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Victoria riding profile and candidates

The riding The Victoria riding includes Victoria, Oak Bay and part of Saanich.

The riding

The Victoria riding includes Victoria, Oak Bay and part of Saanich.

Size: 43 square kilometres
Population: 117,133
Registered voters: 98,712
Current MP: Laurel Collins, NDP

In the past: Laurel Collins won the seat in 2019 after Murray Rankin retired. Before that, the riding was held by the NDP’s Denise Savoie, who had 16,404 more votes than the next candidate in 2011, from 2006 until her retirement in 2012. Liberal David Anderson was the MP before Savoie; he was elected four times.

2019 results

71,549 valid ballots were cast in 2019.

The candidates

Candidates are in alphabetical order by last name.

Laurel Collins (incumbent)

New Democratic Party

2021 Victoria riding profile and candidates_4

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok

Age 37, born in Kispiox in northern B.C. Moved around as a child, attending elementary school on Salt Spring Island, Alert Bay, and in Port Hardy. Has lived in Victoria for 14 years. Stepped down as Victoria city councillor to run for MP in 2019.

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. We know that the best way to get out of the pandemic and protect everyone is for everyone to get vaccinated. Vaccinating Canadians to fight the fourth wave can’t be a partisan issue. It should be easy for all Canadians to get a vaccine, and prove they have one. We need to ensure people in communities with low vaccination uptake have easy, barrier-free access and all the information they need to feel secure in getting vaccinated, so that no one gets left behind.

What are the top issues in your riding?

The top issues I hear from people are the climate crisis, the housing crisis and Indigenous rights and reconciliation. On all of these issues people are telling me they are tired of Trudeau’s nice words and empty promises.

The Liberals have been in power for 6 years, and the housing crisis has only gotten worse. Our climate is in crisis, yet Canada is the only G7 country whose emissions have been rising year after year. Justin Trudeau talks about reconciliation, but then spends millions of dollars fighting Indigenous kids in court.

We need a Prime Minister that not only says the right things but actually does the right things.

The NDP are committed to tackling the climate crisis, eliminating fossil fuel subsidies once and for all, cutting emissions by more than half, and creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs in the low-carbon economy.

We’ll take bold action on the housing crisis, with a plan to invest right now to create 500,000 units of quality, affordable housing - building the rental, cooperative, and social

housing that is so desperately needed, provide up to $5,000 in immediate relief to renters, and help put an end to speculation that’s fuelling high housing prices with a 20% foreign buyer’s tax.

On Indigenous issues, Jagmeet Singh and the NDP are committed to a true nation-to-nation relationship - reconciliation, recognition of Indigenous rights and equal funding.

Why did you decide to run in this election?

Two years ago, the people of Victoria sent me to Ottawa to fight for our community, and that’s what I’ve been doing — pushing for more supports for people who need it, for bold investments in housing, and for real action on the climate crisis. I’m so proud of what Jagmeet and our NDP team accomplished.

The birth of my daughter has reminded me again how important this work is. It’s about the world we’re building for our kids and our grandkids. I’m asking you to send me back to Ottawa to continue to fight for a just and sustainable future.

What is your political experience?

Member of Parliament, Victoria city councillor

How have you made a difference in your community?

As MP I successfully negotiated for a stronger net-zero climate law. When the Liberals put forward a bill that had no real accountability for 10 years, I was able to push for stronger accountability for this most critical decade.

I fought alongside Jagmeet Singh and our NDP caucus for improved COVID relief programs that helped Canadian families and small businesses get through these challenging times. I have been a strong advocate for individuals and small businesses in Victoria who fell through the cracks of the Trudeau government’s patchwork COVID-19 relief.

When you send New Democrats to Ottawa, we deliver results.

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

I co-founded and co-chaired Divest Victoria, a non-profit organization that advocates for cities to take their money out of fossil fuels and put them into environmentally responsible investments. I was also a community organizer and advocate for the Save Shawnigan Water and Stop Bill C-51 campaigns, and former Victoria Labour Council Delegate.

Hannah Hodson

Conservative Party of Canada

2021 Victoria riding profile and candidates_1

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Age 34, born in Grande Prairie and attended UVic. Lives in Ottawa, where she is the parliamentary assistant to Conservative MP Dan Albas: “I absolutely plan to make the South Island my home, but wanted to get federal government experience.”

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “Yes, I made sure I was double vaccinated as soon as it was possible to do so. Vaccines are clearly the best tool in the public health toolkit to minimize the impact of the pandemic on all our lives. I felt getting vaccinated was important for my health and to protect vulnerable folks around me.”

What are the top issues in your riding?

The top three issues I’m hearing about as I talk to community members are affordability, the opioid crisis and the environment. Strong and comprehensive policy plans for all three can be found in Canada’s Recovery Plan in much greater detail than I can provide here.

On affordability, an Erin O’Toole government will work to build one million new homes across Canada and will ban foreign ownership for two years while promising to never tax Canadians’ capital gains taxes on the sale of their principal residence. We will tackle food prices by increasing price-fixing penalties and encouraging competition in the grocery sector. Increased support for child care will ensure families can access more affordable child care, especially low to middle-income families.

We will treat the opioid epidemic as the health issue it is, make recovery the primary goal of the federal substance abuse policy framework, and invest $325 million over the next three years to create 1,000 residential treatment beds and build 50 recovery community centres.

We have a detailed plan to tackle climate change, reduce emissions, and meet our Paris climate commitment. It includes a price on carbon, a zero-emission vehicle standard, a low carbon fuel standard and increased use of bio-methane in fuels. We are also committed to tightening the rules on cruise ships in B.C. waters to align with Alaska and prevent the dumping of sewage and grey water.

Why did you decide to run in this election?

I decided to run because I truly believe Canada’s Recovery Plan is the best plan to bring Canada and our riding out of the pandemic and into a better future.

I also know that having a government that resembles society is important and as a transgender Canadian, I want everyone to see people like me standing up and seeking leadership positions.

What is your political experience?

I have been a political staffer to elected officials federally and provincially for the past 7 years. I have managed campaigns at both levels and been an active party member throughout. This is my first time running as a candidate.

How have you made a difference in your community?

As a political assistant I have had the opportunity to assist on various programs that have made a serious difference in people’s lives. One of these was the Single Parent Employment program created by the former BC government. This program helped single parents, included the many in our riding, access the education and child care they need to lead a better life.

During the pandemic I helped many people access the government services they and their families needed and I am very proud of that.

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

I have worked with and served on the boards of the BC Universities Model Parliament Society and Equal Voice BC. I am very supportive of LGBTQ organizations, particularly those that provide support to youth.

Nick Loughton

Green Party of Canada

2021 Victoria riding profile and candidates_5

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok

Age 23, born in Victoria, where he still lives. Second-year law student at UVic, has a degree in biomedicine from the University of Calgary, specializing in nano-vaccines for cancer research.

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “Public health experts continue to urge everyone to get vaccinated, as vaccines are the best way to protect ourselves and the health and safety of others in our community. Everyone should also wear a mask indoors and stay physically distant when possible. As a former nano-vaccine researcher, I understand the science behind the COVID-19 vaccines and would strongly urge everyone to follow the public health guideline to get vaccinated.”

What are the top issues in your riding?

Canada has the worst environmental record among G7 countries. Conservative, Liberal, and Liberal-NDP governments continually fail to meet our climate targets. The Trudeau Liberals bought an economically non-viable pipeline. The Big 3 parties waste billions of taxpayer dollars subsidizing the fossil fuel industry. We must end fossil fuel subsidies and transition to a 21st century clean energy economy. We must stop old growth logging and respect Indigenous rights and title. And we must dramatically reduce emissions to keep global warming under 1.5°C.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities in our health care system. Nobody should go without basic care. Health care is a human right, not a privilege for the wealthy few. We must guarantee head-to-toe coverage for pharmacare, vision, hearing, dental, mental health and long-term care.

Canada has the second-worst health care among high-income countries. By modeling our health care after successful systems like the Netherlands and Australia, we can increase access to health care and reduce costs. Investments in pharmacare, physicians, and nurses will improve health outcomes, increase access to family doctors, and reduce wait times.

The skyrocketing cost of living is eroding our middle class. With more than half of Canadians living paycheque to paycheque, we are at an economic breaking point. Housing is a human right. The federal government must increase housing stock by collaborating with provincial and municipal governments. We must address stagnant wages through a Universal Basic Income and by ensuring every federally-regulated employee earns a living wage in line with the astounding productivity increases in recent years.

How have you made a difference in your community?

I have been an advocate for kids with Type 1 Diabetes since I was young. Everywhere I was, I encountered equity issues and pushed for the BC government to cover insulin pumps and new methods of monitoring blood glucose levels. I took that advocacy one step further when I worked with Together Against Poverty society helping people with disabilities gain access to government supports & resources. I have been a climate activist with the Greens and attended rallies in support of our ancient forests here in Victoria. Being involved with these issues helps me see issues from the view of those who are impacted most.

Why did you decide to run in this election?

I am fed up with our federal government. Decades of inaction on critically important issues from the climate to healthcare to affordability have left us in a constant state of crisis. Six years of Trudeau Liberal government, an NDP provincial government, and Conservative governments across the country have time and again failed to live up to their promises. Today, we have no time to waste. Only swift action on climate change will avert catastrophe. We must prioritize the health and wellbeing of our communities. I am demanding real action, not empty words and broken promises from our government.

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

I have been involved with many community organizations to try and make a difference in my own community. Here is a list of the organizations I have had direct experience with:

  • Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - volunteer, mentor, advocate, fundraiser
  • Diabetes Canada - volunteer, advocate
  • Volunteer disability advocate for Together against Poverty society
  • BC Greens
  • Green Party of Canada
  • Committee Member of the Environmental and Natural Resource advisory committee for District of Saanich
  • Research Assistant for school of exercise, science and physical health education UVic
  • Research Assistant, Snyder Institute for Chronic diseases at UofC

What is your political experience?

My political experience began 5 years ago when I became a member of the BC Green Party. Since then, my main political experience was working on Racelle Kooy’s campaign in the Victoria riding where we were 3% shy of winning the seat. I was a staffer and aide during the campaign. I decided to seek the nomination this year for Victoria, as Victorians deserve a champion who will commit to real action on the climate, healthcare, and the skyrocketing gap between wages and the cost of living.

Nikki Macdonald

Liberal Party of Canada

2021 Victoria riding profile and candidates_0

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Age 57, born in Toronto, resident of Greater Victoria for 12 years. Adjunct professor at UVic since 2019, senior administrator before that. Also works as an environmental and ocean policy consultant. Former senior adviser to prime minister Jean Chrétien.

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “Yes, I have been fully vaccinated as soon as I was able because I believe it is the only effective way to stop the transmission of the COVID virus. I strongly believe that when you are part of a community, you have an obligation to take care of each other, which includes being vaccinated to protect others.”

What are the top issues in your riding?

Since being nominated in December of 2020, I have personally knocked on over 3,000 doors and had countless phone calls and Zoom meetings with community groups and individuals. The top issues I have heard from you are the climate crisis, housing affordability and the opioid crisis.

The Liberal Climate Action Plan has the support of leading experts like Nobel-winning climate scientist Andrew Weaver and Dr. Mark Jaccard from SFU’s School of Resource and Environmental Management. Why? Because it is ambitious, achievable, and affordable. My expertise in ocean and environmental policy means I can work with Indigenous, local and provincial partners to make Victoria Canada’s leader in climate innovation and ocean protection. Victorians care deeply about the climate crisis and want to be part of the solution.

I spent time over the last year talking to groups like Pacifica Housing, B.C. Housing, Our Place, and neighbourhood associations to learn more about Victoria’s housing needs and solutions. Here’s what I heard. Victoria has a problem with the “missing middle” — duplexes, townhomes, and low rise multi-units. This is a zoning problem that local government, the Province and the federal government need to address. Since 2015 the federal Liberal government has aggressively stepped back into housing with a $5-billion, 10-year plan that is already seeing hundreds of new units of affordable and emergency housing built in Victoria.

More people have died from drug poisoning in Victoria than from COVID-19. The temporary housing that local government, the Province and federal government has put in place is only the beginning of a solution. I am closely watching a pilot project funded by the federal government that provides safe prescription opioids in Cowichan Valley. At the same time, everyone in Victoria deserves to feel safe in our community. The erosion of public safety on Victoria’s streets must stop.

What is your political experience?

Former senior advisor to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien; Liberal Candidate in 2019 federal election.

Why did you decide to run in this election?

I am running in this election because climate change is the number 1 issue facing Canadians and I have the expertise and experience to be part of real solutions. I have worked in government and business so I know how to get things done. As Dr. Andrew Weaver noted in reference to my candidacy, “I’m so excited that you are running here. The fact that you are a PhD scientist in ocean policy is absolutely brilliant for this area”. I have a strong track record of success working with all levels of government and across sectors. I am the only candidate running in Victoria who can bring this depth of knowledge and proven level of success to be Victoria’s next Member of Parliament.

What is your political experience?

Former senior advisor to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien; Liberal Candidate in 2019 federal election.

How have you made a difference in your community?

During my time at UVic, I was instrumental in helping to grow Ocean Networks Canada as well as other significant projects that have contributed to Victoria. For example, I was able to assist with the ongoing support of LE,NONET a program to support Indigenous students on campus. I remain committed as an adjunct assistant professor providing advice and guidance to graduate students in the School of Public Administration.

I am an active community leader - through various community boards and organizations noted above, During the pandemic I lent my expertise and support to help business and community leaders understand the federal support programs. Through my network and policy background, I was able to communicate to decision makers in Ottawa how these programs were working Victoria and what we needed to be able to get through the pandemic.

From watching my Dad as a Member of Parliament to working with Rt. Hon Jean Chrétien, I learned that running for public office is one of the best ways to serve your community. This is why I have put my name on the ballot to represent Victoria as its next Member of Parliament.

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

Board member of Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Board member of Artisanal Gold Council, Former Chair and Member of Mount Work Coalition, member of South Island Recovery Taskforce, Member of Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

John Randal Phipps

People's Party of Canada

2021 Victoria riding profile and candidates_2

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Age 59, moved to Victoria from Edmonton in 1982. Says his occupation is “broadly defined as a businessman. Some would say, jokingly, that I am ‘afflicted’ with entrepreneurship.” Founded Kabuki Kabs.

Did not reveal vaccination status. “My vaccine status? Franz Kafka would smile at this situation and make notes. I’ll be clear; the health status of Canadians is private information. This highest principle is the fork in the road moment for all Canadians and the stakes are clear — one path leads towards a vaccine/social credit system and the other leads back to freedom.”

What are the top issues in your riding?

The top issue in my riding is this massive groundswell of concern over the vaccine/social credit passport. Every other thing we care about is affected by this grossly misguided policy. This will bifurcate our society into warring tribes. Families will split. Businesses will fail. Front-line forces will lose valuable and needed skilled workers. Any one of these outcomes is tragic but the combined effect will be unimaginable.

(A solid solution which respects privacy and addresses the problem: offer vaccines to protect the cohorts most at risk; elderly, obese and those with comorbidities and then make easily available the widely successful therapeutics, Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine for everyone else. Note, as well, this will increase in global vaccine inventory which can be channeled towards helping the same “at risk” cohort globally — this is the type of aid Canadians ought to support).

Beyond this, the high cost of living, especially for the seniors, and the opioid epidemic; crime, death, and social decay, are really big concerns I’ll tackle as we, the citizens, bury the vaccine/social credit pass in the graveyard of all totalitarian ideas.

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

My community experience could be through coaching in youth development sports, such as with the Vancouver Island Pee-Wee Football League, or through the many joyous times I was asked to use my fleet of pedicabs to help with local causes such as Cops for Cancer, Disabled Mothers, Help Fill a Dream, and a long list of parades and such. It was a real privilege. And, on a personal note, each year with my pedicab company I always had 5 or so “projects” (folks that just needed a hand-up).

What is your political experience?

My political experience is part of my life experience. I have worked in the background for quite a few political parties over 40 years. I pay very close attention to geopolitics and its intersection with culture. My largest aim is to stop the rise of totalitarianism, in all it’s disguises.

Jordan Reichert

Animal Protection Party of Canada

2021 Victoria riding profile and candidates_3

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Age 39, born in Victoria, where he has lived his entire life. Mental health and addicitions worker. Has worked for the Animal Alliance of Canada and the Animal Protection Party of Canada for the past six years. This marks his third federal campaign.

Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “As a health care worker and community organizer, I felt it was my duty to protect the health of my friends, family, and patients, as well as myself. I personally know people who have suffered due to COVID-19 and getting the vaccine, along with wearing a mask, is the least I can do to protect others from having to endure falling ill to it. We should all do our part to get through this global tragedy as quickly and as safely as possible.”

What are the top issues in your riding?

The top issues in Victoria are the environment and the environment. People are struggling to find affordable housing, the cost of living is going up, COVID-19 has compromised our health and social well-being, the opioid crisis continues, and wages are far below livable for many.

Meanwhile, the world is burning. Forest fires ravage communities, we endured heat waves locally, forest defenders are being brutalized at Fairy Creek, and the United Nations is warning this is the last chance for the political communities of the world to take action and mitigate the worst outcomes of climate heating.

While politicians are promising cheaper cellphone and internet plans on one hand, they are compromising our ecological integrity on the other. We need our politicians to be talking about federal electoral reform, we need a guaranteed thriving wage, we need them to stop subsidizing oil and gas and animal agriculture, we need them to protect the land and water that sustains us from exploitation and development. Anything less is inadequate.

Whatever the top issue is for people in Victoria, the overarching need is for a government which recognizes that all of these issues have more than just a human cost, they have an environmental and animal one. We need to change the discourse of our political institutions to meet the urgency of the climate crisis. We must demand they act within the UN’s One Health framework that incorporates people, animals, and the planet in the interests of all.

Why did you decide to run in this election?

I decided to run in this election because the monumental task before us in addressing the climate crisis is about more than politics, it is about our extinction. I do not have confidence in the status quo political parties to make the fundamental shifts to the structure of our society necessary to meet the call of the UN warning that this is a “Red Alert” for people, animals, and the planet. We don’t have time for another election cycle with the same tired leadership. I want to bring this message to Parliament for the people, animals, and environment of Victoria.

What is your political experience?

This is my third time running federally, I have also run twice provincially, and once municipally. I have been to parliament several times to lobby MP’s and Senators on various legislation.

How have you made a difference in your community?

I have spent the last decade of my life advocating and working to improve the lives of people and animals in our community. As a mental health and addictions worker I have worked with thousands of community members on their path through recovery, something that touches the lives of each and every one of us no matter where our standing in society. For animals, I have done my best to improve the treatment and status of them locally and nationally. These vulnerable individuals deserve representation in our politics, and that is what I hope to bring them win or lose

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

Vancouver Island Vegan Association, View Royal Rabbit Rescue, Pets Ok BC, Coldest Night of the Year, Every Step Counts, Lifering Victoria, Environmental Esquimalt, Basic Income Victoria, Surfrider, BC Foundation for Non-Animal Research, RASTA Sanctuary

Janis Zroback

Communist Party of Canada

Website | Facebook | Twitter

We did not receive a response from Janis Zroback.