Local issues outweigh provincial balance of power in Nanaimo byelection

Although it's seen as a long shot, it's possible Nanaimo'sJan. 30 byelection could shift the balance of power inthe B.C. Legislature but according tovoters and candidates, it's local issues, not politics, that will likelydetermine the outcome.

"We're working really, really hard in staying focused on what matters in Nanaimo, and not the provincial implications of the election," said B.C. Liberal candidate Tony Harris.

The NDP has held the riding,where there are 45,359 registered voters, for 13of the last 15elections. If the Liberals managed to score a win on Wednesday, they would be deadlocked with the NDP-Greens at 43 seats eachin the legislature.

CBC Vancouver News at 6 co-host Mike Killeen visited Nanaimo to to talk to voters about what matters most to them.

He found strategic voting and the political implications of the byelectionaren't as important as issueslike housing affordability and health care.

CBC'sMike Killeentalks to voters in Nanaimoabout what matters most to them

The CBC's Mike Killeen talks to voters in Nanaimo

6 years ago

Duration 1:23

He asked voters about balancing local issues and the implications the byelection could have on the makeup of the provincial legislature.

NDP candidate SheilaMalcolmson is confident her party's track record can help it hold on to the seat left vacant by her predecessor, LeonardKrog, who stepped down after winning the city's mayoral race.

"[Voters] recognize some of the work we've been able to do in a year-and-a-half [in power] to build back better supports," Malcolmson said.

AlexNetherton, apolitical scientist with Vancouver Island University, says while provincial governments in the past may not have paid enough attention to Nanaimo,that seems to have changed.

"There is a lot of ribbon-cutting going on," he said.

Riding spending

In December, the province made two separate announcements, days apart, about safe homes for women and children fleeing violenceand supportive housing for homeless people.

In November, Health Minister Adrian Dix announced a $34 million plan to overhaul the intensive care unit at Nanaimo General Hospital.

In July, there was an announcement for 150 new affordable rental homes for seniors

"So obviously, some public money is going to some really strategic and symbolic matters," said Netherton.

Netherton says one issue that could hurt the NDP is the fact that Krog, despite his popularity and competence as an MLA, never received acabinet post.

"So that was a little bit of a snub to Nanaimo," he said.

Both ofMalcolmson's major challengersagree they are running, in part, on the perceived lack of investment in Nanaimo.

"One of the reasons I'm running is because Nanaimo's been neglected for decades," said Green candidate Michele Ney.

The key message in Liberal Tony Harris's platform suggests the city has been taken for granted in past elections and, if elected, he would help Nanaimo get"its fair share."

Political analyst Netherton says it's an interesting message considering the B.C. Liberals were in power for 16 years in B.C. until the 2017 election.

"That question of time for a change from the Liberal point of view may be a little bit of fruit that is not yet ripe," he said.

Hisadvice for candidates is to pay close attention to voters in the riding.

"It's all on the street. It's all on the street," he said. "The campaign ison the ground."