Gabe Garfinkel, the BC Liberal candidate in Vancouver-Fairview, runs a health-care communications company. He is a former consultant and a former aide to Premier Christy Clark and cabinet ministers. He has served on the Vancouver chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada and been a volunteer for the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs’ Local Partnership Council.
Q: Why do you want to run for office?
A: I was born and raised in my community. I care about my community, and I think we need someone who is going to be an active representative for our community, and I think I’m someone who can work toward making Vancouver-Fairview better.
Q: What do you feel you bring to public life?
A: I bring a lot of energy, but I bring a lot of experience, as well. I’ve worked in government. I know my way around the halls there. I’ve worked in business as an entrepreneur. I’ve been involved in my own community for many years, and that experience, topped off with a whole bunch of energy, I think will help us get things done in Victoria.
Q: What are the issues you stand for?
A: Housing is becoming more and more out of reach to Vancouverites. I spend a lot of time with friends and young families here who have legitimate concerns about housing affordability. While I’m happy with the action Premier Clark has been taking on housing, I want to work with them to support more affordability.
Q: What is the single issue you feel you have to fight for?
A: In Vancouver-Fairview we have had an invisible MLA, and that doesn’t work for me. That’s why I’m running. I’ve introduced a four-point community engagement plan. It’s all based on the understanding that my first job is to represent and listen to our constituents. We’re going to be holding office hours outside of traditional office hours. We’re going to increase our digital consultation. And we’re going to hold quarterly progress reports to hold me to account, as well as more community roundtables and town halls so I can do whatever I can to make sure our voices are heard in government.
Q: What are your apprehensions about running?
A: I’m passionate about the community. That being said, it’s a big change on my personal financial situation and my free time for travel. I’m having a great time. Every time I have a conversation, it justifies my decision and the need to have strong representation.
Q: What are your ambitions?
A: My ambition is to be the best MLA I possibly can for Vancouver-Fairview, so much so that I can get elected again.
