Where would local candidates running in the 2025 Federal Election like to see infrastructure dollars spent in community, to support a rapidly growing population? (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

federal funding

Courtenay-Alberni: Mid-Island infrastructure funding to support community growth

Apr 16, 2025 | 1:12 PM

NANAIMO — How would local MP’s advocate for critical infrastructure funding to support an increasing number of people moving to central Vancouver Island?

NanaimoNewsNOW surveyed all five candidates running in Courtenay-Alberni, asking them to highlight their personal opinions, beliefs and priorities, rather than just the platform of their party, on a number of key issues.

Candidates were asked the same question and provided up to 250 words to respond by a Monday, April 14 deadline. NanaimoNewsNOW has not edited the responses, aside from trimming any which exceed the word limit. Candidates are listed below in alphabetical order, by last name.

The second of a three-part series asks: With the central Island experiencing one of the fastest population growth rates in Canada over the past decade, what specific infrastructure projects or areas would you prioritize advocacy for federal funding to support the growing needs of all residents in Courtenay-Alberni?

Brian Cameron (Liberals): No response received by deadline.

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Thomas Gamble (People’s Party of Canada): Canada’s growth challenges cannot be solved by more centralized control. I would advocate for a return to fiscal discipline at the federal level, and for infrastructure funding that is simple, transparent, and direct to municipalities without ideological strings attached.

Rather than inflate federal departments to administer projects they don’t understand, I support empowering provinces and communities to make planning and spending decisions that reflect local needs. Where Ottawa is involved, its role should be minimal, predictable, and free of political manipulation.

Priorities I’d support include clean water, and emergency response capacity, areas of clear public interest, grounded in essential service delivery. But funding must be merit-based, accountable, and consistent with constitutional boundaries, not a tool for vote-buying or influence-peddling as per the historical norm.

Gord Johns (i) (NDP): No response received by deadline.

Teresa Knight (Animal Protection Party): Although we have been growing, we should not ‘pave Paradise’ . Our agriculture lands need to be preserved for agriculture. Old growth needs to be preserved. And our water needs to remain clean. With an almost at-capacity planet that is losing ecosystems and habitats to human encroachment all the time, we might want to think of less growth. What growth there is could be directed to be on less fertile land. Some logging lands could be turned over for homes especially if logging jobs are lost. Additionally, Parksville needs a pool. lol

Chris Markevich (Green Party): Courtenay-Alberni has very few clinics. The Comox Valley in particular has only one walk-in clinic to service 50,000 people, with many residents on waiting lists to get a family doctor. I’ll work with the government to expand the public healthcare system, integrating dental care, pharmacare and mental health into universal healthcare.

We need to introduce a Primary Care Health Act to guarantee access to a family doctor, nurse practitioner, or community health care team. I believe we need to focus on underserved and rural areas, and provide stable funding for Indigenous-led health services, mobile health clinics, and expanded telemedicine.

There’s also a serious need for better, safer transportation options through the Alberni Valley into Ucluelet and Tofino. Wildfires in the area caused significant damage and road delays, costing municipalities millions in lost revenue. I would strongly advocate for the federal government to ramp up negotiations with First Nations and neighbouring districts to revisit the E&N railroad project, which would connect neighbouring communities, while reducing car congestion and pollution.

I would also urge the government to assist the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District and Hupacasath First Nation with the Alberni Valley Rail Corridor Study, to provide federal funding for the necessary infrastructure.

Kris McNicol (Conservatives): Population growth must be met with smart, targeted infrastructure investment. I will advocate for federal funding that delivers real results for residents:

• Roads, Bridges & Ports: We need modern, efficient transportation infrastructure to support both local commuters and the movement of goods from our ports and resource producers.
• Healthcare Access: While healthcare is provincial, the federal government must step up with stable, predictable funding—especially for rural areas.
• Emergency Preparedness & Water Systems: Infrastructure to deal with wildfires, floods, and drinking water systems must be prioritized to protect communities.
• Rural Connectivity: High-speed internet for all, including remote and Indigenous communities, is essential for education, business, and emergency response.

As someone who’s run a business for over two decades, I understand that efficiency in getting projects approved and completed is crucial for our growing region. These investments must be made efficiently and with strong oversight to ensure taxpayers get value for every dollar spent.

Jesse Musial (Christian Heritage Party): No response received by deadline.

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