NIC DEDELUK
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Facebook:
Political party: How long have you been a member?
I have always been a Green Party supporter, but just recently became a member.
Do you live in the riding, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to the riding?
Yes, I moved to the North Island 24 years ago
What is your occupation, and for how long?
I am a Marine Biologist and have been for 26 years
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your community and why?
Lack of accessible healthcare is a major issue in our riding. Two of the four hospitals frequently close their emergency rooms at night, forcing vulnerable patients to travel farther for care. Additionally, many communities lack sufficient resources to meet the community’s healthcare needs putting individuals’ health at risk. Long wait times to see family doctors can delay necessary treatment, often worsening conditions before diagnosis. While the healthcare challenges are more complex than I’ve touched on here, I want to thank the doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers working tirelessly for our communities—your efforts are greatly appreciated.
What actions or efforts have you taken to learn the concerns of your constituents?
We have a very big and diverse riding. I am doing meet and greet events to hear directly from community members and organizations to hear their concerns. I have emailed local and indigenous governments inviting them the opportunity to discuss their community’s needs with me.
What do you want to see improved in British Columbia in four, eight and 20 years?
I envision healthier communities within the next four years by tackling housing shortages and reducing homelessness. These complex issues are interconnected with healthcare, mental health challenges, and the toxic drug crisis. I want to see reliable local food sources and job and childcare solutions that meet families’ needs. Once we address these areas, we can focus on affordability and building healthy economies and ecosystems, with meaningful change in eight years. In 20 years, I hope to see a vibrant BC with thriving communities, ecosystems, and economies that actively combat climate change.
How would you go about addressing contentious issues within your riding?
We have many contentious issues in our riding, I like to start out by listening to people’s concerns and gaining an understanding of what is driving their concerns. Many issues are complex and don’t have simple solutions, by breaking down the concerns and focusing on the key items I am able to advocate a way forward.
Would you vote against your party and leader if it were best for your constituents?
As an elected MLA for the BC Green Party, I will always vote with the best interests of my constituents.
Why do you think you are qualified to do this job?
I have worked on several projects that required me to bring together the different perspectives of industry, conservationist, community members and a number of levels of government (Indigenous, local, regional, provincial and federal). I have been able to navigate these discussions and be a part of the team working towards a successful solution. I see this being a key role of an MLA, listening to my constituents and then working with others to find a positive solution going forward.
Why are you running – what’s your motivation?
Like many of you, I call the North Island home. Since moving here in 2000, I’ve fallen in love with this incredible place. When people ask why I chose to live here, my answer is simple: we live in paradise. Lately, I’ve seen changes happen that are concerning to me. I believe we can do better for future generations. I believe we can have healthy communities, economies and ecosystems – it’s just going to take work and I’m here to do that.
​ABOUT NORTH ISLAND
There was a relatively tight NDP-Liberal race in the North Island riding in 2005, but the NDP wins have been more comfortable since then, and New Democrat Michele Babchuk had more than double the votes of her nearest competitor (a Liberal) in 2020.
Babchuk, a former Campbell River city councillor, is running again. Marine biologist Nic Dedeluk is campaigning for the Greens, while Anna Kindy, a physician, is running for the Conservatives.
THE CANDIDATES IN NORTH ISLAND
The candidates this election are:
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.
