DALE PARKER
Website: conservativebc.ca/parker
Instagram: instagram.com/daleparkerbc
Political party: How long have you been a member?
Conservative Party of BC, 1 Month
Do you live in the riding, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to the riding?
Dale Parker grew up in the Cowichan Valley and lives in Mill Bay. Dale spent his summers at their family property on Mudge Island, Gabriola Island and Nanaimo.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
Dale has worked in Information Technologies as a consultant, manager, and senior technical advisor in the public and private sectors for over 32 years. Dale graduated in computer science (VVI) and business administration from the UVIC. He has recently completed an MBA at Royal Roads University.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your community and why?
There is a lot of anger and grief about the current state of affairs here in BC and in the Nanaimo-Gabriola riding. People are desperate and feel like there is no hope—until now. I assure many people I am committed to common-sense action, fiscal responsibility, stopping waste, and providing responsible government. The Nanaimo Regional District Hospital is a colossal issue. Healthcare is not meeting even basic standards, and people are suffering or dying—homelessness, drug addiction, drug supply, crime, and affordability are the number one issues. People are broke and struggling.
What actions or efforts have you taken to learn the concerns of your constituents?
I have been door-knocking and meeting with businesses, organizations, and people everywhere daily. I also use social media to connect with people and correspond with many emails daily.
What do you want to see improved in British Columbia in four, eight and 20 years?
4: Health care returned to high standards, and a new patient tower in Nanaimo with a Catheterization laboratory. No ER closures, long wait times, more doctors and nurses, reduced waitlists, affordability for all people, good-paying jobs, investment in BC, housing, help for the homeless and drug crisis, stopping waste, and fiscal responsibility. Returning our industries to being competitive globally. Academic solid performance by our schools and universities. Allowing people to enjoy life with their families, get ahead, and have a work-life balance so our children can grow up in a healthy, happy environment. More accountability for criminals.
How would you go about addressing contentious issues within your riding?
I will be active and on the ground. I will ensure strong engagement and have open communication channels. I will listen to people. I will work with integrity, honesty and strong ethics to build trust.
Would you vote against your party and leader if it were best for your constituents?
Yes
Why do you think you are qualified to do this job?
My extensive professional experience, education, and passion for helping others.
Why are you running – what’s your motivation?
I have always volunteered and been passionate about helping others, especially those being taken advantage of or who lack the ability or means. I have spent years mentoring and supporting people and am driven to improve things for others. I get personal satisfaction from helping others and making a positive difference in people’s lives.
ABOUT NANAIMO-GABRIOLA ISLAND
Nanaimo-Gabriola Island is a new riding and will be contested for the first time this election. It was created out of parts of the Nanaimo-North Cowichan and Nanaimo electoral districts.
New Democrat Sheila Malcolmson won comfortably in the Nanaimo riding in 2020, with about 54 per cent of the vote, while the Green and Liberal candidates roughly split the balance.
She’s running again in Nanaimo-Gabriola Island, along with Green candidate Shirley Lambrecht, a network specialist, and Conservative Dale Parker, who works in information technology.
THE CANDIDATES IN NANAIMO-GABRIOLA ISLAND
The candidates this election are:
See the full list of Vancouver Island candidates here. We are posting the candidate questionnaires riding by riding.
ABOUT THE PROFILES
We asked readers what they wanted to ask candidates and used those answers to help shape our election coverage, including candidate questionnaires.
The answers are presented as submitted by the candidates, edited only for length if they exceeded the word limit they were given. We did not correct grammar, spelling or typos.
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