NDP incumbent Sheila Malcolmson was the first MLA confirmed in the three Nanaimo-area ridings. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Nanaimo riding

Incumbent Sheila Malcolmson re-secures Nanaimo riding

Oct 24, 2020 | 11:01 PM

NANAIMO — The incumbent MLA in the Nanaimo riding has won again, carried by a wave of NDP support across the province.

Sheila Malcolmson was the first confirmed winner in the Nanaimo-area ridings, leading her Green Party and BC Liberal opponents by several thousand votes.

She told NanaimoNewsNOW of the wide variety of issues facing the Nanaimo riding, one concern was top of mind for voters.

“Health care continues to be front of mind at all times, with Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and VIU at the centre of my Nanaimo riding. It’s always important to voters, but especially during the pandemic.”

She touted a promise from John Horgan to create a cancer care clinic in Nanaimo, which has been included in capital plans for NRGH for several years before the election.

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On the campaign trail, Malcolmson had also echoed support of another long promised feature in Nanaimo, saying a fast ferry to downtown Vancouver is at the front of their wish list for federal infrastructure dollars.

“The federal government does have a dedicated fund called foot passenger ferry, established during the Stephen Harper Conservative government. The funding was secured and awaits a final funding decision.”

Malcolmson said she and former transportation minister Claire Trevena met with fast ferry investors numerous times and she remains “optimistic” the service will come to fruition.

When asked specifically if she anticipated becoming B.C.’s transportation minister with the departure of Trevena, Malcolmson said she’s currently focused on the Nanaimo riding but will serve as needed in John Horgan’s legislature.

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