RIDING PROFILE: Oak Bay – Gordon Head
Posted May 7, 2017 7:37 am.
Last Updated June 15, 2017 4:12 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OAK BAY (NEWS 1130) – He made history four years ago when he ousted a cabinet minister to become the Green Party’s first MLA in BC. Andrew Weaver is hoping for a repeat performance on Tuesday night in Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
If you want to use the election signs as an indicator, University of Victoria political science professor Norman Ruff expects Weaver will win in a cake-walk—and may get an even bigger share of the vote than the 40 per cent in 2013 when he defeated Ida Chong.
Why?
“Namely because of his own name recognition,” says Ruff. “He was always known in the Victoria area but since then [2013], having a seat in the legislature, and his role as leader of the party has raised his profile.”
But Ruff adds the Liberals are running a strong, young candidate this time, Alex Dutton, who also has roots in the community—and points out the NDP has held the constituency before. Its candidate is Bryce Casavant, a former conservation officer who is known for saving bear cubs.
Weaver took over the party leadership from Jane Sterk, who garnered 34 per cent of the vote in Victoria-Beacon Hill in 2013. But that wasn’t enough to oust former NDP leader Carole James, who is running again and is the favourite.
However, Ruff says the Greens do have a chance on the Island to add to their total.
“In Cowichan Valley and, perhaps, Saanich North, they certainly are contenders.”
The NDP’s Gary Holman won Saanich North last time, with 379 votes separating the top three candidates. Holman’s running again against the same two Liberal (Stephen Roberts) and Green (Adam Olsen) challengers. The area is represented federally by national Green Party leader Elizabeth May.
As for Cowichan Valley, New Democrat incumbant Bill Routley is not seeking re-election. Both the NDP (Lori Iannidinardo) and Greens (Sonia Furstenau) are fielding candidates who are on the Cowichan Regional District.
Three Green wins wouldn’t be enough for official party status and its legislative benefits. Four are needed.
Ruff explains that Weaver has a unique conundrum. He’s a professor at the University of Victoria who has now served one term in the House.
“Under political leave-of-absence policies…after two terms [in the] provincial legislature, you have to make up your mind whether you’re going to run again or step down.
“So,” adds Ruff, “the clock is ticking,”
