The riding
Former Green Party leader Andrew Weaver, who left the party to sit as an Independent, isn’t running again. He got 52.20 per cent of the vote in 2017 but the riding was held by Liberal Ida Chong before Weaver defeated her in 2013. Green candidate Nicole Duncan seeks to replace Weaver, while former New Democrat MP Murray Rankin (Victoria), who stepped away from politics last year, has re-entered at the provincial level. Liberal Roxanne Helme, a courtroom lawyer, and Communist Florian Castle, a university student, round out the race.
2017 results
• Green — Andrew Weaver 15,405 52.20%
• Liberal — Alex Dutton 7,008 23.74%
• NDP — Bryce Casavant 6,972 23.63%
• Vancouver Island Party — Jin Dong Yang-Riley 66 0.23%
• 4BC — Xaanja Ganja Free 59 0.20%
• Voter turnout: 71.99 per cent
Florian Castle, Communist
University student, no age given. Not married, no kids. Has lived in the riding for over a year, and attended school in it for several years before that.
Making a difference: Involved in several progressive struggles. “By its very nature activism is a collective effort and not an individual one, but I am proud to have been part of the fight to make my community, B.C., and the world a better place.”
Main issue: The housing crisis, which “disproportionately affects the working class and students. The rapidly rising costs of housing have put the health and safety of many people at risk during the pandemic, as tenants are forced to find roommates or squeeze into small apartments to be able to afford rent.”
Nicole Duncan, Green
Did not give age or say where she was born or lives now. However, has worked in Victoria for 10 years as a consultant. She is a mother and a trustee on the Greater Victoria Board of Education, and was on the executive of the parent advisory council.
Making a difference: Pushed for an evidence-based plan to remediate the high levels of lead in school drinking water resulting in filtration and flushing procedures. She has also championed quality, accessible and inclusive public education.
Main issue: Improved senior care and access to family doctors, along with more accessible and inclusive education and greater protection for the environment.
Roxanne Helme, Liberal
Born in Vancouver, 58 years old. Married with two children, has lived in the riding for 22 years. A courtroom lawyer in private practice.
Making a difference: Involved with the Coalition to End Homelessness, the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board, and the Inter-Cultural Association. Currently on the board of the Canadian College of Performing Arts.
Main issue: Economic recovery, with homelessness/mental health/addictions and public safety a close second. “Voters of all political stripes are also expressing disappointment with the current government with respect to trust and integrity. I have not spoken to anyone who is of the view that this is an appropriate time for us to be having an election.”
Murray Rankin, NDP
Age 70, born in Belleville, Ont., but has lived here for 40 years. Married with two sons. Lawyer and law professor, former member of Parliament for Victoria, chair of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency.
Making a difference: “As an MP, one of my proudest accomplishments was pushing the government to ban single-use plastics across Canada by 2021 — a huge win for our oceans, coastlines and marine wildlife.”
Main issue: The pandemic and the challenges it has brought. “We need to continue to make life more affordable for British Columbians by building an economic recovery that works for everyone, while protecting the health and wellbeing of British Columbians.”
