ERIN CASSELS
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Do you live in the riding, and if so, for how long?
If not, what is your connection to the riding? My childhood home was in Langford, and I moved back to the riding about three years ago.
What is your occupation, and for how long?
I grew up in the tourism and hospitality industry on Vancouver Island. For the past 11 years I have been managing a multifaceted hotel property, Huntingdon Hotel and Suites, which is known for its sustainable operations.
Political party: How long have you been a member?
BC Green Party
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your community and why?
The biggest issue facing Langford-Highlands is effectively managing growth. We need to balance rapid urban development with rural preservation. This challenge stems from the district’s unique composition of the urbanizing City of Langford and the more rural character of the District of Highlands. We need to ensure we densify rather than sprawl new development, and align that growth with effective transportation solutions for residents.
What actions or efforts have you taken to learn the concerns of your constituents?
I actively participate in our local community and region through my family, work and volunteer activities and hear people’s concerns and what kinds of communities they want to create.
What do you want to see improved in British Columbia in four, eight and 20 years?
In four years, I want to see British Columbia make significant progress in transitioning to renewable energy and implementing effective carbon reduction strategies. In eight years, I hope for substantial improvements in affordable housing and public transit options. In 20 years, I envision a province that has successfully balanced economic growth with environmental preservation, becoming a leader in sustainable development and green technologies
How would you go about addressing contentious issues within your riding?
To address contentious issues, I would prioritize open dialogue and participatory democracy. I plan to hold regular town halls, maintain an open-door policy for constituents, and actively seek input on challenging issues. By fostering inclusive discussions and considering diverse perspectives, I aim to find balanced solutions that address the needs of both urban and rural residents.
Would you vote against your party and leader if it were best for your constituents?
I would advocate for the needs of my community through party policy development so that the needs of Langford-Highlands are reflected in the party’s direction and decision-making. My primary responsibility is to represent the people of Langford-Highland.
Why do you think you are qualified to do this job?
I am qualified for this job due to my unique combination of professional experience in sustainable business practices, Indigenous heritage, and deep connection to the community. My background in hospitality management, leadership roles in sustainability initiatives, and education in social sciences and First Nations cultural studies equip me with valuable skills for addressing complex environmental, economic, and social challenges.
Why are you running – what’s your motivation?
My motivation for running is to create positive change in Langford-Highlands by providing strong, progressive leadership that harmonizes economic growth, social justice, and environmental stewardship. I am passionate about implementing practical solutions to address climate change while fostering sustainable economic development and advancing reconciliation efforts.
ABOUT LANGFORD-HIGHLANDS
Langford-Highlands is a new riding for the 2024 election. It encompasses much of the former Langford-Juan de Fuca riding, though the Juan de Fuca portion is now part of Juan de Fuca-Malahat.
Langford-Juan de Fuca was the riding of former NDP premier John Horgan, who captured almost 68 per cent of the vote in 2020. New Democrat Ravi Parmar’s win in a 2023 byelection wasn’t quite so large, but he still took 53 per cent of the vote.
THE CANDIDATES IN LANGFORD-HIGHLANDS
The candidates this election are:
- Green candidate Erin Cassels, who works in hospitality management
- Conservative Mike Harris, a carpenter and small business owner
- New Democrat Ravi Parmar, an MLA and former school board trustee
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.
