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. Malcolmson is running again and faces retired social worker Kathleen Jones for the Liberals and Green Lia Versaevel, a self-employed mediator who ran in neighbouring Nanaimo-North Cowichan in 2017.
2019 byelection
• NDP — Sheila Malcolmson 12,114 (49.92 per cent)
• Liberal — Tony Harris 9,691 (39.93 per cent)
• Green — Michelle Ney 1,783 (7.35 per cent)
• Conservative — Justin Greenwood 491 (2.02 per cent)
• Vancouver Island Party — Robin Richardson 112 (0.46 per cent)
• Libertarian — Bill Walker 96 (0.32 per cent)
• Voter turnout: 53 per cent
2017 general election
• NDP — Leonard Krog 12,746 (46.54 per cent)
• Liberal — Paris Gaudet 8,911 (32.54 per cent)
• Green — Kathleen Harris 5,454 (19.91 per cent)
• Libertarian — Bill Walker 277 (1.01 per cent)
• Voter turnout: 62 per cent
Kathleen Jones, Liberal
Age 67, born in Hamilton, Ont., resident of Nanaimo since 2012. Married with two daughters. Retired after 25 years as a social worker.
Making a difference: Volunteer with BlockWatch and RCMP Nanaimo Community Policing to help make the community safer. Was also involved with child protection, family services, adult and vulnerable adult protection.
Main issue: Crime. “I want safer neighbourhoods, community and city with a prosperous business community.”
Sheila Malcolmson, NDP (incumbent)
Born in St. Catharines, Ont., lives in Nanaimo, 54. Married, no kids. Elected MP in 2015, she stepped down to run as MLA in 2019.
Making a difference: “Already in Nanaimo, the NDP has invested in hospital expansion, 1500+ affordable housing and child-care spaces, more teachers and school upgrades, and new tools to treat homelessness, mental illness and addiction.” Championed women and gender, fair ferry service, marine safety, and a relationship of respect and co-operation with the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Main issue: “This election is about who’s best to fight the pandemic, keep folks healthy and safe, and make sure the economy works for people.”
Lia Versaevel, Green
Age 64, born in Calgary, has a home in Ladysmith. Three children, no longer married. Self-employed mediator, and a poverty law advocate. Also works at Vancouver Island University and for the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.
Making a difference: “I am a quiet warrior, agitating for better care of seniors, children, the disabled and vulnerable sectors, through the Lions Club and also my work as an adult education teacher at Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre from 2018 to 2019, and as Poverty Law Advocate in the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) Valley.”
Main issue: Poverty and all of its associated challenges — housing, health, education, transportation, food banks, emergency shelters.
