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Courtenay-Alberni riding profile and candidates

The riding Courtenay-Alberni includes Port Alberni, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay and parts of Nanaimo.

The riding

Courtenay-Alberni includes Port Alberni, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay and parts of Nanaimo.

Size: 8,571 square kilometres
Population: 114,647
Registered voters: 104,961
Current MP: Gord Johns, NDP

In the past: New Democrat Gord Johns improved on his 2015 showing in the last election, grabbing about 41 per cent of the vote. He had about 38 per cent of the vote in 2015 and finishing about 7,000 votes ahead of Conservative John Duncan. (Duncan had been MP in Vancouver Island North, which was eliminated.) Courtenay-Alberni was a new riding for the 2015 election, though the boundaries were similar to the old Nanaimo-Alberni riding, which was held by longtime MP James Lunney. (Lunney was elected in 2010 with the Canadian Alliance Party, then re-elected as a Conservative before leaving the party to sit as an Independent in March 2015.)

2019 results

2021 candidates

Candidates are in alphabetical order by last name.

Barbara Biley

Marxist-Leninist Party

2021 Courtenay-Alberni riding profile and candidates_1

Website | Facebook

Did not give age. Was born in Montreal and has lived in the Comox Valley since 2001. Medical stenographer, worked at St. Joseph’s hospital in several departments, Comox Valley Hospital, and at Glacierview Lodge in Courtenay as a cook. Member of the Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada since its founding in 1970.

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “I am fully vaccinated because I believe that vaccination is an important means to protect society.”

What are the top issues in your riding?

Top issues include health care, education, housing, the environment, jobs, among others, but I would say that the most critical issue is that our electoral system is in desperate need of renewal. There is nothing democratic about elections in which electors have no say in who is selected to run as candidates, in which a handful of parties are designated as “major” and receive all the attention of the media and millions of dollars in public funds, and the “issues” are decided for us.

Electors have no say in any of it and are just to put their X, with no means to hold those elected to account. The calling of this election that no one wanted is an example. It is self-serving on the part of the Trudeau Liberals whose calculation was that the time was ripe for them to get their majority, à la Horgan. This unrepresentative system is a block to Canadians’ participation in any discussion about problems we face and how to resolve them in a manner that favours the people.

We need renewal, for the state to fund the electoral process, not the parties, treat all parties and candidates equally and ensure electors can make an informed vote. Instead of parties coming to power MPs should elect the Prime Minister from amongst them and MPs should also choose the governor general so that we can once and for all dispense with the old colonial vestige of having a foreign monarch as head of state.

Why are you running in this election?

I am running in the election because it is important that voices of Canadians with perspectives and programs different than those of the cartel parties are heard. The MLPC has made its website available to Canadians to speak in their own names about their concerns and you will find many voices there, as well as the press releases and statements of the MLPC, at www.cpcml.ca.

I have been active in my union, the Hospital Employees Union, and in different organizations defending public health care, for the protection of the environment and I am a member of the Comox Valley Peace Group. I have been actively politically since my teens.

Robert Eppich

People's Party of Canada

2021 Courtenay-Alberni riding profile and candidates_4

Website

Lives on Denman Island, where he moved more than 10 years ago. Is the treasurer of the water association on Hornby Island. Managed a communications department for many years, then became a software developer.

Did not reveal vaccination status.

What are the top issues in your riding?

With the 2021 federal election now on its way, the electorate are giving Peoples Party of Canada their consideration. Momentum is building for this PPC candidate with voter support coming from both the left, right and centre. Robert is in favour of freedom of movement and travel throughout our provinces and nation. He believes that small business should once again thrive by ending the lockdowns and opening up our economy. Above all, vaccines, as with all medical services, should be a choice and not imposed by employers or the government. Of course, these principles that Robert stands for have real stories attached to them by the names of individual people who have been separated from family members, lost their businesses or had employment terminated.

A question that comes up repeatedly for Robert: “Is he a conservative or a liberal?” The answer is neither and both, the issues that define this candidate cross the lines of partisan politics. He believes parents are most qualified to determine best practices in raising their children, from infancy, through puberty and adolescence, to adulthood and parenthood, and therefore supports the legal right for parents to be informed and make decisions on behalf of their children in most situations.

Susan Farlinger

Liberal Party of Canada

2021 Courtenay-Alberni riding profile and candidates_5

Website | Facebook

Age 71, born in Ontario, resident of Nanoose since 1995. Biologist and senior public service (assistant deputy minister), and worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Pacific Forestry Centre for Natural Resources Canada. Has been involved with Errington Therapeutic Riding Association and a member of Oceanside 100 Women Who Care.

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “I adopt the advice of experts who rely on evidence-based science and believe that individuals must do their part to protect others.”

What are the top issues in your riding?

Firstly, this riding needs a voice in the government. Big issues like adapting to climate change and building a sustainable economy post-COVID are critical here. Forestry and fishing are historical industries in this riding climate change is affecting both. We must adapt all of our primarily small and medium sized businesses to the changes necessary to protect Pacific salmon and harvest sustainably. We must develop best use and value-added components to make more sustainable use of forest resources.

These will be a big part of developing sustainable jobs in tourism and industry and will require support from the federal as well as other governments, to support the development of new technologies, improve digital access and transportation for rural communities.

Family issues such as affordable housing, child care and senior care are front of mind here in Courtenay-Alberni. New investments to hire family doctors, changes to seniors care and worker’s wages as well as moving ahead on the federal-B.C. child care agreement are needed here.

Why did you decide to run in this election?

After a career in Natural resource management, I have seen and walked the line where environmental protection and economics intersect, using evidence-based science and seeking the knowledge and understanding of those with very different points of view. The biggest shifts, environmental, social and economic, I have seen in my lifetime are at our doorstep. I want to contribute to a successful, sustainable future here on the ground.

How have you made a difference in your community?

I volunteer and contribute to local charities (some noted above); I have coached sports, been a member of the local and district PTA, and teach exercise classes, as well as specifically patronizing and supporting small local food production and other businesses.

What community groups and/or issues have you been involved with?

I have worked with Errington Therapeutic Riding Association, am a regular contributor to Nanoose Family Services, have taught x- country skiing in the school program at Mt Washington, am a member of Oceanside 100 Women who Care who have donated more than 350k to local charities since I joined.

Also a member of Nanaimo Ocean Paddling Club (NOPC); Bayside Squash Club.

What is your political experience?

My experience as senior public servant (Assistant Deputy Minister) provides me with knowledge on how government works, and experience in working with politicians. This is my first venture as a politician.

Gord Johns (incumbent)

New Democratic Party

2021 Courtenay-Alberni riding profile and candidates_2

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Age 51, born in Victoria, resident of the riding for 27 years. Member of Parliament for the past six years, former municipal councillor for Tofino.

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “I am fully vaccinated with two doses against COVID-19 because I believe in the scientific evidence of the efficacy of the vaccine; because it is my responsibility to protect fellow citizens with whom I come into contact; and because it is important to me to protect our health care system and our essential service workers from being overwhelmed by the need to care for those who become infected.”

What are the top issues in your riding?

Housing — Courtenay-Alberni is experiencing a severe housing crisis. House prices have skyrocketed while wages have mostly been stagnant. Although the B.C. NDP government is building more non-market housing than anywhere in Canada, it needs a federal partner. Co-op and rent-controlled housing is desperately needed as many families can’t find housing or are being pushed out of their homes. I hear about this issue more than any other on the doorstep in this election.

Climate Change — The effects of climate change can be seen everywhere in Courtenay-Alberni, eroding shorelines on our coasts, more frequent wildfires, the loss of shellfish during this summer’s historic heat wave and the decline of Pacific wild salmon. The iconic Comox Glacier is melting before our eyes. The failure of successive Conservative and Liberal governments to take action to mitigate the effects of global warming and instead, invest massive funding in buying pipelines and subsidizing fossil fuel extraction is a major issue.

Health care — Too many people in my riding must decide between paying for their prescription drugs and other essential living costs like food and shelter. Seeing a dentist is prohibitive because of the expenses and many suffer the health consequence of poor oral health. Others need better long-term care and many do not have a family doctor. The opioid overdose crisis has been devastating. The failure of the Liberal government to support NDP proposals for pharmacare, dental care, increased health transfers to provinces by restoring Conservative cuts is an issue in Courtenay-Alberni.

Why did you decide to run in this election?

Together, we faced the pandemic and now it’s time to face other issues: affordable housing, child care and real reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. I believe in the science that says the climate crisis is the defining issue of our time. It is time to transition to renewable energy and create well-paying sustainable jobs. For the last two years, I have worked hard for the people of Courtenay-Alberni, reaching across party lines to find solutions and have helped change federal policy and get action. Covid-19 has taught us to put aside our differences and to overcome our greatest challenges.

What is your political experience?

  • Elected as a Councillor, District of Tofino (2008 - 2011)
  • Elected as Member of Parliament, Courtenay-Alberni (2015 - 2019)
  • Re-elected as M.P., Courtenay-Alberni (2019 - 2021)

How have you made a difference in your community?

Motion on ocean plastics approved by all parties, led to single-use plastic ban by the government.

Motion protecting Veterans benefits passed unanimously.

Historic annual infrastructure investment for local governments in Courtenay-Alberni during my terms as M.P.

Our work on a national cycling strategy, Indigenous coast guard auxiliary, removal of derelict vessels, emergency support for small businesses during the pandemic and Indigenous fishing rights all led to action.

I have spoken in Parliament on the protection of Pacific wild salmon more than any M.P. in history.

My constituency office helped over three thousand constituents access federal services or benefits since 2015

What community groups and/or issues have you been involved with?

I have been an environmental activist throughout my adult life. I founded and operated an eco-clothing business in Tofino and served as Executive Director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce during which I advocated for a clean environment. I was actively involved in childrens’ sports as a Dad and as a coach. I served as a volunteer with these organizations:

  • Tofino Affordable Housing Corporation (Former Board Chair)
  • West Coast Chapter of Leadership Vancouver Island (Former Board Chair)
  • Tofino Public Market (Founding Committee)
  • Pacific Rim Whale Festival (Former Co-Chair)
  • UNESCO Clayoquot Biosphere Reserve (Alternate Director)
  • Tofino Earth Day (Founder)
  • West Coast Multiplex Society (Former Co-Chair)

Susanne Lawson

Green Party of Canada

2021 Courtenay-Alberni riding profile and candidates_0

Website

Age 75, born in Guelph, Ont., as lived in the Tofino area for 50 years. Studied arts in Montreal and has pieces in the Royal Bank of Canada Convention Centre in Winnipeg and in hotels and restaurants as well as in private collections across the country and around the world. Helped to start Friends of Clayoquot Sound and Friends of Strathcona Park.

Not vaccinated against COVID-19. “With my doctor's advice, due to latrogenic and anaphalactic reactions to compound chemicals, I am presently not vaccinated. I have heard there is a … company coming out with an all plant based vaccine which we are watching carefully.”

What are the top issues in your riding?

Fisheries, Sewage, Water supply and quality, housing for both young people raised in the area and seniors as well as workers, environment, Indigenous issues, food security

Why did you decide to run in this election?

The challenges we are facing at this time of climate extremes, protests, disease, food security and environmental destruction and extinction of species pushed me to take action in order to help rebalance the dangerous slide downward that we are on. I want to help create and healthy, happy world for my children and all to inherit and for generations of all life we share this planet with. The IPCC report is a dire warning that we cannot continue on the same trajectory with short-term gain at long-term losses.

What is your political experience?

I have lived a fairly private life raising our children, involved in Environmental Issues but I helped my father run in the federal election against Pierre Trudeau where he became an MP in Ottawa

How have you made a difference in your community?

The efforts we made to protect the forests, bears, wild salmon and marine life, etc. in Clayoquot Sound have helped to make the area very popular and increased value and businesses in wildlife viewing and recreational experiences.

What community groups and/or issues have you been involved with?

I was co chair of the Canadian Environmental Network out of Ottawa for several years and have been a member of the B. C. Environmental Network for 35 years, helped to start Friends of Clayoquot Sound, Friends of Strathcona Park and worked with Paul George at WC2 plus others

Mary Lee

Conservative Party of Canada

2021 Courtenay-Alberni riding profile and candidates_3

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Age 52, born in Ottawa. Lives in Comox (and part time in Tofino). Strategic communications adviser. Retired Canadian Armed Forces major with 20 years of service in the Regular Force and about four non-consecutive years in the Reserve Force.

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “I feel it’s a responsibility to protect and respect the safety of my community. While fulfilling a contract with St. Joseph’s Hospital to help communicate its changing role to long-term residential care, I experienced first hand how vulnerable the seniors are, and this was well before COVID-19. Years later, while with Comox Valley Schools, I covered stories of students performing random acts of kindness such as delivering handwritten cards and singing outside the windows of residential care facilities. These tender moments touch the human spirit reminding us to stand united with an unwavering focus on eradicating the virus.”

What are the top issues in your riding?

Housing, the economy, the environment and mental health are top priorities.

We have a housing crisis on Vancouver Island. The primary cause is supply, we just aren’t building enough housing to keep up with our growing population. We have a plan to build one million homes in the next three years. To do that, we will work with municipalities and developers to create the housing Canadians want and need. We will also tackle the factors that drive up prices, like banning foreign investors not living or moving to Canada.

Creating jobs is critical in stimulating our economy. Getting Canadians back to work is key, particularly in those hardest hit sectors, including forestry, fishing and tourism, that many Island residents depend upon.

Protecting our environment is important because we all want a green future for our children. Combating climate change should not be on the backs of hard-working Canadians. We all can contribute to reducing emissions with a solution that empowers residents to make greener lifestyle choices and be rewarded for it rather than subjected to a pricing mechanism that is not meeting our 2030 targets.

Finally, in efforts to encourage Canadians to take part in securing the future, we must look after our mental wellness. Conservatives stand to make a historical investment with increased mental health support to the provinces. Rebuilding Canada means looking after our most precious resource, Canadians.

Why did you decide to run in this election?

As a parent and fellow taxpayer, I know that we need to get the economy back on track and to recover from this pandemic. Having served in the Canadian Armed Forces followed by a career in strategic communications, I know full well you cannot achieve a mission without a plan. Canada’s Conservative have a mission, to secure the future. The plan is Canada’s Recovery Plan, a thoughtful and specific plan to secure jobs, accountability, mental health, the country and our economy. I took an oath to protect democracy, my candidacy is an extension of that oath.

What is your political experience?

Direct political experience is this candidacy.

Indirectly, I have been closely affiliated with the political landscape in several branches of government including the military, the health care and education sector. I have also worked directly with many non-profit board of directors, two of which I was a member. I was a journalist for a community newspaper, The Comox Valley Echo, and covered the 2015 federal election.

How have you made a difference in your community?

As a communication practitioner, I describe the profession as a guardian of society. While with School District 71, I crafted stories of student achievement, teachers’ accomplishments and the support staff’s unique contribution to public education. Stories united parents, education partners and the community, including local media, to further support and celebrate student success. Germane to the power of storytelling was an upsurge of support from the community, which, during the pandemic, helped quell rumours and calm anxiety. Stories have the incredible ability to create deep meaningful connections among communities. Indeed, in this capacity, I am making a difference.

What community groups and/or issues have you been involved with?

I have been involved with the Military Family Resource Centre - Comox and Goose Bay Labrador

I am an avid athlete and was once involved with long distance and cross country running groups in my twenties and thirties. I teach fitness programs as a side hustle with a small business studio owner.

I host a podcast, yet another side hustle, and interview entrepreneurs who have braved COVID-19 to privet and shift in order to keep their livelihood alive and thriving.

I am a member of the 100+ Women Who Care, Comox Valley.

I participate in community fundraisers that are near and dear to me including The Coldest Night of the Year Walk. I worked with Boomer’s Legacy on the volunteer administrative team and as a bike rider.

In 2014, I joined forces with my neighbours to advocate against the highly contentious sewage pump station proposal in Comox Valley that would place a pump station in a rural residential area. We fought the battle through to 2018 and were successful in influencing the Comox Valley Regional District to review its entire sewage plan and create a new proposal that would offer an environmentally sound and robust solution for the betterment of all the community.