2019 byelection - Archive

The Conservative Party candidate in Saanich-Gulf Islands is apologizing for social media posts that drew fire from a Vancouver Liberal. “I apologize for my insensitive remarks,” reads the statement from David Busch. “That’s not who I am as a person.

A familiar face The moderator of the party leaders’ English-language debate Sept. 9 will be Angus Reid Institute president Shachi Kurl. Kurl, who won praise after performing the same task during last year’s B.C.

The riding After four terms, New Democrat Claire Trevena is retiring. There was a relatively tight NDP-Liberal race in 2005, but the NDP wins have been more comfortable since then.

The riding This was the tightest race in B.C. last time around, with New Democrat newcomer Ronna-Rae Leonard winning by just 189 votes after a recount. Leonard is seeking re-election.

The riding After four terms, New Democrat Scott Fraser is not seeking re-election. He had about 50 per cent of the vote in the past four elections. Taking up the NDP mantle is Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne; Port Alberni Coun.

The riding Michelle Stilwell was the sole Island Liberal MLA elected in 2017. Her party took 50 per cent of the vote or better in Parksville-Qualicum in 2005, 2009 and 2013, dipping to 45 per cent in 2017 as the Greens made some gains.

The riding Former member of Parliament Sheila Malcolmson won the seat in a 2019 byelection after the incumbent, Leonard Krog, stepped down to become mayor of Nanaimo. Before Krog was elected in 2005, the riding had a Liberal MLA.

The riding NDP incumbent Doug Routley is seeking a fifth term in office. Routley had 46.89 per cent of the vote in 2017 — about 5,000 votes more than the nearest competitor. The other candidates both have municipal experience: Ladysmith Coun.

The riding Sonia Furstenau won a hotly contested race in 2017, beating out six others to become the riding’s MLA. The newly minted Green Party leader — she became leader on Sept. 14, just before the election was called — is now seeking a second term.

The riding NDP Leader John Horgan was first elected in 2005 and dominated the Juan de Fuca riding in 2009, 2013 and 2017. He is seeking a fifth term in office.