DEBRA TOPOROWSKI
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Political party: How long have you been a member?
NDP since 2005
Do you live in the riding, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to the riding?
Yes I was born here.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
Councillor North Cowichan since 2018
Councillor Cowichan Tribes since 2013
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your community and why?
The lack of affordable housing and health care are top-of-mind issues for people in my community. Restrictions on speculators and short-term rentals are in place and 300,000 homes will be created over 10 years. Hiring more family doctors - 800 in the last year alone - and building a new medical school to train even more doctors will improve access to health care now, and for years to come.
What actions or efforts have you taken to learn the concerns of your constituents?
I know my community; I have been here listening and advocating for over 20 years
What do you want to see improved in British Columbia in four, eight and 20 years?
Well, much more housing of all varieties especially affordable housing. David Eby’s Action Plan will create 300,000 homes over the next decade, and more will need to be done. Rent control has already saved renters as much as $1100 annually for a 2 bedroom place. Cracking down on speculators and short-term rentals will help reduce the loss of affordable housing.
How would you go about addressing contentious issues within your riding?
I would work with organizations already on the ground providing assistance. I would advocate for the resources which are needed to make life better for people.
Would you vote against your party and leader if it were best for your constituents?
The needs of my community and the people in it are always my priority, and David Eby and the BC NDP reflect the priorities of our community. We’re going to get more homes built, lower costs and hire more doctors and nurses. I am committed to working for the interests of everyone in our community, not just those at the top.
I am running as a candidate for the BC NDP because I believe in the shared fundamental values we have, including on human rights.
Why do you think you are qualified to do this job?
My time spent working with 2 different MLAs and my time as Cowichan Tribes Councilor and as North Cowichan Councilor have provide me with invaluable experience working with people and working through the various legislative processes to get things done.
Why are you running – what’s your motivation?
I have always been an advocate for friends and family. I care about my community and have been involved at multiple levels advocating for all. This seems like the perfect next step.
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.
