Sarah brings a wealth of experience from her career as a registered nurse and professor of nursing at VIU, and serving as a long-time member and Chair of the Nanaimo Community Action Team (NCAT) on the Toxic Drug Crisis. She has spent much of her career working with patients affected by poverty and other social determinants of health using a compassionate and evidence-based approach. She is a strong advocate for access to affordable housing, food, and healthcare services. Sarah’s vision and energy are refreshing. The aspirations and priorities in her platform describe a Nanaimo we are inspired to strive for.

https://www.lovegroveformayor.ca

Marnie is a registered nurse who brings her passion for caring for people to her campaign. Her campaign focuses on accessible healthcare, community safety, affordable housing, responsible taxes and building a sustainable community. She has extensive experience working with community organizations that provide shelter and support services and is eager to explore the option of a municipal primary care clinic in Nanaimo, and to expand much-needed shelter beds. Her expertise about many of Nanaimo’s most pressing issues would be a valuable addition to City Council.

https://marniefornanaimo.ca/

In his work with the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust (NALT), Paul has informed City Council decisions on proposed developments in environmentally sensitive areas such as Cable Bay and the Harewood Plains, and has advocated for the conservation of green space and urban canopy, improved public and active transit, and the limiting of urban sprawl. If elected, he hopes to work towards “green industrial zoning” to attract and support low carbon and post-carbon industrial development in closed-loop water-balanced systems. Paul’s knowledge, commitment, and collaborative approach earned our respect and our endorsement.

https://paulchapman4counci.wixsite.com/paul-chapman-for-cit

Andréa has extensive experience in business leadership, governance, and social impact work. Over a 30-year career, she has co-founded, been a board director, and consulted for companies and non-profits across many sectors including digital products for health, legal and professional services, and sustainable agriculture (greenhouse technology and upcycling spent grains). She has presented to Nanaimo City Council and advocated for improved traffic safety measures, protection of green spaces like Loudon Park, and improved accessibility features in public spaces. We feel her strengths in risk management, human resources, contract negotiation, recruitment, training, and procurement will help the next City Council provide effective oversight of city staff.

https://www.andreafornanaimo.com

Hilary has a proven track record of introducing and supporting motions for a sustainable and healthy Nanaimo from her four years on City Council. For example, she brought forward a motion to require data centre rezoning applications to include detailed information on water use, energy consumption, and conservation measures. She puts her ethics into practice: Hilary does hands-on invasive species removal work and has brought forward a motion to ban the sale of invasive plants in Nanaimo. She has also advocated for improvements to our healthcare system services and affordable housing. She’s an excellent communicator who is responsive and follows up on community concerns. Hilary’s hard work and dedication earned our enthusiastic support for her re-election.

https://hilaryforcouncil.ca/

Meg founded and runs a small business in downtown Nanaimo: the non-profit Kind Society Yoga. Her leadership skills and values are illustrated by how she grew this small business and inclusive community. For example, she partnered with other local non-profits, offered low- or no-cost services, and adapted classes to support people with mobility challenges and disabilities. Meg’s platform emphasizes environmental stewardship, housing affordability, sustainable transportation, community well-being, and transparent accountable local government. We think she would add an important perspective to Nanaimo City Council demonstrating how business in Nanaimo can balance people, planet, and profits.

https://megfyfewatkins.com

Ben has brought forward numerous impactful motions at the Nanaimo City Council and RDN tables over the last eight years. He introduced the guiding framework for Nanaimo’s official community plan, tying city goals to measurable results, initiated a significant transit expansion, and championed a waste reduction policy where organics and recycling must be separated from commercial, industrial, and institutional waste. He has supported equitable and affordable housing through building permit reforms and innovative solutions for non-market housing. Ben’s track record speaks for itself and we’re thrilled to endorse him.

https://bengeselbracht.ca/

During her eight years on council, Erin supported high-impact environmental policies and initiatives to improve access to healthcare and make housing more affordable. Erin voted in favour of implementing the Zero Carbon Step Code for new construction, and industrial zoning that empowers City Council to regulate high-emission activities (such as waste-to-energy incinerators). Both of these motions passed by a 5-4 vote. Last year she brought a motion to council to look into whether Colwood’s municipal medical clinic model could work for Nanaimo, as a creative solution to our shortage of family doctors. Erin worked to advance the Nanaimo Rent Bank and Rent Supplement programs, to prezone land for social housing, and to create provincially funded housing on City land. Erin is a thoughtful and principled City Councillor who’s earned our endorsement for re-election.

Paul brings political experience from both his four years as a Nanaimo City Councillor and two and a half years as Nanaimo’s Member of Parliament. He recently introduced a motion to give council more control over development of highly polluting industries which would protect the air quality and peoples’ health in Nanaimo, and avoid further greenhouse gas emissions. He has advocated for affordable housing and accessibility both on council and previously as the executive director of the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter. We’re endorsing Paul because he finds solutions and builds coalitions to make them happen.

https://www.paulmanly.ca