91Ô­´´

Riding description

Liberal Don McRae swept into office as a last-minute replacement after the death of Stan Hagen in 2009. Now, his task is to hold his seat, after a first term in office that saw him elevated to the prominent cabinet post of Education Minister.

He’s facing a challenge from Kassandra Dycke, an education advocate and military family resource worker in a riding that encompasses CFB Comox.

Astrophysicist Chris Aikman is the B.C. Green candidate and Diane Hoffman is running for the B.C. Conservatives. The proposed Raven Coal mine, near Buckley Bay, is expected to be a key issue in the riding, with critics worried about environmental harm while proponents champion economic stimulus and job creation.

Candidates

B.C. LIBERALS: Don McRae (incumbent)




• Age: 43
• Previous occupation: High school Social Studies teacher
• Previous elected experience: Elected MLA Comox Valley 2009; Previous Elected Experience: MLA Comox Valley 2009; Courtenay City Council 2002-2009
• Community involvement: Vice Chair Comox Valley Sewer and Water Committees, Comox-Strathcona Hospital Board member, director Comox Valley Regional District, high school rugby coach, GP Vanier athletic director, Puntledge River Restoration Committee board member, Citizen's Conservation Council member, CRA board of directors, and a 18 year Courtenay Legion member.
• Top three issues: Seniors' Healthcare; Job Creation; Balance the Provincial Budget

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B.C. NDP: Kassandra Dycke




• Age: 42
• Occupation: Deployment Services Co-ordinator - Comox Military Family Resource Centre
• Previous elected experience: None
• Community involvement: Kassandra established the Comox Valley International College and is the past Executive Director for the Women's Centre. A proud volunteer, Kassandra has worked with Habitat for Humanity, the Comox Valley Fall Fair and local literacy groups. Kassandra believes in the value of public education and fought to save public schools in 2007
• Top three issues: Environment; Senior Services; Sustainability.

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GREEN PARTY OF B.C.: Chris Aikman


Facebook:

• Age: 69
• Occupation: Retired astronomer
• Previous elected experience: None (ran as Green Candidate in Comox Valley in 2005)
• Community involvement: Served on the boards of the 91Ô­´´ Astronomical Society, and of several Abbeyfield Housing societies, among others.
• Top three issues: Preserving our natural capital, developing green energy, the economy and addressing inequality.

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BC. CONSERVATIVES: Diane Hoffmann



• Occupation: Business Consulting
• Previous elected experience: None
• Community involvement: I've been in small business and project management offering services to the small business community. Recently, I obtained my designation as a Certified Professional Consultant on Aging and have been re-inventing my business to focus on the needs of Seniors in the community. I've been providing music as a volunteer to the Seniors for several years.
• Top three issues: Job Creation, Education, Seniors Concerns

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2009 election results

1. Don McRae (Liberal) – 13,886 votes, 47.30% of total vote
2. Leslie McNabb (NDP) – 12,508 votes, 42.61% of total vote
3. Hazel Lennox (Green) – 2,577 votes, 8.78% of total vote

2005 election results

1. Stan Hagen (Liberal) – 14,068 votes, 45.73% of total vote
2. Andrew Black (NDP) – 13,261 votes, 43.11% of total vote
3. Chris Aikman (Green) – 2,833 votes, 9.21% of total vote

2001 election results

1. Stan Hagen (Liberal) – 15,569 votes, 56.32% of total vote
2. Evelyn Gillespie (NDP) – 5,356 votes, 19.37% of total vote
3. Pam Munroe (Green) – 5,170 votes, 18.70% of total vote

Riding statistics

• Population (2011):  63,540
• Median age: 48.3 (B.C. average 41.9)
• Percentage of people younger than 15: 14.3% (B.C. average 14.6%)
• Seniors in private households: 12,805, or 20% of population (B.C. average 14.6%)
• Residents whose mother tongue is an unofficial language: 6% (B.C. average 26.2%)
• Top unofficial languages:  German (1,130), Dutch (390), Spanish (200)
• Average household income, before tax (2006): $59,493 (B.C. average $67,675)
(Source: Statistics Canada)

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