SHIRLEY LAMBRECHT
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Political party: How long have you been a member?
Since 2019
Do you live in the riding, and if so, for how long? If not, what is your connection to the riding?
I have lived in the riding since 2009
What is your occupation, and for how long?
I have had close to three decades of experience in technology, including working with Shaw Cablesystems and Sasktel. As a network specialist, I contributed to provincial, national and international operations teams focused on disaster recovery. I had a lead role in designing the Saskatchewan Enhanced 911 Service network, liaising with rural and urban police, fire and ambulance services.
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your community and why?
Clearly, healthcare. Adrian Dix gave a flat “no” to a catheterization lab, seismic upgrades, and an updated patient tower for our hospital to serve our growing and aging population. These risks were reported by Island Health back in 2010. Both NDP and former Liberal governments failed to deliver on these critical needs. David Eby’s announcement of a new patient tower is welcome news, but has come far too late.
What actions or efforts have you taken to learn the concerns of your constituents?
I am attending as many community events as I can, such as the Fair Care Alliance Rally, the Seniors’ Day of Action on Climate Change and the Island Roots Market, so I can find out what my constituents care about, and am arranging to meet members of our LGBTQ+ community, the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society, as well as representatives of our Indigenous nations, the Snuneymuxw.
What do you want to see improved in British Columbia in four, eight and 20 years?
In four years, development of patient care centres in every community; improved public transit; more affordable housing; significant drop in toxic drug deaths; focused action on climate change
In eight years, major investment in renewables and good green jobs; majority of BC citizens have access to family doctors; fully-staffed ERs in rural areas; province-wide climate emergency plan to help communities deal with forest fires, floods, drought and other effects of climate change
In 20 years, carbon emission targets met; BC a leader in green technology; public transit and alternative transport (trains, buses, cycling, walking, etc.) predominant forms of transportation
How would you go about addressing contentious issues within your riding?
I would meet with all those involved, listen to their views, and try to come up with some form of consensus based on their common concerns.
Would you vote against your party and leader if it were best for your constituents?
Yes. As a Green Party of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ MLA, I have the freedom to vote my own conscience, even if it goes against party policy and/or what the leader wishes.
Why do you think you are qualified to do this job?
My background in international systems development has given me the ability to see the big picture and think strategically. My 40 years of volunteer involvement in environmental, arts, social justice and human rights groups has given me a deep understanding of our society and what needs to be done to make it more equitable.
Why are you running – what’s your motivation?
I want to see urgent action on climate change, wise investment in affordable housing, education, public health and social services, as well as investment in green technology to create jobs with a future, and I have the determination, optimism and collaborative spirit to help make these happen.
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ABOUT NANAIMO-GABRIOLA ISLAND
Nanaimo-Gabriola Island is a new riding and will be contested for the first time this election. It was created out of parts of the Nanaimo-North Cowichan and Nanaimo electoral districts.
New Democrat Sheila Malcolmson won comfortably in the Nanaimo riding in 2020, with about 54 per cent of the vote, while the Green and Liberal candidates roughly split the balance.
She’s running again in Nanaimo-Gabriola Island, along with Green candidate Shirley Lambrecht, a network specialist, and Conservative Dale Parker, who works in information technology.
THE CANDIDATES IN NANAIMO-GABRIOLA 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.
