In the lead up to the Federal provincial election on April 28, 2025, the Tri-Cities Transport Action Group (TriTAG) sent out a questionnaire for MP candidates in Waterloo Region (Cambridge, Kitchener Centre, Kitchener—Conestoga, Kitchener South—Hespeler, and Waterloo) to understand their positions on key federal issues of local relevance around transit, active transportation, and land use.

We contacted all registered candidates by email on April 10, and are publishing all responses we received by April 18. Any responses received afterward will be indicated with an asterisk. Responses are ordered under each question theme:

• Local Transit
• Intercity Transit
• Land Use and Housing
• Vehicles

Local Transit

A1. The new Canada Public Transit Fund will provide funding for transit infrastructure, but not for transit operations. What is your position on the federal government providing operational funding for local agencies like Grand River Transit?

Riding Candidate	Response
Cambridge BURGESS, Lux (Green Party)	The Green Party of Canada supports the federal government providing operational funding for local transit agencies like Grand River Transit. While infrastructure investment is important, it is not sufficient on its own—transit systems must also be affordable, reliable, and frequent to effectively serve communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Operational funding ensures that transit services can run at full capacity, improve service quality, and meet the growing demand for sustainable transportation. The Green Party believes in a comprehensive approach to public transit that includes stable, long-term operational support to help cities transition to low-carbon, accessible, and equitable mobility for all.
Kitchener Centre MORRICE, Mike (Green Party)	Public transit is absolutely essential for addressing both the climate crisis and affordability issues our community faces. While I welcome the federal government's investment in transit infrastructure through the Canada Public Transit Fund, I've consistently pushed for this funding to also cover operational costs for local agencies like Grand River Transit. In fact, in my Motion 92, I specifically called for the permanent Public Transit Fund to be put in place immediately - not delayed until 2026 as currently planned - and expanded to cover public transit operations with an extra $3 billion annually beyond current commitments. Motion 92 calls for a windfall profit tax on the excess revenues of oil and gas companies to fund climate and affordability solutions for our community and Canadians across the country.
Kitchener Centre PAPENBURG, Ellen (Animal Protection Party)	We support operational funding by the government
Waterloo CHATHAM, Santa Claus (Parti Rhinocéros Party)	With talk of increasing military spending, federal budget is already quite thin. We can get a two-for-one by using those new navy ships as public transport along the Grand River. All it will cost to board is the risk of getting enlisted! That way the people get to travel, and the military can fill its "labour shortage".
Waterloo CHOW, Héline (NDP-New Democratic Party)	The NDP will include operational funding in cost-sharing agreements with provinces and cities in their transit plan. This will help take the cost burden off transit riders and tax payers, and helps ensure service is convenient, frequent and reliable.
Waterloo GUTHRIE, Simon (Green Party)	The Green Party is strongly committed to making public transit both accessible and affordable for everyone. Canada’s current funding approach often covers capital costs (tracks, buses, trains) while leaving municipalities on the hook for day-to-day service. This can limit frequency of service, keep fares high, and reduce ridership. Support for Federal Operational Funding: Greens generally believe there should be a reliable stream of federal support for transit operations so local agencies like Grand River Transit are not constrained by unpredictable municipal or provincial budgets. Environmental & Social Benefits: A strong operations budget means more frequent routes, better weekend/evening service, and lower fares, which leads to higher ridership, lower emissions, and greater social equity. Implementation: We could achieve this through predictable transfers or new federal-provincial agreements. The key is stable, multi-year funding that local transit agencies can count on.
Waterloo ROACH, Hans (Independent)	Thank you for your dedication to improving public transit. Public transit is vital for Waterloo’s accessibility and sustainability. While the Canada Public Transit Fund supports infrastructure, operational funding is equally crucial for reliable service. I advocate for flexible federal policies that allow local agencies like Grand River Transit to address both infrastructure and operational needs. I am committed to working with groups like yours to ensure Waterloo’s transit priorities are heard at the federal level.

A2. To what extent and under what conditions do you support federal funding for the extension of ION light rail in Waterloo Region?

Riding Candidate	Response
Cambridge BURGESS, Lux (Green Party)	The Green Party of Canada supports federal funding for the extension of the ION light rail in Waterloo Region, provided the project aligns with environmental, social, and economic sustainability goals. Public transit investments like light rail help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate traffic congestion, and support compact, livable communities. The Green Party believes federal funding should prioritize projects that demonstrate strong community support, promote equity and accessibility, and contribute to Canada’s climate commitments. As long as the ION extension meets these conditions and includes thorough environmental assessments and meaningful public consultation, the Green Party would advocate for federal support.
Kitchener Centre MORRICE, Mike (Green Party)	Federal support for ION light rail expansion is something I've strongly advocated for since before my election. Our region needs comprehensive transit solutions, and extending the ION is a crucial part of that vision. This investment must be part of a comprehensive approach to transit that includes operational funding, not just infrastructure dollars. As I've said repeatedly in Parliament, we need both the tracks and the trains running on them at a frequency that makes transit truly accessible. By expanding service we need to support operational costs in order to decrease or eliminate fees to serve lower income residents while increasing ridership. The reality is that transit expansion like ION is exactly the kind of infrastructure we should be investing in rather than pouring billions into fossil fuel subsidies. I'll continue pushing for these investments that benefit our community both environmentally and economically.
Kitchener Centre PAPENBURG, Ellen (Animal Protection Party)	Public transport will be essential for turning around climate change by reducing car use. So Extension would be good
Waterloo CHATHAM, Santa Claus (Parti Rhinocéros Party)	If we rename it to the IOU. We all know that Cambridge got cheated out of the deal, and Kitchener-Waterloo is pretty content to not fulfill on it, so just make it official already.
Waterloo CHOW, Héline (NDP-New Democratic Party)	The NDP has a goal to modernize and expand public transit in communities across Canada, with the goal of electrifying transit by 2030 to cut emissions. Funding for the ion could be a part of this goal.
Waterloo GUTHRIE, Simon (Green Party)	The Green Party generally supports expanding modern, electrified transit. Light rail reduces car dependence, cuts emissions, and helps shape more walkable communities. Federally, we would require local support—meaning the Regional Municipality, city councils, and Indigenous consultations must be on board. The project plan should demonstrate how it will meet ridership targets, reduce emissions, and ensure equitable access (e.g., station locations serving lower-income areas). Public funds should come with clear frameworks to keep costs in check, promote transparency in the procurement process, and ensure long-term affordability for riders.
Waterloo ROACH, Hans (Independent)	As a city councillor, I strongly support federal funding for the ION light rail extension in Waterloo Region to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and promote sustainability. However, my support comes with conditions. Federal funding should complement provincial and municipal contributions, ensuring a collaborative approach to this vital infrastructure project. Additionally, I advocate for transparency and accountability, requiring clear timelines, accurate cost estimates, and measurable outcomes to guarantee the project stays on track and within budget. I’m committed to working with all government levels and community stakeholders to make this extension a reality, meeting the region’s transit needs now and in the future.

A3. The cost of transit infrastructure works in Canada has grown rapidly, and experts attribute this largely to procurement and project management strategy. What role do you believe the federal government should have in increasing the effectiveness of project delivery of transit projects it funds?

Riding Candidate	Response
Cambridge BURGESS, Lux (Green Party)	The Green Party of Canada believes the federal government has a critical role to play in improving the effectiveness and accountability of transit project delivery. To ensure public funds are used efficiently, the federal government should promote best practices in procurement, project management, and cost transparency. This includes encouraging the use of community-benefit agreements, open contracting, and integrated planning that prioritizes sustainability and long-term value over short-term cost savings. The Green Party also supports strengthening oversight mechanisms and facilitating knowledge sharing between municipalities to reduce duplication of effort and avoid costly delays. By setting clear national standards and fostering collaboration, the federal government can help ensure transit projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in line with climate and equity goals.
Kitchener Centre MORRICE, Mike (Green Party)	First, the federal government should establish clear national standards for transit project procurement that prioritize value rather than simply choosing the lowest bidder. We've seen time and again how the "lowest bid" approach leads to delays, cost overruns, and inferior results. Second, we need to address the fragmentation between levels of government. When I've spoken with local officials about our ION expansion or the long-delayed two-way all-day GO service, I consistently hear about the challenges of navigating multiple bureaucracies with different requirements. The federal government should establish integrated project offices that bring together federal, provincial, and municipal staff under one roof for major transit projects. Finally, I would support requiring regular, standardized public reporting on project costs, timelines, and milestones for federally-funded transit projects. This would create pressure to control costs and allow communities to share best practices.
Kitchener Centre PAPENBURG, Ellen (Animal Protection Party)	Look at other successful public transport places how they do it instead of reinventing the wheel.
Waterloo CHATHAM, Santa Claus (Parti Rhinocéros Party)	With Santa Claus at the helm, the federal government will be able to provide world class project delivery. I'm already a logistical genius, delivering presents across the world in one night. If you wish hard enough, I'm sure some trains will materialise underneath the tree.
Waterloo CHOW, Héline (NDP-New Democratic Party)	The federal government has a role to play in helping communities to build and expand their transit infrastructure. One way is to make funding for public transit permanent through the Canada Public Transit Fund available right away to support municipalities to move forward on their transit projects. We can also explore ways of providing support and resources for project management, and explore ways to leverage several municipalities' resources to build a more comprehensive transit network.
Waterloo GUTHRIE, Simon (Green Party)	The federal government should be more than just a “chequebook” when funding big transit projects. Ottawa should set guidelines for procurement transparency, hold competitive bidding processes to reduce cost overruns, and promote knowledge-sharing across provinces. Federal project agreements can include mandatory audits, stronger cost-control clauses, and milestone-based funding to ensure projects stay on track. The feds could encourage the use of new construction methods (e.g., modular building) and require local job creation and apprenticeship opportunities, ensuring social and economic benefits stay in the region.
Waterloo ROACH, Hans (Independent)	The federal government should play a key role in improving transit project delivery in Canada, where costs have surged due to procurement and project management issues. First, it can provide guidance, best practices, and training to local agencies, equipping them to manage projects efficiently. Second, it should tie federal funding to standards like cost control, risk management, and performance metrics to ensure accountability. Third, it can encourage collaboration across regions to share successful strategies. However, this oversight must respect local autonomy, allowing agencies to adapt to their unique needs. By balancing support and flexibility, the federal government can help deliver transit projects on time and within budget, benefiting communities nationwide.

Intercity Transit

B1. There is a long history of high-speed rail study in Canada. What would you do to ensure that the latest iteration of high-speed rail in the Quebec City - Windsor corridor actually gets built in the foreseeable future?

Riding Candidate	Response
Cambridge BURGESS, Lux (Green Party)	The Green Party of Canada strongly supports the development of high-speed rail in the Quebec City–Windsor corridor as a key step toward reducing emissions, promoting regional economic development, and offering a sustainable alternative to car and air travel. To ensure the project moves beyond studies and into implementation, the Green Party would push for dedicated federal funding, clear timelines, and strong intergovernmental coordination with provinces and municipalities. We would also ensure that the project prioritizes environmental sustainability, Indigenous consultation, and public ownership to maintain long-term affordability and accountability. By treating high-speed rail as a nation-building climate infrastructure investment—on par with major highway or pipeline projects—we can finally bring this long-overdue vision to life.
Kitchener Centre MORRICE, Mike (Green Party)	High-speed rail in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor isn't just an infrastructure project - it's a climate solution and economic opportunity. We need to move beyond endless studies to actual implementation. First, funding reimagination: Redirect a portion of the $18.5 billion in annual fossil fuel subsidies towards creating a dedicated high-speed rail infrastructure fund. Second, collaborative planning: Bring together federal and provincial governments, Indigenous communities, and transportation experts to create a transparent implementation plan with clear timelines and milestones. Third, green job creation: Ensure the project prioritizes Canadian workers and suppliers and positions Canada as a leader in sustainable transportation infrastructure. The fact is, we can't keep talking about high-speed rail - we need to build it. By taking a pragmatic, community-focused approach, we can connect our cities, reduce emissions, and create economic opportunities across the corridor.
Kitchener Centre PAPENBURG, Ellen (Animal Protection Party)	Have a separate railway system instead of competing with freight trains. In the long term it will pay off.
Waterloo CHATHAM, Santa Claus (Parti Rhinocéros Party)	Simple, get Trump to say he doesn't like it. I've never seen the government act so swiftly and in unison, except when it's to spite the noisy neighbours down south.
Waterloo CHOW, Héline (NDP-New Democratic Party)	I will actively support the plans to build high speed rail in the Quebec City - Windsor corridor. I am against privatizing passenger rail between Canada’s biggest cities because it puts the profits of corporations ahead of affordable transportation for Canadians. While the private model has been shown to drive up costs and cause project delays, we want to see high-speed rail built publicly, for the public good. I believe building this project publicly will help reduce costs, reduce timelines, and deliver a better service for Canadians.
Waterloo GUTHRIE, Simon (Green Party)	Canada has talked about high-speed rail for decades, but follow-through has been lacking. The federal government must set realistic but firm completion dates and invest accordingly, rather than commissioning endless studies. Keeping large infrastructure projects in public hands can ensure stable funding and consistent service, preventing profit-driven cost-cutting. Incremental Approach: In parallel to action on high speed rail, we can bring online higher-frequency, electrified service on existing rail lines. Demonstrating early success can build public support and secure additional funding.
Waterloo ROACH, Hans (Independent)	High-speed rail in the Quebec City - Windsor corridor has been studied for decades, but turning it into reality requires decisive action. As an independent candidate with deep roots in Waterloo, I would push for strong federal leadership to prioritize this project, ensuring collaboration across federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Securing funding is critical, so I’d advocate for a clear, multi-source plan—leveraging public-private partnerships and international investment. Public support is equally vital; I’d emphasize the project’s benefits, like cutting travel times, boosting economic growth, and reducing emissions. Finally, thorough technical planning—route selection, environmental assessments, and seamless integration with existing transit—is essential to avoid delays. With these steps, we can move beyond studies and build a high-speed rail system that serves our region and the country for generations.

B2. What would you do to extend or connect high-speed rail to Waterloo Region?

Riding Candidate	Response
Cambridge BURGESS, Lux (Green Party)	The Green Party of Canada supports extending high-speed rail to Waterloo Region as part of a broader vision for a sustainable, interconnected national transportation network. To achieve this, we would advocate for federal leadership and investment in expanding high-speed rail beyond the core Quebec City–Windsor corridor to include fast-growing innovation hubs like Waterloo. This would involve working collaboratively with provincial and municipal governments to assess the most efficient and environmentally responsible routing options, ensuring integration with existing transit systems like the ION light rail and GO Transit. The Green Party would also prioritize public ownership, transparent planning, and meaningful community and Indigenous consultation to ensure the project serves local needs and supports Canada’s climate and economic goals.
Kitchener Centre MORRICE, Mike (Green Party)	As someone who's been fighting for better transit in Kitchener Centre, I know firsthand how critical transportation connectivity is for our community. I'd approach this through regional economic integration, recognizing that Waterloo Region's world-class universities and thriving tech sector would benefit enormously from high-speed connections to other major centers. I've learned through my work on GO Transit expansion that successful transit projects require intense collaboration between all levels of government and direct engagement with local communities. For funding, we could redirect a portion of fossil fuel subsidies, and leverage federal infrastructure dollars while ensuring the project creates local jobs. Our community deserves world-class transportation infrastructure that connects us, reduces our carbon footprint, and drives economic innovation. I'm committed to making that happen.
Kitchener Centre PAPENBURG, Ellen (Animal Protection Party)	Build separate tracks, not to compete with heavy freight transport. Less maintenance of the tracks!
Waterloo CHATHAM, Santa Claus (Parti Rhinocéros Party)	Similar to what I'd do for a Klondike Bar.
Waterloo CHOW, Héline (NDP-New Democratic Party)	I will work with the provincial and municipal levels of government to ensure 2-way go train service every day, including on weekends. We can leverage this system to connect to any other rail projects through Toronto. I will also fight to have Kitchener/Waterloo connected to any high-speed rail line directly.
Waterloo GUTHRIE, Simon (Green Party)	The Region of Waterloo is a growing economic and tech hub that deserves high-quality rail connections. Begin with improved connectivity to nearby high-speed routes (e.g., dedicated corridor from Kitchener to Toronto that can integrate with a high-speed line). Make sure any high-speed corridor in southwestern Ontario has an eventual upgrade path to include or link seamlessly with Kitchener/Waterloo. Bring Ontario’s government on board with cost-sharing agreements, ensuring alignment between the region’s ION LRT expansions, GO Transit improvements, and eventual high-speed rail.
Waterloo ROACH, Hans (Independent)	Extending high-speed rail to Waterloo Region is vital for enhancing our community’s connectivity and growth. As an independent candidate and city councillor, I would take the following steps: - Secure Funding: Advocate for federal funding and explore public-private partnerships to finance the project. - Collaborate: Work closely with provincial and municipal governments to align efforts and streamline planning. - Build Support: Highlight benefits like reduced travel times, economic growth, and sustainability to gain public backing. - Plan Thoroughly: Ensure technical planning integrates the rail with existing transit networks. These actions would drive the project forward, making high-speed rail a reality for Waterloo Region.

Land Use and Housing

C1. What role should the federal government have in reforming building codes? In encouraging housing and employment development in proximity to transit?

Riding Candidate	Response
Cambridge BURGESS, Lux (Green Party)	The Green Party of Canada believes the federal government has an essential role to play in reforming building codes to promote energy efficiency, climate resilience, and sustainability. We support updating the National Building Code to require net-zero-ready standards for new construction and to facilitate retrofitting of existing buildings. Additionally, the federal government should incentivize provinces and municipalities to align land use planning with public transit by encouraging mixed-use, high-density housing and employment development near transit hubs. Through targeted funding, tax incentives, and regulatory frameworks, the federal government can help create walkable, transit-oriented communities that reduce sprawl, cut emissions, and improve quality of life for Canadians.
Kitchener Centre MORRICE, Mike (Green Party)	The federal government has a critical leadership role in reforming building codes and encouraging transit-oriented development. On building codes, the federal government should develop national standards that prioritize energy efficiency, climate resilience, universal accessibility, and affordability. For transit-oriented development, we should tie infrastructure funding to requirements that municipalities zone for higher density near transit corridors, create mixed-use developments, and prioritize affordable housing. My Motion 170 calls for clear, uniform criteria to access affordable housing dollars, ensuring housing costs don't exceed 30% of household income. In Waterloo Region, we lose 39 affordable homes for every one we build. By taking a comprehensive approach to building codes and transit-oriented development, we can create more livable, affordable, and sustainable communities.
Kitchener Centre PAPENBURG, Ellen (Animal Protection Party)	It should be a national standard to build affordable housing close to public transport so people don't need a car anymore (except car share perhaps)
Waterloo CHATHAM, Santa Claus (Parti Rhinocéros Party)	With all the layoffs in tech, I don't think building code is a good idea. We need building skilled trades. They used to say "learn to code". Now it should be "build your own house, it's not like you'll ever be able to buy one".
Waterloo CHOW, Héline (NDP-New Democratic Party)	The NDP’s plan promises to build 3 million new homes, including non-market and affordable housing. The Canadian Homes Transfer will reward cities that build quickly, allow more townhomes and apartments, and prioritize homes near transit. The Communities First Fund will support provinces in building the infrastructure needed for growth—like water, transit, and public services—while requiring rent control, inclusive zoning, and homelessness strategies.
Waterloo GUTHRIE, Simon (Green Party)	Building codes and urban zoning typically fall under provincial/municipal authority, but the federal government can steer big changes in three ways: Ottawa can incentivize provinces to adopt higher energy efficiency standards, net-zero buildings, and universal design (accessible for all abilities). Tie federal infrastructure and housing funds to municipalities’ commitments to build transit-oriented and mixed-use developments, so homes and jobs cluster around transit lines. Support new materials and construction approaches to accelerate net-zero or carbon-neutral building techniques nationwide. Our platform to support the creation of affordable housing includes a commitment to modular construction
Waterloo ROACH, Hans (Independent)	The federal government should play a key role in reforming building codes and encouraging housing and employment near transit, while respecting local jurisdiction. - Building Codes: It should collaborate with provinces and municipalities to set national standards, emphasizing energy efficiency and accessibility. This can be supported by funding research and innovative building technologies. - Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): To promote housing and employment near transit, the federal government can fund TOD projects, offer tax incentives to developers, and tie federal transit funding to TOD principles, fostering sustainable urban growth. This approach balances federal support with local autonomy, driving progress in both areas effectively.

C2. Should the federal government be directly involved in housing development? If so, what steps should be taken to ensure this development is transit-oriented?

Riding Candidate	Response
Cambridge BURGESS, Lux (Green Party)	Yes, the Green Party of Canada believes the federal government should be directly involved in housing development to address the housing crisis and ensure the creation of sustainable, affordable communities. We support the creation of a publicly funded and operated non-market housing sector, including co-ops and community land trusts, with a strong emphasis on affordability, accessibility, and environmental performance. To ensure this development is transit-oriented, the federal government must prioritize building near existing or planned transit infrastructure, require walkable, mixed-use designs, and work collaboratively with local governments to integrate housing with transportation planning. Federal funding should be tied to principles of smart growth, climate resilience, and social equity to create vibrant, connected communities that serve both people and the planet.
Kitchener Centre MORRICE, Mike (Green Party)	The federal government has a critical leadership role in reforming building codes and encouraging transit-oriented development. On building codes, the federal government should develop national standards that prioritize energy efficiency, climate resilience, universal accessibility, and affordability. For transit-oriented development, we should tie infrastructure funding to requirements that municipalities zone for higher density near transit corridors, create mixed-use developments, and prioritize affordable housing. My Motion 170 calls for clear, uniform criteria to access affordable housing dollars, ensuring housing costs don't exceed 30% of household income. In Waterloo Region, we lose 39 affordable homes for every one we build. By taking a comprehensive approach to building codes and transit-oriented development, we can create more livable, affordable, and sustainable communities.
Kitchener Centre PAPENBURG, Ellen (Animal Protection Party)	Housing, employment and public transit should be integrated in a standardized way
Waterloo CHATHAM, Santa Claus (Parti Rhinocéros Party)	There should be no steps. We need one of those accessibility ramps with guard rails so that the people in charge don't wander off once they're put in charge of it. I'm a politician, and trust me, we get distracted easily.
Waterloo CHOW, Héline (NDP-New Democratic Party)	I believe the federal government should be in the business of building homes directly. The NDP will encourage cities to build more homes, faster, by creating the new $8 billion Canadian Homes Transfer over four years. This plan is expected to help build more than 3 million homes. To make sure cities build affordable homes quickly, the fund will: - Require cities to allow more multi-unit homes in all neighbourhoods; - Require more housing near public transit routes; - Speed up permits and approvals so homes can get built faster; - Support good jobs by requiring Project Labour Agreements or Community Benefits Agreements; - Freezing the increase on development charges and working with provinces to halve development charges that hold up construction Municipalities that meet more of the Canada Housing Transfer guidelines for their municipal homebuilding plans can access more funding. This will be permanent until Housing supply meets the needs to restore affordability.
Waterloo GUTHRIE, Simon (Green Party)	The Green Party’s position is “Yes,” the federal government needs to re-enter the housing sector more directly, because market-led approaches alone have not delivered affordability. Greens want a big expansion of public and co-op housing. All federally funded housing must meet location criteria near transit corridors, plus require safe pedestrian and cycling access. This ensures people can live car-free or car-lite. Use covenants or land trusts to keep homes affordable long-term, reducing speculation while supporting vibrant, transit-oriented neighborhoods.
Waterloo ROACH, Hans (Independent)	Yes, the federal government should play a direct role in housing development, especially given the scale of the housing crisis. However, this involvement must respect local planning processes and support community-driven goals. To ensure development is transit-oriented, federal investments should be tied to criteria such as proximity to high-frequency transit, walkability, and mixed-use zoning. Funding should prioritize projects that reduce car dependence and align with municipal transit plans. Collaboration with municipalities is key to ensuring these developments meet local needs while advancing national housing and climate objectives.

Vehicles

D1. What changes do you believe the federal government should be taking to make motor vehicles safer for pedestrians? To reduce vehicular pollution?

Riding Candidate	Response
Cambridge BURGESS, Lux (Green Party)	The Green Party of Canada believes the federal government must take stronger action to protect pedestrians and reduce vehicular pollution as part of a transition to safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities. To improve pedestrian safety, we support updating national vehicle safety standards to include pedestrian impact protections, mandating technologies like automatic emergency braking and blind spot detection, and regulating vehicle size and front-end design to reduce the risk of injury. To cut vehicular pollution, the Green Party advocates for rapidly phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles through stricter emissions regulations, expanding zero-emission vehicle incentives, and investing in public transit, active transportation, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These changes must be paired with urban planning that prioritizes people over cars, encouraging compact, walkable communities and reducing overall car dependency.
Kitchener Centre MORRICE, Mike (Green Party)	The Canadian government can strengthen our auto sector by increasing vehicle design standards to better protect pedestrians, mandainge advanced safety technologies, and fund innovative urban design that puts people first. To reduce vehicular pollution, we need an aggressive strategy to accelerate our transition to electric vehicles. This means expanding EV incentives, investing in charging infrastructure, and redirecting a portion of the $18.5 billion we currently spend on fossil fuel subsidies towards clean transportation solutions. We're in a climate crisis, and our transportation choices matter. By taking a holistic approach that prioritizes both human safety and environmental protection, we can create transportation systems that work for our communities and our future.
Kitchener Centre PAPENBURG, Ellen (Animal Protection Party)	Reduce the usage of cars and have car free zones with public transit being widely available
Waterloo CHATHAM, Santa Claus (Parti Rhinocéros Party)	Bumper cars on all public roads. That is all.
Waterloo CHOW, Héline (NDP-New Democratic Party)	Vehicles are a major source of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. The NDP would rebate Canadian families and businesses \$10,000 for buying or leasing (over 12 months) a Canadian-manufactured zero-emission vehicle, and \$5,000 for buying or leasing a zero-emission vehicle manufactured elsewhere. We will also review our vehicle safety requirements to ensure that all new vehicles are built to our safety standards.
Waterloo GUTHRIE, Simon (Green Party)	The federal government can toughen design standards (visibility, front-end design, blind-spot reduction) to protect pedestrians and cyclists, mandate advanced safety tech , and regulate SUV/truck height. Green policies include stricter emissions limits, phasing out gas-vehicle sales, and providing rebates or tax credits for zero-emission and low-emission vehicles. While not exactly “vehicle safety,” shifting more people to walking, cycling, and transit reduces collisions overall and cuts pollution.
Waterloo ROACH, Hans (Independent)	The federal government can improve pedestrian safety by mandating safer vehicle designs—such as lower front-end profiles and better visibility—to reduce harm in collisions. Stricter regulations on speed-limiting technology and automatic emergency braking should also be considered. To reduce vehicular pollution, the government should accelerate the transition to electric vehicles by expanding incentives, investing in EV infrastructure, and tightening emissions standards. Supporting active and public transportation alternatives will also reduce reliance on cars, benefiting both safety and the environment.

D2. Should the federal government be taking more regulatory actions related to e-mobility batteries? If so, what kind?

Riding Candidate	Response
Cambridge BURGESS, Lux (Green Party)	Yes, the Green Party of Canada believes the federal government should take stronger regulatory action on e-mobility batteries to ensure their environmental and social sustainability. While electric vehicles are key to reducing emissions, the mining and disposal of battery materials raise serious concerns. The government should implement strict standards for ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing of minerals, mandate recycling and circular economy practices, and support Canadian battery recycling infrastructure. Regulations should also promote longer battery life, safer chemistries, and transparent supply chains to reduce harm and promote innovation. These actions are essential to ensure that the transition to clean transportation is both green and just.
Kitchener Centre MORRICE, Mike (Green Party)	Absolutely. E-mobility batteries are critical to our clean energy transition, but we need a comprehensive approach that addresses environmental, economic, and ethical considerations. The federal government should implement regulations requiring mandatory recycling and responsible disposal programs, transparent supply chain requirements to prevent human rights abuses in mineral extraction, and robust standards for battery lifecycle and performance. We should also create incentives for domestic battery production and research, supporting made-in-Canada battery technology that could create good green jobs here at home. We can't just electrify our transportation - we need to do it right. A comprehensive regulatory framework would position Canada as a leader in sustainable e-mobility while addressing the full environmental impact of battery technology.
Kitchener Centre PAPENBURG, Ellen (Animal Protection Party)	The government should be closely watching the the current innovations and developments available in other countries like in Asia. Solutions are for grabs if we keep our eyes, ears and minds open and not reinvent the wheel. Safety us very important.
Waterloo CHATHAM, Santa Claus (Parti Rhinocéros Party)	I think e-bike batteries haven't reached their full potential. In the past we used sticks to make fire, then the flint & steel, and today we use gasoline. Imagine a future where you can look at an e-bike the wrong way and get an instant campfire. That is a future the Rhinoceros Party wants to see.
Waterloo CHOW, Héline (NDP-New Democratic Party)	I believe that batteries in vehicles and other mobility devices are already designed with safety in mind. Though, I think regulations could be put in place to ensure this is the case. I believe the government must also work closely with fire fighting agencies to ensure proper training on how to deal with a battery fire.
Waterloo GUTHRIE, Simon (Green Party)	As electric mobility (e-bikes, e-scooters, EVs) continues to grow, federal oversight can help ensure these technologies are both safe and sustainable. Encourage or mandate extended producer responsibility so manufacturers must recycle or dispose of batteries safely. Also set rigorous fire safety standards. Regulate supply chains to ensure critical minerals are mined in ways that respect Indigenous rights, local communities, and environmental standards. Fund research into second-life uses for EV batteries (such as energy storage for buildings), reducing resource use and waste.
Waterloo ROACH, Hans (Independent)	Yes, the federal government should take stronger regulatory action on e-mobility batteries to ensure safety, environmental protection, and supply chain integrity. This includes setting national standards for battery recycling and reuse, regulating the safe transport and disposal of batteries, and supporting research into sustainable battery materials. Transparency requirements for sourcing raw materials should also be enforced to promote ethical and environmentally responsible production. Clear regulations will support innovation while minimizing risks to people and the planet.