The riding
Cowichan-Malahat-Langford includes Langford, North Cowichan, Duncan, Lake Cowichan, and the Cowichan Valley.
Size: 4,749 square kilometres
Population: 108,052
Registered voters: 97,614
Current MP: Alistair MacGregor, NDP
In the past: Cowichan-Malahat-Langford was a new riding for the 2015 election. It contains parts of the old Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca and Nanaimo-Cowichan ridings. In 2015, Alistair MacGregor captured 35.6 per cent of the vote and had about 7,000 more votes than both the Liberal and Conservative candidates. He was similarly ahead in 2019.
The 2011 races in both Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca and Nanaimo-Cowichan were led by the NDP and Conservatives, well ahead of the Liberal and Green parties. In Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, the NDP’s Randall Garrison narrowly beat Conservative candidate Troy DeSouza by 406 votes. In Nanaimo-Cowichan, NDP incumbent Jean Crowder had the support of 48.9 per cent of voters, well ahead of Conservative John Koury with 38.3 per cent.
2019 results
65,228 valid ballots were cast in 2019.
2021 candidates
Candidates are in alphabetical order by last name.
Alana DeLong
Conservative Party of Canada
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Age 73, resident of Thetis Island for more than six years. Served as an MLA in Alberta (Calgary-Bow) for 14 years. Before that worked for 30 years in the computer industry. Since moving to Thetis has been involved with the Thetis Island Community fund, the provincial and federal riding associations, and with the issue of freighter anchorages.
Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “It was a personal decision based on the best data that I could acquire.”
What are the top issues in your riding?
The No. 1 issue I am hearing at the doors is affordability. People are really concerned over the rising costs they face on a daily basis. This is the overwhelming response I hear from my door knocking. Economic recovery is probably the second most important issue on people’s minds. I also have some people talk about housing affordability. The opioid crisis and addiction is mentioned also.
Why did you decide to run in this election?
For the past few years I have watched the poor economic performance of our country negatively impact the people in my community. Having previously served in a government that brought unprecedented economic stability and wealth to my constituents, I felt that I could offer that experience to the constituents of Cowichan-Malahat-Langford.
What is your political experience?
14 years as MLA for Calgary-Bow
How have you made a difference in your community?
After spending 14 years working hard for my community, my husband and I retired to Thetis Island. Although I have had some community involvement, the majority of my time has been spent converting a 1970s summer cabin into an energy efficient home that fits it’s heavily treed environment.
What community groups and/or issues have you been involved with?
Freighter anchorages, Thetis Island Community Fund, Provincial and Federal riding associations
Mark Hecht
People's Party of Canada
Mark Hecht declined to answer our questions.
Blair Herbert
Liberal Party of Canada
Age 66, born in Ottawa, has lived in riding for 14 years. Has worked in real estate for 29 years. Ran for the Liberals in 2019.
Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “I lost two friends to COVID-19 and almost lost a third except for the fact that he had the first vaccine at the same time as contracting COVID-19, which doctors believe saved his life. He spent three weeks in hospital.Bottom line, this disease is bigger than me. It is bigger than my personal interests. It is calling on all of us to do our part, for the sake of everyone.“I believe that a nation is formed by the willingness of each of us to share in the responsibility of upholding the common good.”
What are the top issues in your riding?
The issues fall into two themes:
Environment — The Liberals’ 64-point plan outlines ambitious actions to get Canada to net zero emissions by 2050. The former B.C. Green Party Leader endorsed the Liberal plan as the “only credible plan put forward by any federal party.”
What I ask people to realize is big change takes time. Yes, the NDP and Greens have environmental plans calling for radical change, but radical change will create chaos for the economy. The environment and economy must move forward together.
Economy — With COVID-19 behind us, Canada’s economy will continue to expand. Canada lost 3.1 million jobs during the pandemic, 2.8 million have since been created. Supply chains have yet to bounce back completely, and a new workforce may need to be trained as pre-pandemic workers have moved to other jobs, causing a labour shortage.
Liberals continue to support building the economy. For example, the Liberal daycare plan signed with B.C. reduces daycare costs by 50% by 2020, and creates more daycare spaces. This initiative, alone, expands both employment and the labour force.
I want to mention the anger in the community. I have asked voters why they are angry. One indicated it was because he had to keeping working while his friends were on CERB. Another is angry because he has to pay tax on the CERB payments he received. So, the anger is because the Liberals supported Canadians and the economy during the pandemic? Something to think about.
Why did you decide to run in this election?
We deserve a voice in government. For 17 years, this Riding has elected an NDP MP that has never been part of the government. The Riding hasn’t truly moved forward for 17 years, and we deserve more.
In moving forward, my two priorities are the environment and the economy. I would seek out and support local and federal initiatives so that this Riding can be an example to the rest of the country on how every day actions by every day people can make an impact and how communities can build their own opportunities.
What is your political experience?
Liberal Candidate in the 2019 Federal election.
How have you made a difference in your community? (Up to 100 words)
- I have made a difference by working hard to raise four wonderful children, who have grown to be kind, hard-working and contributing members of their communities.
- I have made a difference by supporting organizations working for those less fortunate, for example, at Christmas when you’ll find me ringing bells for the Salvation Army.
- I have made a difference by volunteering for organizations that build community, for example, serving as Chair of the Cobble Hill Fair.
- I have made a difference by putting my hat in the ring for this election; promoting democracy and a voice in government.
What community groups and/or issues have you been involved with?
- Cobble Hill Farmers Institute - Board of Directors, Chair of the Cobble Hill Fair
- Cowichan Beekeepers Association - Board of Directors, Executive
- Economic Development Commission (CVRD) - Board of Directors
- Community Futures - Loans Committee
- Vancouver Island Real Estate Board - Board of Directors, President, Government Relations Committee
Alistair MacGregor (incumbent)
New Democratic Party
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Age 42, born in Victoria, resident of Cowichan Valley for more than 30 years. Member of Parliament for six years. Before that, worked for Jean Crowder, who was MP for the old Nanaimo-Cowichan riding. Was previously involved with the Cowichan Green Community.
Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “I received my second dose of Pfizer on July 20, 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt people, damaged businesses, and impacted front line workers and our entire health care system. Vaccinations are our best protection against COVID-19, and the best way we can move forward in our recovery. I believe it’s my responsibility to do everything I can to keep my family and those around me safe, so we can all get through this together.”
What are the top issues in your riding?
The effects of climate change were felt more than ever in my riding and across the country this summer. People are scared about what the future will look like if Trudeau continues to ignore this crisis. We need a government that will get us to net zero emissions, by eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, taking on big polluters, and helping to build a green economy that works for everyone, while protecting our air, land and water. The NDP team is ready to take on the challenge.
Every day I hear from people about how hard it is to keep on top of their rent and daily expenses. Decades of Liberal and Conservative governments have made it impossible for people to find an affordable place to live, pay for an education, cover utilities and other bills, or take care of elderly parents. The NDP team will invest in things like health care, affordable housing, and child care, so everyone can get ahead — not just the rich.
Health care is top of mind for people across my riding. Liberal and Conservative governments have made so many cuts to the services we count on, that people can’t access the care and medications they need, when they need them. The NDP team will strengthen our health care system by introducing a national dental and pharmacare program, reducing wait times, increasing our domestic production of vaccines and PPE, and much more.
Why did you decide to run in this election?
Because there is still so much more to do. Despite the lofty Liberal rhetoric on so many issues (climate change, pharmacare, housing, etc.), we have yet to see real action. This election presents a real opportunity for Canadians to choose a new direction — one that leads to real investments in climate action, affordable housing, health care, child care and so much more.
What is your political experience?
Six years as the Member of Parliament, and I have previously worked for Jean Crowder, who was the MP for Nanaimo-Cowichan, 2004-2015.
How have you made a difference in your community?
Throughout my time as MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, I have done my best to turn community needs into legislative action. I worked with community members and First Nations on Bill C-250, which seeks to end large freighter anchorages along our coastline. The same area that would be protected by Bill C-250 is being proposed as a National Marine Conservation Area. This would mean an end to the threat to the marine environment and reduced noise and light pollution in surrounding communities. I also worked on Bill C-290, which calls for a national strategy to conserve and improve the health of our soils, to help Canadians produce food for years to come. And most successfully, I fought for a federal investment to raise the Cowichan weir in order to protect our watershed and salmon stock.
What community groups and/or issues have you been involved with?
I’ve previously been involved with the Cowichan Green Community, which has concentrated on food security issues.
Lia Versaevel
Green Party of Canada
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Age 65, born in Calgary, moved to Island in 1971, most recently returning in 2013. Lives in Chemainus. Worked as an advocate/mediator for 40 years, also in corrections and law enforcement and education. Has run provincially for the Greens.
Fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “I believe in science and empirical evidence. I know that protecting myself also protects everyone around me.”
What are the top issues in your riding?
The Riding is geographically huge, with several unique communities within its boundaries, including Thetis Island and Pune’luxutth, Ts’uubaa-asatx (Lake Cowichan), Quw’utsun, Ditidaht, Lyackson, Malahat, Halalt, Tussie, and Pacheedaht Territories, Crofton, Chemainus, Duncan, Highlands, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Langford, and out to the Pacific Ocean near Jordan River. The Climate Emergency is affecting farms and food production, more so this past summer than ever before, and we are extremely vulnerable living on an Island where most of our food is brought over from the mainland.
Food security for the Riding is incredibly important. Affordable housing and income security are issues in each smaller community, on reserves, and in all of the rural parts of the Riding as well. Employment stability and the opioid crisis are also critical issues, as are the lack of mental health services for everyone and supports for seniors.
Indigenous sovereignty, particularly in relation to the events at Fairy Creek, is profoundly important, due to the vulnerability of watersheds and forests to clearcutting, road building, and habitat destruction. Racism is still prevalent and must not be tolerated.
Transportation and accessibility to services are important issues. We need the rail corridor to open again for trains in some capacity to move people and goods, and to make better use of waterways, connecting Crofton and Cowichan Bay to the Saanich Peninsula. We need liveable, accessible cities and towns to permit locavore lifestyles, but the rampant development in the Langford area is irresponsible and destructive.
Why did you decide to run in this election?
Code Red (IPCC) means that we are in a crisis situation regarding climate catastrophes. We are witnessing mass extinctions, heat domes, flooding, fires and increased average global temperatures. My individual efforts to live a sustainable lifestyle need to be taken to a wider level, and I know that many green supporters agree that this is the time for action, not just more talk and green-washing. There is no better time to act!
What is your political experience?
I have run twice Provincially for the Greens, and once for Area G CVRD, and was a nomination contestant for the last Federal Election in 2019. I have served on many non-profit boards and committees in three countries, and chaired the CML Green Electoral District for one year.
How have you made a difference in your community?
I have been actively involved with several non-profit organizations, and have participated in fundraising and events to serve those in need. Advocacy is not only my job, but my passion. I enjoy growing food and donating the proceeds to other agencies and individuals for distribution. I am active in local governments as an observer and contributor. I ask questions, and insist upon rational answers. I make things happen
What community groups and/or issues have you been involved with?
I have been the Chair of the Chemainus Residents’ Association, a part of Emergency planning teams, a member of the Ladysmith Lions Club, on the Alumni Board of UVIC, a member of the Legion in Chemainus, a member of the Island Corridor Foundation (Rail), and St. Michael and All Angels Anglican parish in Chemainus.
Issues have included Air Quality in Chemainus, Echo Heights development, Environment Chair for Lions Clubs International District 19-I, food security, and poverty law advocacy.
