what would you do specifically for Filipino-Canadians in Surrey?

I believe that the best thing I can offer the Filipino-Canadian community is to be an example, a role model. Not enough Filipinos are involved in politics! If I am elected, I will be the first Filipino-Canadian woman to be elected to city council in BC’s history! There is no measure of how important this can be for young Filipino men and women who are just beginning to speak out about issues that matter.
In addition, if elected, I pledge to find real solutions to address the lack of public safety in Surrey, to ensure that this city receives better rapid transit bus service in the short-to-medium term, and that it receives the necessary resources for its transit needs over the long terms. I will also ensure that Filipino and non-Filipino residents of Surrey see city council as a partner for those looking to work within their own neighbourhoods and communities to bring positive change, and to bring people together.

Q: If there was one thing you would like accomplished as councillor, what would that be?

Aside from the issues I have already addressed, I would like to see council expand its community grant program. At present, the city does offer small grants to community and neighborhood associations of many different types who are attempting to organize small festivals, arts programming, children’s sports and recreation programs, and other highly valuable events. I believe that this program can be expanded, and that its application program could be made simpler. The city can do more in its outreach efforts to smaller neighbourhood community groups

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?

I am inspired every day by my children Glisha and Daryl Dela Cruz. They are both highly involved in the community, Daryl as a devout transportation advocate, and Glisha as a musician and artist.

Q: Why are you running?

I believe it is important for me to give back to this community, which has given me so much, and has allowed me many opportunities.
I care about this community, and would like to be part of the solution to many of its challenges.