Victoria among the NDP strongholds on Vancouver Island that are now battleground ridings
The federal riding of Victoria has been dominated by the New Democrats for the past two decades, but the upcoming election has the Liberals eyeing a potential win. Recent polls suggest that the trade war with the United States is a key issue for voters on Vancouver Island and could lead to a significant shift in seats.
University of Victoria’s acting dean of human and social development, Michael Prince, describes the Island as a “fascinating place to watch” due to the potential for seats to change hands. The NDP, who currently hold six out of seven seats on the Island, are facing a tough battle to maintain their stronghold. CBC’s poll tracker projects the NDP to have around eight percent support nationally, which may result in them losing seats across the country.
The Green Party, led by Elizabeth May in Saanich-Gulf Islands, suffered a setback when they were excluded from the French and English language debates for failing to meet the candidate requirement. The Liberals, who have been absent from the Island since 2011, are hopeful for a comeback and see Victoria as a potential riding to snatch from the NDP.
Incumbent NDP MP Laurel Collins is seeking a third term in Victoria and highlights the achievements made by the NDP through their supply-and-confidence agreement with the Liberal government. These accomplishments include advancements in pharmacare, dental care, and affordable child care, which have had a positive impact on people’s lives.
Liberal candidate Will Greaves, an associate professor of international relations at the University of Victoria, is aiming to unseat Collins. Greaves emphasizes the economic concerns related to the trade war with the United States and the importance of addressing climate and environmental issues. Both Liberal Leader Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have pledged to expedite natural resource projects, with Greaves emphasizing a focus on growing a clean economy under a Carney-led government.
The Green candidate, Michael Doherty, advocates for environmental sustainability as a fundamental aspect of government decision-making. Conservative candidate Angus Ross, a former police officer, highlights voter concerns about affordability, homelessness, and open drug use. Ross promises tax cuts to alleviate the cost-of-living crunch and address these pressing issues.
The Conservative Party has faced criticism over its handling of the tariff file, and the impact of the trade war with the United States has significantly influenced the political landscape. Prince notes that the discourse surrounding Trump’s trade policies has disrupted what initially seemed like a clear path to victory for Poilievre’s Conservatives.
As the election unfolds, it is evident that the trade war and economic concerns are shaping the political narrative on Vancouver Island. The battle for the Victoria riding between the NDP, Liberals, Greens, and Conservatives reflects the diverse range of issues at stake in this crucial election.
