The riding
The B.C. Liberals controlled this riding for 22 years, until the NDP’s Gary Holman won it in 2013 in an extremely close race. Four years later, Green candidate Adam Olsen won by a comfortable 4,000 votes. Olsen, who served as interim Green Party leader after Andrew Weaver stepped down, is running again. Liberal Stephen P. Roberts, a former commercial banker, will contest the seat for the third straight election. Central Saanich councillor Zeb King is throwing his hat into the ring for the NDP.
2017 results
• Green — Adam Olsen 14,775 (41.95 per cent)
• NDP — Gary Holman 10,764 (30.56 per cent)
• Liberal — Stephen P. Roberts 9,321 (26.46 per cent)
• Independent — Jordan Templeman 364 (1.03 per cent)
• Voter turnout: 74.14 per cent
Zeb King, NDP
Born in Victoria, 45. Lives in Brentwood Bay with his wife, no children. Municipal councillor in Central Saanich, former Health Ministry policy analyst, PhD student at Royal Roads.
Making a difference: “I’m proud of the work that I’ve done as a municipal councillor in Central Saanich, which has resulted in improved public transit, an accelerated climate leadership plan, the largest solar array on Vancouver Island, greater dialogue and collaboration with Indigenous people, more affordable housing, protection of farmland for food security, and support for our local economy.”
Main issue: Keeping safe during the pandemic. “Now more than ever, our community needs more primary health care providers, including doctors and nurse practitioners.”
Adam Olsen, Green (incumbent)
Age 44, born in Victoria. Lives in Brentwood Bay, married with two children. Green Party MLA since 2017, former Central Saanich councillor, and professional communicator.
Making a difference: Organized communities to create the Saanich Inlet Network in response to the Malahat LNG project. “I have been an active member of my community for my whole life. Whether it be as a soccer volunteer coach, neighbourhood organizer, small business owner or elected official I’m deeply involved in all aspects (social, economic, environmental, and governance) of our community.”
Main issue: “We have a diverse riding. I’d say the main issues are transportation, primary health care, education, and governance.”
Stephen P. Roberts, Liberal
Born in Sidney, 55 years old. Has a partner of 25 years, no children. Lives on Salt Spring, retired as chief operating officer of the research division at an investment bank.
Making a difference: “I am passionate about health care for seniors, particularly hospice care.” Past chair of the Saltspring Hospice and the Lady Minto Gulf Islands Hospital Foundation, and secretary on the Mary Winspear Centre board.
Main issue: Pandemic response, including the effect on the economy. “Our seniors are worried about their future and parents are concerned about education, while all of us are stressed dealing with restrictions on our social activities.”
