NanaimoNewsNOW surveyed candidates in the riding, to ask them their priorities if elected, as well as how they would continue to be a community champion in the event they're not sent to Ottawa by voters. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

local issues

Courtenay-Alberni: What issues candidates would advocate for, regardless of election result

Apr 14, 2025 | 11:58 AM

NANAIMO — What are the issues most important to the candidates running in the 2025 Federal Election?

NanaimoNewsNOW surveyed all seven 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 first in a three-part series asks: If elected, you would have the opportunity to advocate for key issues affecting the Courtenay-Alberni riding. What would be your immediate local priorities, and how would you continue to advocate for this community’s needs and champion its concerns, regardless of the outcome of the election?

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

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Thomas Gamble (People’s Party of Canada): My immediate priority is to give people in Courtenay–Alberni a real choice for a real voice, one that defends their freedoms, respects their intelligence, and holds Ottawa accountable. That means reducing cost-of-living pressures by opposing high taxes, wasteful spending, and government overreach.

I would advocate for practical measures to remove federal roadblocks that hinder local problem-solving, whether in housing, business, or access to services. The further away decisions are made from the people they affect, the less responsive and more expensive they become.

I won’t make promises that don’t respect federal jurisdiction or that depend on buying votes with your neighbors’ money. My focus will be on shifting decision-making back to individuals, families, and communities, where responsibility and solutions actually live.

I will continue to uphold your freedoms and work toward a Canada where citizens, not bureaucrats or politicians, set the direction of their lives.

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

Teresa Knight (Animal Protection Party): My first priority for our district would be addressing local homelessness by advocating for federal funding for small homes such as have been built by the volunteer organization, WeCan Shelter Society. These small homes built from shipping containers are warm, dry, safe and sanitary, and should be available for every person who finds themselves homeless. Once this immediate need is addressed, we can look at dealing with root causes.

Other issues are Cost of Living and Jobs

The high cost of living has beyond-our-borders origins rooted in increasing competition for jobs and goods from other countries and the COVID era that created national and international debt as productivity was lost. The tariffs are adding extra challenges.

I do think we need to redirect our expectations to living and buying more locally and would ask that the Federal Government create a large fund of seed money for anyone who proposes a viable new self or group employment plan that is future-looking, and (animal and) environmentally friendly and offers employment and profit potential especially for those who may lose jobs.

Animal friendly is an important proviso here because no one wishes to be complicit in horrific cruelty, but animal agriculture is responsible for a great deal of the environmental degradation and CO 2 accumulation that we have seen thus far.

Chris Markevich (Green Party): One of the first things I would advocate for is funding from the federal government to address the toxic drug crisis, as the province and municipalities are spread thin. The Greens have been calling for a national public health emergency for five years, and doing so would open pathways for federal assistance.

I would also press the government to address the lack of regulations on shipbreaking, as Union Bay is still dealing with unregulated operations in Baynes Sound which is threatening marine life. I want the government to implement a national housing plan to build more affordable and non-market housing, along with eliminating tuition in colleges and universities. Island communities are growing rapidly, with more young families moving to our district. We need to be able to accommodate their needs so they can thrive.

Lastly, we need a guaranteed livable income so that lower and middle income people can afford to pay bills, buy groceries and get their prescriptions.

Kris McNicol (Conservatives): As someone who has lived in this region for over 30 years and built my business here, I deeply understand the challenges our community faces. My top local priorities are restoring affordability, ensuring public safety, and supporting economic growth through responsible governance.

• Affordability & Cost of Living: I will push for policies that ease the burden on families, like reducing federal taxes and cutting inflationary spending that drives up prices.
• Support for Job-Creating Industries: From forestry and fishing to tourism and small business, I’ll stand up for the sectors that keep Courtenay-Alberni working—free from red tape and over-regulation.
• Community Safety: I will work to ensure our streets and neighborhoods are safe by pushing back against soft-on-crime policies and supporting law enforcement.

Having been actively involved in our community—from coaching softball teams to serving as a volunteer firefighter—I’ve seen firsthand how these issues affect real people. I’m not just talking about statistics; I’m talking about our neighbors, our children, and our local business owners who are struggling to make ends meet. I’m committed to being a strong voice for Courtenay-Alberni, ensuring our needs aren’t overlooked in Ottawa. I will advocate for our community’s interests, ensuring that government reflects our priorities and fosters growth, safety, and prosperity for all residents.

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

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