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. Duck Paterson is running for the Liberals, while Green candidate Chris Istace served two terms as a city councillor in Estevan, Sask.
2017 results
• NDP – Doug Routley 12,275 (46.89 per cent)
• Liberal – Alana DeLong 7,380 (28.18 per cent)
• Green – Lia Versaevel 6,244 (23.88 per cent)
• Independent – Anna Paddon 274 (1.05 per cent)
• Voter turnout: 64 per cent
Chris Istace, Green
Born in Weyburn, Sask., 46 years old. Married with two children, resident of Chemainus for seven years. Business owner and freelance writer/photographer.
Making a difference: Served as president of the Chemainus Business Improvement Association, volunteered with Neighbourhood House. Brought communities and trail users together through youth mentorship, events, workshops, advocacy and stewardship with the Cowichan Trail Stewardship Society.
Main issue: “I am hearing and seeing every day that housing affordability, the near-zero vacancy of rentals, and high-priced homes is making living in the region nearly impossible for many. This creates stress on families, creates workforce pressures on business, and forces some to move away.”
Duck (Don) Paterson, Liberal
Age 68, didn’t say where he was born. Resident of Ladysmith for 45 years. Married with three daughters. Formerly worked in newspapers, now works on a beef farm. Longtime town councillor.
Making a difference: “I personally haven’t made a difference but I’ve been very fortunate in having the opportunity to work with many really energetic and progressive people and as a team … we have been able to make Ladysmith and area a really neat place to not only visit but to call home.”
Main issue: Affordable housing. “Affordable can vary throughout the province but the cost of building and land needs to be addressed.”
Doug Routley, NDP (incumbent)
Age 58, born in New Westminster, grew up in Duncan. Lives just outside the riding, married with two children. MLA for 15 years, before that was a school trustee and worked in the forestry industry.
Making a difference: Says he has helped many in his time as MLA, "but by far the biggest progress has been made in the last 3.5 years under a NDP government which has brought an overall increase of funding and investments into our community."
Main issue: Housing and homelessness concerns, general affordability and the need for increased access to health care
