CAMILLE CURRIE
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Political party: How long have you been a member?
Years
Do you live in the riding, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to the riding?
I live just outside the border of the Esquimalt-Colwood riding, but my connection to the community runs deep. My children attend school in the riding, and they participate in local sports teams. Additionally, I conduct my business throughout the riding, which allows me to engage with residents regularly. I believe that my active involvement in the community demonstrates my commitment and connection, regardless of my home’s location.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
With degrees in political science and economics, alongside certifications in personal training, project management and Reiki, my career spans public, private, and non-profit sectors. Formerly a Federal Investigator for Integrity Services and founder of BC Health Care Matters, a BC-based patient advocacy group, I’ve advocated extensively for diverse needs. My husband and I now own and operate a business in the Westshore that provides Marine Repair Services across the Southern Vancouver Island region.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your community and why?
The most pressing issue in our riding is the lack of access to primary healthcare, leaving many families without a doctor and relying on overburdened emergency rooms. This crisis affects all aspects of life—without timely access to preventative care, health conditions worsen, resulting in greater financial burdens for families and the healthcare system. Healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet our system fails to meet community needs. We must prioritize improving access to primary care, integrating healthcare professionals into community teams, and promoting preventative measures to ensure everyone receives the care they need for a healthier community and stronger economy.
What actions or efforts have you taken to learn the concerns of your constituents?
For the past three years, I have advocated for our community through my work as founder of BC Healthcare Matters. In the last ten months, I’ve actively campaigned in the Esquimalt-Colwood Riding, connecting with residents at over 7000 doors and in local coffee shops to discuss their needs and priorities. I’ve engaged with advocacy groups representing various demographics, including seniors, the French community, healthcare professionals, environmental groups, and community associations. My goal has been to listen to thousands of residents, understand their perspectives, and investigate the root causes of the issues they face.
What do you want to see improved in British Columbia in four, eight and 20 years?
In four years, I want every British Columbian to have access to a family doctor and timely healthcare services, along with strong support for affordable housing initiatives. In eight years, I envision BC as a leader in environmental sustainability, with effective climate action plans prioritizing renewable energy and protecting our natural resources while fostering a thriving local economy. In 20 years, I aspire for BC to exemplify social equity and community resilience, where everyone can reach their full potential. Together, we can build a healthcare system that serves all residents, create an affordable housing market, and safeguard a sustainable future.
How would you go about addressing contentious issues within your riding?
To address contentious issues, I would first seek to understand the root causes and diverse perspectives by actively listening to constituents. Their concerns and ideas would guide my decisions and help find common ground for solutions. As your representative, I believe in being an advocate for the community, reflecting your voices rather than following party lines. My focus is on creating solutions that address the underlying causes of issues, ensuring meaningful, long-term progress.
Would you vote against your party and leader if it were best for your constituents?
As a BC Greens candidate, my primary commitment is to my constituents’ well-being. If voting against my party or leader were necessary to advocate for their best interests, I would seriously consider it. While I value collaboration within my party, my responsibility is to the residents of Esquimalt-Colwood. I am dedicated to ensuring their voices are heard and needs prioritized. Fortunately, the BC Greens do not enforce party whips, allowing me the flexibility to make the best decisions for my community.
Why do you think you are qualified to do this job?
I am qualified for this role due to my deep commitment to our community and extensive experience in public, private, and advocacy sectors, including my work with BC Health Care Matters. Over the past 10 months, I have engaged with constituents throughout Esquimalt-Colwood, actively listening to their concerns and understanding their diverse needs. My advocacy has equipped me to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, promoting transparency and accountability. Passionate about critical issues like healthcare, housing, and environmental sustainability, I am dedicated to evidence-based solutions and ready to represent our riding to drive meaningful change.
Why are you running – what’s your motivation?
My motivation to run for MLA stems from a desire to build a resilient community where all children can thrive and reach their full potential. I envision a society that prioritizes caring for our most vulnerable and implements evidence-based solutions for thriving communities and economies. Committed to our community’s well-being, I refuse to accept the current conditions in British Columbia as the norm. Instead, I aim to raise the bar and empower British Columbians to expect more for their lives and futures, ensuring everyone has the support they need to succeed.
ABOUT ESQUIMALT-COLWOOD
Esquimalt-Colwood is another new riding for the 2024 election. It was created out of parts of Esquimalt-Metchosin and includes View Royal and Vic West.
Esquimalt-Metchosin was solidly NDP in 2020, with the party taking more than 59 per cent of the vote. (MLA Mitzi Dean is not running for re-election.)
THE CANDIDATES IN ESQUIMALT-COLWOOD
The candidates this election are:
- Green Camille Currie, who has advocated for family doctors
- The NDP’s Darlene Rotchford, an Esquimalt town councillor
- Conservative businessman John Wilson of Wilson's Transportation
See the full list of Vancouver Island candidates here. We are posting the candidate questionnaires riding by riding.
ABOUT THE PROFILES
We asked readers what they wanted to ask candidates and used those answers to help shape our election coverage, including candidate questionnaires.
The answers are presented as submitted by the candidates, edited only for length if they exceeded the word limit they were given. We did not correct grammar, spelling or typos.
See an error or something that needs to be changed? You can report it to [email protected] or use the report a typo link below.
