Kal Dosanjh
Councillor Candidate

“I care most about fixing Surrey’s crime problem and empowering youth to make positive life choices. Surrey can become one of the safest cities in Canada if the leadership at City Hall makes it a priority and starts investing in public safety programs. 
I am a veteran police officer with the Vancouver Police Department, and recently transferred to the Investigative Division. For the last eight years, I have served in the Downtown Eastside, one of the most challenging and violent environments in North America.
One Surrey reached out to law enforcement experts to create the only comprehensive crime plan of the election, and enlisted the help of Canada’s longest-serving Chief of Police, Delta’s Jim Cessford, to help draft the 10-point plan to crack down on crime. The 360-degree plan was developed in collaboration with senior law enforcement professionals and includes new investments in policing and crime prevention, as well as a new Office of Public Safety to coordinate the efforts of Surrey’s crime fighters.
Based on my personal experiences in the community, as a social activist for preventing youth from entering a life of crime, and as an officer, I know this plan will work. We need to stop talking about Surrey’s crime problem and actually take action to fix the long-standing issues that are holding our city back.
I am committed to building a safer and stronger Surrey. But, that will take new ideas and new approaches at City Hall, because complacency has led to a culture of neglect. Our residents deserve better.
In addition to being a police officer, I currently serve on a number of community organizations, including Vice President of the BC Human Rights Coalition, board member for the SOAR Philanthropic Society, President of the Guru Angad Dev Academy Parent Support Group and the Odd Squad Productions Society. I have previously served on the board of the Sahara Services Society and the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and was a presenter with the Crisis Centre of Vancouver.
I have spent many years raising awareness about how sports and fitness can help divert our kids from a life of drugs and gangs. In addition to policing and volunteering my time to mentoring youth, I am also a bodybuilding and fitness enthusiast. You can catch me on the hit reality series ‘Desi Beasts’, and competing in in a variety of fitness competitions. I completed my Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University and live in Newton with my wife and two children.
Disclaimer: To assist voters to make informed choices in the 2014 general local and school election, candidates will have the option to submit brief candidate profiles which will be made available for public access on this website. Please note that the views or opinions expressed are solely those of the candidates and not the City of Surrey.

Merv Bayda
Councillor Candidate

“It’s time to try a new approach to the issues and start thinking about the long term safety and security of our community.
I served as an RCMP officer for over 35 years. Having retired from my last posting at Surrey Detachment, I have spent the last 10 years working as the Surrey RCMP Auxiliary Constable Program Manager. In addition to working in Surrey, I have lived in this community for the last 17 years.
I have seen the changes from both the law enforcement side and at the neighborhood level.  I decided decided to run for Surrey City Council because it is time to do things differently, “It’s Time For Change”. It’s time to try a new approach to the issues and start thinking about the long term safety and security of our community.
When I was transferred to the Surrey RCMP Detachment, I was the Staff Sergeant in charge of city wide community policing. This is the proactive and prevention side of policing that believes an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of enforcement. This is only accomplished by working with the community and having shared ownership of our issues. 
Upon retiring from the RCMP, I was hired by the City of Surrey as the Auxiliary Constable Program Manager. The Auxiliary Constable Program had 40 volunteers when he started, and now nearly 10 years later, under his leadership, the program is the largest in BC with 100 RCMP Auxiliary Constables volunteering over 25,000 hours to safety.
I have extensive experience in policing and law enforcement. A combined 45 years in making our communities safer and a continued passion for community safety has compelled me to join this political race. For my many years of community involvement, I was recognized and presented with the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal.
On November 15 I am asking for your vote. 
On November 15 you have a chance to send a community advocate with real experience on the front line of policing to represent your voice at City Hall. I will work very hard for and with you.

Narima Dela Cruz
Councillor Candidate

“Public safety and crime are the most important issue facing the residents of Surrey. Many people feel unsafe in their own community. Overwhelmingly, Surrey's residents are looking for leaders who will examine the causes of crime in our city, and who will find solutions. This, if elected, will be my priority at City Hall. 
Transit is another issue that needs to be addressed if Surrey is to realize its full potential. The benefits of an excellent rapid transit system are innumerable. It’s better for the economy and for our environment. Moreover, public safety cannot be addressed without taking transit into account. Having safe, reliable, and efficient transit means we don't have to worry about being stranded at a bus stop, or about finding a way home late at night.
We also need to invest in our communities; a strong sense of community makes it possible for us to look after each other. We can foster this by investing in community associations and providing more funding for neighbourhood-focused festivals. Finally, we should ensure our communities are equipped with the resources they need to fight poverty and to address mental health.
If elected, I will focus on the following:
Safer Streets
Push all levels of government to ensure there are adequate numbers of officers on shift in Surrey over the long term
Work with Surrey's RCMP Division to ensure valuable police staffing and resources are used in the most efficient way possible
Work with community organizations and Fraser Health to develop a Housing and Homelessness Strategy to address some of the causes of crime
Develop a Mental Health Strategy for the city of Surrey
Work with existing regulated recovery houses to provide operational and referral support; Ensure that city by-laws are enforced in relation to unregulated recovery homes
Improve street lighting throughout the city
Continue to work with and improve the Road and Traffic Safety Levy in order to provide greater road safety resources for the city.
Better Transit
Establish more buses along high traffic routes
Ensure Parking fees at ‘Park And Ride’ stations are kept as low as possible or phased out entirely
Ensure new housing developments are focused in areas that have access to proper transit services; ensure that new neighborhoods are not isolated from proper transit access.
Double the amount of grants given to smaller community associations
Provide city resources to help community associations and charities organize more neighbourhood events 
Invest in supportive services to assist immigrant communities
I have been a leader and a passionate volunteer in my community for years. 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 am a licensed realtor by trade, and am currently affiliated with the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver and Magsen Realty Corp. From 2006-2011, I have lived in Surrey since 2005, and currently live in Guildford along with my husband and two children.