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Nanaimo, Gabriola, Lantzville, Ladysmith, Oceanside candidates share priorities in their own words

Election day is Oct. 19
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Nanaimo-Gabriola candidates, top row left to right, Shirley Lambrecht, Sheila Malcolmson and Dale Parker; Nanaimo-Lantzville candidates, middle row left to right, George Anderson, Gwen O'Mahony and Lia Versaevel; and Ladysmith-Oceanside candidates, bottom row left to right, Brett Fee, Laura Ferreira, Stephanie Higginson and Adam Walker.

The B.C. election is one week away and candidates are making a final push in Nanaimo-Gabriola, Nanaimo-Lantzville and Ladysmith-Oceanside.

As part of the Nanaimo News Bulletin's election coverage, questionnaires were e-mailed to all candidates in the three ridings and responses were received from 10 out of the 11 candidates. Here are their priorities in their own words:

NANAIMO-GABRIOLA

Shirley Lambrecht, B.C. Green Party

Occupation/background: I was born in Saskatchewan and raised in a farming family. We moved to Nelson, B.C., before I started school where I resided until graduation. Raised in a family of armchair politicians, I have been immersed in the conversation since childhood. I returned to Saskatchewan for university, attended business college and worked for a year with a law firm prior to entering the telecommunications industry. With nearly three decades of experience performing business research, analysis, network design, planning, and incident management, I have played a key role on provincial, national, and international planning and incident management teams. For over 40 years, I have volunteered in my communities as board member, committee member, and volunteer at large, often serving vulnerable children, youth, and adults. I have a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge which informs my approach to governance and community service. I am a proud mother to one amazing adult daughter with whom I share custody of one busy Bernedoodle. I am a self-confessed reno queen, bookworm, and full-contact gardener who enjoys playing in the water, hiking in the forest, building things, and destroying a perfectly good piece of music.

Why are you running for election/re-election? I am moved to action by the intersecting issues of affordability, homelessness, deaths from toxic drugs, and lack of accessible mental health services, while our health-care facilities, housing, social services, and education systems are crumbling from decades of neglect. Front-line workers bear the brunt as fatigue and burnout lead to high staff turnovers and lengthy lineups for services. Our social systems are collapsing under the weight of decades of neglect. Climate disasters are inflicting catastrophic losses and exacerbating our affordability issues. Immersed in a global climate crisis, our provincial government continues to ignore climate targets while ramping up investment in LNG, fracking, and aggressive deforestation. Clearly, we need to change course. As your B.C. Greens candidate for Nanaimo-Gabriola, I ask for your support on Oct. 19 so I may represent you at home and in the legislature, working alongside fellow Greens and across the aisle to offer real solutions, hope, optimism, and opportunity.

Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. NDP

Occupation/background: I was first elected as MLA for Nanaimo in 2019, after previously serving as the member of Parliament for Nanaimo for four years. Prior to that, I was elected to the Islands Trust Council, serving six years as chair. Before entering public life, I worked for Energy Probe and the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy. I was a board member for the Conservation Council of Ontario and the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association. Most recently, I served as the minister of social development and poverty reduction and previously minister of mental health and addictions.

Why are you running for election/re-election? People need a government that’s on their side, and I’ve been taking action for them in every way. We’ve made such good progress in health care, housing, and putting money back in the pockets of hard-working people. There is more to do and so much at risk with John Rustad’s plans for cuts to health care. 

What will your priorities be, if you are elected/re-elected? We all want everyday life to be more affordable for people. Our team will continue to focus on addressing the health-care needs of our community, and tackling the housing crisis.
The B.C. Cancer Centre at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital was recently approved, breaking ground in 2025. Our party has also committed to building a new patient tower at NRGH to make sure Nanaimo residents can access the care they need. 
Our housing action plan is taking on speculators and will create 300,000 additional middle-class homes. We will fast-track the growth of B.C.’s factory-built home construction industry by cutting out-of-date red tape and streamlining regulations. We are bringing in a new flipping tax so families trying to buy a home don’t have to compete with house flippers, and restricting short-term rentals like Airbnbs, turning thousands of units into long-term homes.
While in government, we reduced and froze ICBC rates by $500 a year, eliminated MSP premiums by saving individuals $1,800 per year, and cut childcare costs in half on average, saving families up to $900 per month per child. And if elected, our party will deliver a $1,000 tax cut for the average family – every year, starting next year. 

Dale Parker, B.C. Conservative Party

Occupation/background: Dale, a dedicated community leader and proud Vancouver Island resident, grew up in the picturesque Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Gabriola and Mudge Island. He is the proud father of two wonderful teenage sons, Dylan and Cole. Dale's strong family values are evident in his life, as he shares his experiences with his family, friends, and partner, Christine.
With over 30 years of experience in the IT field, Dale has worked as a consultant, manager, and senior technical advisor across the public and private sectors. After completing his degree in computer science, he furthered his education in 2020 by obtaining a business administration diploma from the University of Victoria and then a master of business administration in executive management at Royal Roads University with a graduate certificate in management consulting.
Dale is deeply committed to his community. He has coached youth soccer for 10 years and volunteered with his son's minor hockey association. He also contributes to numerous other volunteer efforts.
Driven by a passion for public service, Dale strives to positively impact his community and assist others in every way possible.

Why are you running for election/re-election? I have always volunteered and been passionate about helping others. I have spent years mentoring and supporting people and am driven to improve things for others.

What will your priorities be, if you are elected/re-elected? Health care, a new patient tower in Nanaimo with a catheterization laboratory. No more ER closures, long wait times, more doctors and nurses, and reduced waitlists. Affordability for all people, good-paying jobs, investment in B.C. Help for the homeless and drug crisis. Stopping waste and fiscal responsibility. We should allow people to enjoy life with their families, get ahead, and have a work-life balance so our children can grow up in a healthy, happy environment. More accountability for criminals and support for police and paramedics. Responsible environment management.

NANAIMO-LANTZVILLE

George Anderson, B.C. NDP

Occupation/background: I was born and raised in Nanaimo, and I am lucky to call this place my home. I have been working as a commercial lawyer for over the past six years. I also am a former councillor for the City of Nanaimo, having served from 2011 to 2014. I am currently the chair of the board of governors for Vancouver Island University, sit on the board of directors for Literacy Central Vancouver Island, and regularly volunteer with other community organizations throughout the city. 

Why are you running for election/re-election? I have always called the central Island home, and I have a deep desire to serve this community. Throughout the years of volunteering, I have always tried to create positive changes for our community. Over the past seven years, I have seen the B.C. NDP invest in Nanaimo, Lantzville, and Vancouver Island in a way that the previous government never did. They are putting people at the centre of every policy decision made, and I want to be a part of a team of people that truly care about making lives better for all British Columbians, not just the two per cent at the top. I am really excited to get to work as MLA and be an advocate for my community's needs. 

What will your priorities be, if you are elected/re-elected? As I have been door-knocking, people often raise health care and the cost of living as the biggest issues facing our communities. Here in the central Island, the B.C. NDP is taking action to ensure that quality health care is always there when needed, adding a new ICU, high-acuity unit, and cancer care centre at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, establishing a new urgent primary care centre near Country Club Centre, and working to build a new patient tower for the hospital. We’re also focused on putting more money back in your pocket through reducing ICBC rates, slashing the cost of childcare for families, and providing a $1,000 income tax cut that would benefit over 90 per cent of British Columbians.

Gwen O'Mahony, B.C. Conservative Party

Gwen O'Mahony did not respond to the Nanaimo News Bulletin's candidate questionnaire.

Lia Versaevel, B.C. Green Party

Occupation/background: Mediator, teacher, law enforcement, security.

Why are you running for election/re-election? The legislature is in need of rational, diplomatic leaders. I fit that description. I am an intelligent, well-educated person with an eclectic background in many sectors. I have a working knowledge of governance, having served on many boards and NGOs.
The new riding of Nanaimo-Lantzville has a rural and an urban composition. Both must be represented in a balanced and considered way. The incredible beauty of this region, its biodiversity and tourism potential, is well-known. We must not become an urban densified metropolis, in spite of the growing population. Housing in a variety of models is needed, and must be paired with a transit and train system that works for everyone.

What will your priorities be, if you are elected/re-elected? Getting the hospital and cath lab built right away. Preserving trails and ecosystems, and building carefully thought-out housing, including student housing if possible, connected to VIU. Creating a transportation corridor linking Comox and Victoria. Working governance to governance with First Nations. Building respect and a sense of community for everyone. Improving rates paid to those on PWD and income assistance.

LADYSMITH-OCEANSIDE

Brett Fee, B.C. Conservative Party

Why are you running for election? I’m running for election because I believe our community and province deserve better leadership and real solutions. After spending over 20 years working in our community, running small businesses, mentoring youth, and volunteering in local programs, I’ve seen firsthand how government policies are failing families, small businesses, and vulnerable individuals in Ladysmith-Oceanside. I’m running to bring common-sense, practical solutions to the table – whether it's improving health care, addressing the rising cost of living, or ensuring public safety. I want to give our community a strong voice in Victoria and fight for policies that will create a better future for all of us.

What will your priorities be, if you are elected? My top priority will be improving health care. I’ll fight to implement the 'patients first' model, increasing access to nurses, doctors, and specialists and reducing wait times to ensure that people in our community get the care they need when they need it. I’ll also focus on addressing the cost of living by advocating for lower taxes, cutting red tape for small businesses, and making housing and essentials more affordable. Public safety will remain a key priority, with a focus on stronger enforcement against crime and better support for those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Above all, I’ll work to put the needs of our community first.

Laura Ferreira, B.C. Green Party

Why are you running for election/re-election? I am running for election because I believe that now, more than ever, people and communities need a government that cares about them and will work together to protect the environment and rebuild our social safety net.

What will your priorities be, if you are elected? My priorities, should I be honoured with representing the people of Ladysmith-Oceanside, would be towards building a province that works for everyone. The B.C. Greens are committed to making sure everyone has access to primary health care, that rent is affordable, fewer people are living in poverty, and all policy is rooted in climate action.

Stephanie Higginson, B.C. NDP

Occupation/background: I live on a small farm in Cedar with my husband and two children. I was an elected school board trustee for two terms. I was also president of the B.C. School Trustees Association for three years. Currently I am a consultant focusing on governance and public policy.

Why are you running for election/re-election? I am running because I believe I am the best person to be the MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside. I bring the type of skills and abilities that are required for this amazing and complex responsibility. But I am also running because I care deeply about my community and about the future of all of us here in B.C.   
During COVID, I was part of the provincial leadership team that navigated B.C.’s schools through the pandemic. We were the largest jurisdiction in North America to keep schools running. During this time, I saw what was possible when you bring people together to have difficult conversations. I saw real and meaningful results. I want to use these skills to be part of the team that is tackling the big issues in Ladysmith-Oceanside. Our community deserves to see our unique needs and characteristics reflected in the solutions to these challenges. 

What will your priorities be, if you are elected/re-elected? As your MLA, my priorities are your priorities: health care, housing, and affordability. The B.C. NDP is committed to ensuring that everyone who wants a family doctor or nurse practitioner gets one. We’ve hired over 800 new family doctors in the last year alone and connected almost 250,000 people to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. With our actions, we’re on pace to make sure everyone who has asked for a family doctor or nurse practitioner gets one by the end of 2025. Healthcare is a provincial issue, but it is a community conversation. We know that by working together with local and regional governments that we can solve the doctor shortage. We can solve this by working together. 

Adam Walker, independent

Occupation/background: I’ve been a small business owner, running a tech company for nearly 20 years. I also operate a small farm in Qualicum Beach. In 2018, I was elected to the Qualicum Beach town council, and in 2020, I was elected as the MLA for Parksville-Qualicum.

Why are you running for election/re-election? My grandfather was an MLA in Saskatchewan for 19 years, working alongside Tommy Douglas, they brought public health care to Canada. Growing up, I heard countless stories about the impact that made. My parents were also deeply involved in our community, helping to build the Old Schoolhouse and Civic Centre. Inspired by them, I became a councillor and then MLA. In the last four years, we’ve made real progress – building affordable housing, opening a new nurse practitioner clinic, and creating childcare spaces – but there’s so much more we need to do. I want to keep being a part of making this community better. In the past four years, I've had nearly 3,000 constituent meetings, and every day I see how much people care and want to give back. We have an incredible community, and when we work together, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.

What will your priorities be, if you are elected/re-elected? As an independent MLA, I have double the budget of a party MLA, which allows me to better serve our community. If re-elected, my priority will be making sure our new riding has a strong voice in Victoria. A key step is opening a full-time office in downtown Ladysmith, ensuring that both sides of the riding are well-represented.
We’ve already developed a plan for a 15-room health centre in Parksville, and construction needs to begin soon to have it open by mid-next year. With 12,000 people in Oceanside waiting for a family doctor, this is a critical priority. We also need to push forward similar health-care plans for Qualicum Beach and Ladysmith.
When it comes to homelessness, the provincial approach isn’t working. We need a locally driven solution, and I’ll work with local governments, non-profits, and the community to make it happen.
I’ve always been one of the most accessible MLAs, and that commitment to listening and addressing your concerns will continue.

Election day is Oct. 19.

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