Election 2021

Last month, LynnValleyLife reached out to all of the candidates with a list of questions about the election and how Lynn Valley factors into their vision of the future. Unfortunately, only one candidate took the time to respond. 

Election 2021

The early election called by the Trudeau government will take place on Sept. 20. Voting will take place throughout the region. Some Lynn Valley residents will head to the polls at Lynn Valley Centre, others at Capilano University,  Lynn Valley Legion or Lynn Valley United Church.  Check your voter registration card or visit elections.ca for more information.  Advanced poll days are Sept. 11-13 or you can vote by mail before Sept. 14 at 6 pm.

Les Jickling – Conservative Party of Canada

Please tell us about yourself and your connection to the North Shore. 

I was born in LGH and live in the Edgemont area with my wife Michelle and son Benjamin. I have family in Lynn Valley who have been helping on my campaign. My father taught in schools in North Vancouver. As a young boy I remember tobogganing on the local North Shore mountains (and later skiing), fishing, hiking and bike riding. As a parent I appreciate all the wonderful resources the North Shore offers young families.

Why are you the best person to represent Lynn Valley (and all of North Vancouver) in Ottawa? 

I have a vision for a safe, healthy and sustainable community. Recently, mental health, COVID-19, job losses, unaffordable housing, traffic congestion and climate change have threatened our way of life. These big issues can only be addressed by taking actionable steps. My past successes, as an executive for a healthcare company, raising funds for palliative care, as a three-time president of VOWSA, or navigating the entire Blue Nile in support of access to freshwater, were only achieved by breaking down big challenges into actionable steps. I will do the same for big issues impacting life in North Vancouver.

What issue do you think is most important to Lynn Valley, specifically, and how is this a priority for you?

Recent tragic events in Lynn Valley require us to make mental health a top priority in our community. Canada’s Recovery Plan, under the leadership of Erin O’Toole, will double the current healthcare transfer payments to 6%, injecting an additional $60 billion over 10 years and providing $150 million in grants to nonprofits delivering mental health programming. A 25% tax credit will be offered to employers offering mental health coverage and a nation-wide, three-digit suicide prevention hotline will be implemented.

How do you feel about calling an early election during a pandemic and BC’s devastating wildfire season?

The election-call during the pandemic was reckless. Canadians neither want, nor need, an election. Arguments to the contrary are disingenuous – legislation was passing through the house. The wildfires are tragic, alarming and require immediate action. The Conservative climate plan will get us to our Paris targets.

What three party priorities best support North Vancouver? 

Healthcare, including the COVID response, mental health action and increases in transfer payments. Jobs and economic recovery including recovering the 1 million jobs lost during the pandemic and climate change including implementing the Conservative climate action plan.

Which non-political achievement are you most proud of in your life? 

My wife Michelle and I are adoptive parents. Of all the things I’ve done in life, I consider jointly raising my son Ben as my greatest and most rewarding achievement. I also wrote a humorous book about paddling the world’s most famous river which is one of my proudest achievements.

How do you spend your non-professional time? 

My son is six years old so I like to spend time with him riding bikes, hiking in the canyon, going to the pool, camping and playing in the park. When I have adult time with friends, I like to hike the Grouse Grind and explore the North Shore’s fine craft breweries.

What would you like the people of Lynn Valley to know about you? 

I would like them to know I am a reasonable and thoughtful person with genuine care and concern for the community.

To learn more visit his website.

Other candidates

Looking for more?

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