Sounder News
A provincial election has been called, and there are four candidates confirmed to be running for the brand new riding of Nanaimo-Gabriola.
Sheila Malcolmson from the BC NDP is an incumbent going into this election, as part of her old riding of Nanaimo is now combined with Gabriola.
Sheila has been elected twice as an MLA in BC. She previously served Gabriola at the federal level as the Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Ladysmith. Prior to her election as MP, Malcolmson served four terms (2002-2014) in the Islands Trust as Gabriola Trustee, as well as serving as the Chair of Trust Council during her final term.
Dale Parker is running on behalf of the Conservative Party of BC. Parker had been previously announced as the candidate for the BC United Party. When BC United pulled out of the party, Parker replaced the previously-announced Conservative candidate (Viraat Thammanna) to run for the BC Conservatives in Nanaimo-Gabriola.
Parker comes from a background of in the business and IT fields, and has worked as a consultant, manager, and senior technical advisor across both the public and private sectors. According to his campaign, he has been involved with a number of volunteer efforts, including the National Forum of Ministers Responsible for Women and Gender Equality.
Shirley Lambrecht is the candidate running for the BC Greens. She comes from a background of working in the tech sector; as well as volunteering for over 40 years in initiatives focused on community wellness, leadership, and empowered initiatives. Her campaign states that Lambrecht has a focus on mental health, housing, and environmental stewardship.
Viraat BK Thammanna is running as an Independent. He had been confirmed earlier this year to run as the Conservative candidate. Thammanna has a long history of community involvement in Nanaimo, a strong commitment to serving his community, and making a positive impact. While he was serving in the Canadian Forces at CFB Esquimalt, Canada’s Maritime Forces Pacific base, he came to Nanaimo with HMCS Nanaimo (Marine Defense Coastal Vessel). After returning to base, Thammanna decided to make Nanaimo his home. Thammanna says he values education, and giving back to society. He has been involved with organizations like the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon and the 1994 Commonwealth Games Organization.
Three of the candidates (Lambrecht, Malcolmson, and Parker) are expected to be on Gabriola this coming Saturday, Sept. 28 for an all-candidates forum at the Gabriola Island Community Hall, which will begin at 2pm.
Election Day is October 19, check inside the print edition of the September 25 Sounder for details, or visit elections.bc.ca
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