Since her election in 2011, the riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands is regarded as Green Party Leader Elizabeth May’s to lose.
But that’s not stopping her political rivals for trying.
Liberal candidate Ryan Windsor is talking to as many voters as possible. “I remind people this this government actually put forth the most ambitious climate plan that we have ever seen,” said Windsor.
The riding includes Sidney, Central Saanich, North Saanich, part of Saanich and the Gulf Islands. With such a diverse geography there are also diverse views about what’s important this election.
“Pharmacare,” said one voter. “Probably looking after seniors’ pensions, making sure there’s no cuts.”
“The small business tax is a huge one for us.”
“I’d say housing, affordable hosing.”
As incumbent and Green Party Leader, May says she knows what’s important to residents.
“Stopping the pipeline, protecting the Salish Sea, protecting our Southern Resident Killer Whales, protecting our wild salmon, these are issues that come up at virtually every town hall meeting,” said May.
Pundits say she’s as close to a sure thing in this election. “I think Elizabeth May is one of the most reliable, certain outcomes in this election, cross-Canada,” said David Black, a political communications expert at Royal Roads University.
NDP candidate Sabina Singh, who raised her two children in the riding, says she’s fighting for a better world. “The climate emergency is an issue that we’re all facing across the globe, and we need to make sure we’re bring down our emissions and working towards a cleaner Canada,” said Singh.
Conservative candidate David Busch says he knows exactly what’s important to residents. “Number one is the cost of living, that’s by far and away the big issue everyone’s talking about,” said Bush. “The second place one is the lack of family physicians, and that’s really not surprising when you consider one in two Canadians don’t have a family physician.”
On Monday the voters of Saanich-Gulf Islands will make their decision at the ballot box.
Mary Griffin
