By David Wiwchar

First-time candidates vie for votes

Apr 3, 2025 | 9:06 AM

Courtenay – Alberni Conservative candidate Kris McNichol held a rally at his local campaign office yesterday.

The 51-year old businessman says industry has to be encouraged to return to Port Alberni

“30 years ago, Port Alberni was a booming town; they had great jobs, powerful paycheques, everything,” he said. “Over the last 30 years, especially over the last 10 years, that has been decimated, so for the people of Courtenay-Alberni, especially Port Alberni right now, we need to bring back industry. How about we stop shipping raw logs out of here? Let’s produce them here and do value added stuff here in Port Alberni.”

McNichol says he decided to run for MP to bring affordability back for young Canadians.

Teresa Knight is another newcomer to federal politics, running for the Animal Protection Party.

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She’s hoping to bring attention to factory farms across Canada and the globe.

“Many many people care about animals and don’t like the fact that they’re factory farmed and severely mistreated, not so much in this riding, but globally and nationally and people want it stopped,” she said.

Knight and McNichol join NDP incumbent Gord Johns, Liberal Brian Cameron, Chris Markevich from the Green Party and Thomas Gamble from the People’s Party of Canada on the ballot.

The Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce has scheduled an all-candidates debate for Tuesday April 15th at the RimRock Casino.

Canadians go to the polls on April 28th.

Photo: Conservative candidate Kris McNichol held a rally at his Port Alberni headquarters on Wednesday.