Decision BC: Nanaimo

In 2009: NDP MLA Leonard Krog defeated Liberal Jeet Manhas by over 4500 votes, 54-36%.

History & Geography: A Nanaimo riding has existed in B.C. since the first election in 1871, and for the most part has retained the same general boundaries. Today, the riding contains all but the extreme north and south of the city, going as far south as 5th Street, and as far north as Rutherford Drive. Nanaimo has voted for the NDP in 11 of the last 13 elections.

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Basic Stats:

• Population: 52575 (52nd)

• Size: 462 km (37th)

• Density: 113.8 people/km (50th)

Odds and Ends: From 1963-1969 and 1972-1988, Nanaimo was home to the NDP’s Dave Stupich, the central figure in the Bingogate scandal that ended in the resignation of Premier Mike Harcourt.

Candidates

Liberals-Walter Anderson: A businessman, Anderson is president of ITC Computers, and is the former president of the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.

NDP-Leonard Krog: The opposition critic for the Attorney General, Krog was previously an MLA from 1991-1996 in the neighbouring riding of Parksville-Qualicum. He finished second to Carole James in the 2003 NDP leadership race, and was re-elected to the legislature in 2005. A lawyer, Krog was previously President of the Nanaimo City Bar Association.

Conservatives-Bryce Crigger: A grocer, Crigger studied accounting at Vancouver Island University before moving to Australia on a working-holiday visa. At 23, he is the party’s youngest candidate.

Greens-Ian Gartshore: A marriage therapist, Gartshore is founder of Shore Counselling Therapy. Gartshore is also an energy consultant through his company Shore Energy Solutions. He ran for the Greens last election in Nanaimo-North Cowichan, but finished in third place with 9%.

IND-Brunie Brunie: A longtime community activist, Brunie has recently been campaigning against an expansion of the Nanaimo Port. Brunie ran in the 2001 and 2005 elections as an independent, finishing in fourth place both times, and ran for city council in 2011, finishing 21st out of 23 candidates.