The riding
The NDP won this riding handily in 2017, taking 53 per cent of the vote. But there’s a big change on the horizon: 15-year incumbent Carole James is not running again. The new New Democrat in town is Grace Lore. She faces Green activist Jenn Neilson, founder of the Out There Art Festival; Liberal Karen Bill, a public policy specialist who lost to James in 2013 and 2017; and Jordan Reichert, who ran federally for the Animal Protection Party in 2015 and 2019.
2017 results
• NDP — Carole James 16,057 (53.05 per cent)
• Green — Kalen Harris 9,194 (30.38 per cent)
• Liberal — Karen Bill 4,689 (15.49 per cent)
• Libertarian — Art Lowe 190 (0.63 per cent)
• Independent — Jordan Reichert 102 (0.34 per cent)
• Independent — David Shebib 35 (0.11 per cent)
• Voter turnout: 64.20 per cent
Karen Bill, Liberal
Age 51, born in Victoria. Married with two children, lives in Langford but works in Victoria as a policy analyst/researcher.
Making a difference: Volunteer with the Girl Guiddes, vice-president of the Canadian Hemochromatosis Society. “From an environmental perspective, my family is as self-sufficient as possible in an urban area,” raising pollinator bees and chickens and gardening.
Main issue: “The most important issue in Victoria Beacon Hill is the rapidly increasing levels of homelessness and crime in our neighbourhoods and parks. Everyone should feel safe using our parks and living near them.” Wants increased funding for mental health and addictions, integrated on-site supports to assist homeless individuals and protect communities.
Grace Lore, NDP
Age 35, born in Calgary, first moved to Victoria in 2007. Married with two kids, lecturer at UVic since 2018.
Making a difference: Successfully advocated for a city-wide childcare strategy and for affordable housing in her neighbourhood. Volunteer with the Victoria Sexual Assault Centres emergency response team since 2008. Worked with the municipal and provincial governments, police, nurses and community organizations to keep the Integrated Clinic open.
Main issues: “People tell me that navigating COVID-19 safely, and our recovery is their biggest concern.” She’s also hearing that housing is a concern, “whether it’s renters looking for a break, a family trying to afford a home, or people who don’t have a home.”
Jenn Neilson, Green
Age 39, born in Vancouver. Lives in Victoria with her family. Public servant with the Ministry of Education.
Making a difference: Involved in several community campaigns, including Save 950 Kings and Victoria Needs a Hillside Library. Co-founder of HQ Collective, a progressive, grassroots organization building community. Founded and directed the Out There Art Festival, a physically distanced festival.
Main issue: Affordable housing and homelessness. “I don’t think anyone should have to sleep in parks. I believe that housing is a basic human right and we need more action and investment from the province to ensure that everyone has a home, with appropriate social care.”
Jordan Reichert, Independent
Age 38, born and raised in Victoria. Lives with his common-law partner in the riding. Mental health and addictions worker and animal advocate. Deputy leader of the federal Animal Protection Party. This is his fifth political campaign in five years.
Making a difference: “I have made a difference in my community by changing the way people view politics, people, animals, and the environment.” Helped people through their recovery from addictions.
Main issue: Homelessness. Municipalities need more resources and powers to deal with complex issues. “If we want to lift people out of poverty, not just house them, we need a basic income, comprehensive mental health services and addiction services, and safe, affordable housing.”
