CAMMY LOCKWOOD
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Political party: How long have you been a member?
BC Greens, since 2019
Do you live in the riding, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to riding?
Cowichan Valley is the only riding I can call home. That is why I chose to run in CWV.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
Farmer, and everything that includes, for 14 years on the traditional lands of the Hul’q’umi’num speaking people.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your community and why?
Climate change. It is intensifying our affordability crisis, threatening our agricultural systems, water resources, and natural environment and housing security. It will continue to impact every part of our lives, from food security to public health.
What actions or efforts have you taken to learn the concerns of your constituents?
As a lifelong Cowichan Valley resident, I’m deeply connected through my roles as a parent, farmer, community advocate, and all that each of those entails, allowing me to hear firsthand the challenges people face in everyday settings. In addition, I’ve deliberately made myself available for discussions in all the communities in the Cowichan Valley.
What do you want to see improved in British Columbia in four, eight and 20 years?
In 4 years: improved transit, improved access to primary care, expanded mental health services, access to immediate, registered drug addiction and recovery treatment, measurable commitments to meeting climate targets, and for my now 12 year old daughter to cast her first vote.
In 8 years: Improved public transit, with 50% using it over cars. Significant increases in housing availability through more affordable/non-market housing. 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from BC’s 2005 levels.
In 20 years: A province where everyone has secure, affordable shelter, and our environment is protected for future generations.
How would you go about addressing contentious issues within your riding?
It’s critical to create space at the table for the voices that have been marginalized to ensure the community’s voice is heard before making decisions, as well as incorporate evidence-based approaches, and look to other nations who are grappling with similar concerns. I intend to listen to all sides of the issue, focusing on those most affected and truly consider the impacts on future generations.
Would you vote against your party and leader if it were best for your constituents?
Yes. The BC Greens support independent thinking, allowing representatives to prioritize their constituents without party penalties. BC Greens are the only party that is not whipped. This is one of the many reasons I chose to run with BC Greens.
Why do you think you are qualified to do this job?
If others can do this job for personal gain, surely I can do it for the betterment of my community and children’s future. I have led by example thus far through my work as a farmer. I helped start and operate a business that now feeds 8,000 islanders a year with eggs and produce. Every decision we make we consider environmental impacts, animal welfare, worker and customer well-being. This is my compass, founded on ‘we’, not ‘I’.
Why are you running – what’s your motivation?
As a farmer I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of climate change on our everyday lives. So much more needs to be done to protect people, and prioritize our communities instead of multinational corporations. BC Greens are hard working and dedicated. Sonia’s Furstenau’s work in the Cowichan Valley has brought over 1.5 billion in investments in our community, including a new hospital and high school. I’m running to be part of the solution and to ensure a better, more sustainable future for my children and yours.
ABOUT COWICHAN VALLEY
Cowichan Valley has a new shape thanks to a riding redistribution, but the name remains the same.
There was a relatively close race in 2020, with Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau capturing 44 per cent of votes and the NDP candidate taking about 40 per cent. Furstenau had about 37 per cent in 2017, with the NDP taking 32 per cent and the Liberal 27 per cent.
Furstenau is not running in Cowichan Valley this election. Taking up the Green mantle is Cammy Lockwood. Debra Toporowski is running for the NDP, while John Koury is running for the Conservatives.
Eden Haythornthwaite is running as an Independent Socialist, while Jon Coleman is unaffiliated. He had been set to represent BC United in the race before the party ended its campaign.
THE CANDIDATES IN COWICHAN VALLEY
The candidates this election are:
- Unaffiliated candidate Jon Coleman
- Independent Socialist Eden Haythornthwaite
- Conservative John Koury
- Green candidate Cammy Lockwood
- New Democrat Debra Toporowski
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.
