In 2009: NDP incumbent Claire Trevena won this riding over Liberal Marion Wright by nearly 3000 votes, 52-39%.
History & Geography: Created in 1979, North Island covers all of Vancouver Island north of Comox, with Campbell River and Port Hardy the main cities. It also includes areas of the northern Sunshine Coast, including Cortes Bay, Minstrel Island, and Hopetown. It has gone to the NDP in 7 of its 8 elections, with 2001 the only outlier. Tahsis, Alert Bay, and many smaller towns on Vancouver Island tend to support the NDP, while upper-income areas around Campbell River are areas of strength for the Liberals.
Basic Stats:
Population: 54530 (41st)
Size: 17393 km (15th)
Density: 3.1 people/km (70th)
Odds and Ends: There are more common-law partners with children in this riding than any other in the province.
Candidates
Liberals-Nick Facey: Just 25 years old, Facey has worked towards his PhD at SFU’s School of Business. He has been published in academic journals and lectured classes at SFU. Facey’s father, Norm, is the former manager of Elk Falls Mill. His twitter account describes him as a “Beard growing, puck dangling, dog lover”.
NDP-Claire Trevena: The critic for Children and Family Development, Trevena was first elected in 2005. Before entering politics, Trevena was a journalist, becoming BBC’s Canadian correspondent before immigrating. She also worked for CBC Newsworld, and won a Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal for her efforts in Macedonia.
Conservatives-Bob Bray: A retired businessman, Bray worked with the Arthritis Society, UBC, and Trev Deeley Motorcycles before retiring and moving to Campbell River last year. He had a summer job studying grouse near Middle Quinsam Lake while in university, and was also a wilderness leader with group-home children at Roberts Lake.
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