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. Gillian Anderson, who lost the race for the NDP nomination to Leonard in 2017, is running for the Greens, while entrepreneur Brennan Day is running for the Liberals.
2017 results
• NDP — Ronna-Rae Leonard 10,886 (37.36 per cent)
• Liberal — Jim Benninger 10,697 (36.72 per cent)
• Green — Ernie Sellentin 5,351 (18.37 per cent)
• Conservative — Leah McCulloch 2,201 (7.55 per cent)
• Voter turnout: 67 per cent
Gillian Anderson, Green
Age 63, didn’t say where she was born. Married with four children. Riding resident for 15 years. Homemaker for 20 years, retail clerk, child care. Sought NDP nomination in 2017.
Making a difference: “I’m a long-time community volunteer with a record of working co-operatively with others to achieve significant conservation of wildlife habitat. Recently I’ve worked with the Merville Water Guardians to help protect the aquifer.”
Main issue: “The Comox Valley is experiencing major expansion: housing affordability, social services and sustainable growth are big issues. We are a very environmentally conscious riding: climate change is a major concern, and there is strong feeling against Site C dam and LNG.”
Brennan Day, Liberal
Age 36, didn’t say where he was born. Grew up in the riding and still lives there. Sales manager at Hyland Precast.
Making a difference: “I have always been a vocal and local advocate for the pressing issues facing our community. I believe that consultation and commitment to real change is the best way to put our community first.”
Main issue: The pandemic is at the top of everyone’s mind, but the focus has shifted from the health care crisis … to the economic recovery. Stores up and down 5th Street have closed already, and if we don’t take bold action and change course this will only get worse.”
Ronna-Rae Leonard, NDP (incumbent)
Born in France to a military family, didn’t give age. Married with a son and daughter. Has lived in riding since 1990. MLA since 2017.
Making a difference: Secured funding to build the water filtration plant. “I advocated to provide the requested $1 million to assist with the purchase of the old Field’s sawmill site, now known as Kus-kus-sum. I’ll continue to work to see this community-inspiring project to completion.”
Main issue: “Affordability is key to restoring hope for the future.” Cites both a lack of accessible, safe and affordable child care and affordable housing — including rentals.
