The riding
NDP MLA Lana Popham is looking for a fourth term in office. The races in 2005 and 2009 were close Liberal-NDP races separated by only a few hundred votes, though Popham had a larger lead in 2013 and 2017. She faces Liberal Rishi Sharma, who ran for this seat in 2013 and for Saanich council in 2018, and Green candidate Kate O’Connor, who turns 18 — the minimum age for a candidate — just days before the election.
2017 results
• NDP — Lana Popham 11,921 (42.47 per cent)
• Liberal — David Calder 8,716 (31.05 per cent)
• Green — Mark Neufeld 7,129 (25.39 per cent)
• Libertarian — Andrew Paul McLean 177 (0.63 per cent)
• Vancouver Island Party — Richard Percival Pattee 130 (0.46 per cent)
• Voter turnout: 70.63 per cent
Kate O’Connor, Green
We did not receive a response from Kate O’Connor, who at 18 is likely be the youngest candidate running in B.C.
Lana Popham, NDP (incumbent)
Born in Regina, age 51, has a partner, a son, and a blended family, and has lived in the riding for more than 20 years.
Making a difference: Popham has been MLA for 11 years, minister of agriculture since 2017. She cites several items in her riding, including a new urgent and primary care centre in Saanich, the addition of 200 child care spaces, highway improvements on the Patricia Bay and the Trans-Canada highways.
Main issue: “I’m running for re-election to help our provincial government continue its work to make life better for all British Columbians. … A re-elected B.C. NDP government will continue to invest in people and build a sustainable and resilient economic recovery that works for everyone.
“It’s about looking after each other, and building back better.”
Rishi Sharma, Liberal
Born in Port Alberni, now lives in Saanich with his wife and three daughters. Age 45, has been a member of the B.C. Liberals for 20 years and a public servant for 21.
Making a difference: “I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, assisted with restoring a women’s shelter with HeroWorks, and have been a regular advocate for road safety in Saanich.” Also coaches his daughter’s basketball team and has “personally donated three vehicles to families in need.”
Main issue: COVID-19 and economic recovery. “I am hearing that people are looking for a representative they can trust, someone they can count on to responsibly manage taxpayer money and for someone to ensure their personal and family safety through the COVID pandemic.”
