The next federal election is on April 28, 2025 and advance voting begins on April 18.
Here you’ll find all the information you need on the candidates, the parties and how to vote in the federal election if you live in Nanaimo. This voter guide will be updated with more links, stories and information as it becomes available, leading up to April 28.
Fill out the Survey! What should top the agenda in the federal election?
The Discourse has chosen to focus on candidates running for major parties, based on previous election results in each riding. Information on additional parties can be found here.
Which electoral districts cover Nanaimo?
In this election, Nanaimo straddles two electoral districts: Nanaimo—Ladysmith makes up the bulk of the riding and a section of North Nanaimo is in the Courtenay—Alberni riding.
The electoral area boundaries changed this year and were reviewed by independent electoral boundaries commissions in each province. Boundaries are periodically reassessed to account for population changes.
What does this mean for you? You may not be in the same riding you were in last year. You can double-check which electoral district you’re in by inputting your postal code into the Elections Canada website.
Who are the candidates?
Nanaimo—Ladysmith
- Lisa Marie Barron, NDP (website, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky)
- Michelle Corfield, Liberal Party of Canada (website, Facebook, Instagram)
- Tamara Kronis, Conservative Party of Canada (website, Facebook, Instagram, X)
- Paul Manly, Green Party of Canada (website, Instagram, X, Bluesky)
- Stephen Welton, People’s Party of Canada (website, Facebook, Instagram, X)
Courtenay—Alberni
- Brian Cameron, Liberal Party of Canada (website, Facebook, Instagram)
- Thomas Gamble, People’s Party of Canada (website, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn)
- Gord Johns, NDP (website, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky)
- Teresa Knight, Animal Protection Party of Canada (website)
- Chris Markevich, Green Party of Canada (website, Facebook, Instagram, X, Bluesky, Tik Tok)
- Kris McNichol, Conservative Party of Canada (website, Facebook, Instagram, X)
- Jesse Musial, Christian Heritage Party of Canada (website)
Where can I find more information about the parties?
- Conservative Party of Canada, Platform
- Green Party of Canada, Platform
- Liberal Party of Canada, Platform
- New Democratic Party, Platform
- People’s Party of Canada, Platform
Compare the election promises of Canada’s major parties, CBC News
How do I vote?
To vote you must be a Canadian citizen,18 years old on election day, and be able to prove your identity and address.
You can request to vote by mail at any Elections Canada office or apply online. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. Once you apply to vote by mail you can’t change your mind and vote at advanced polls or on election day.
Advanced voting at your assigned polling station will be open Friday, April 18 to Monday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can also vote at any Elections Canada office across the country until April 22.
Polls on election day — Monday, April 28 — will be open for 12 hours. To find your polling station visit Elections Canada’s website or take a look at your voter information card, which should arrive at your home by mail.
Everyone is eligible for three consecutive hours off work to cast their vote on election day. If work hours don’t allow for this your employer must give you time off. For more information on what you are entitled to as a voter visit Elections Canada’s website.
Resources for fact-checking
Elections Canada is a non-partisan entity that has a mandate to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. But there are still threats to federal elections, such as cyber attacks and disinformation and influence campaigns. Elections Canada works with national security and intelligence agencies to safeguard the electoral process at every stage. These safeguards are explained in detail on the Elections Canada website. The website also addresses foreign interference and the use of AI to “spread inaccurate information and sow division among Canadians.”
Elections Canada’s digital literacy page shares a compilation of links to fact-checking tools; information on how to spot fraudulent websites, social media accounts and AI-generated content; and tips on how to counter inaccurate information.
The online ElectoFacts tool helps Canadians fact-check information on the election and counters any misinformation observed by Elections Canada.
5 things federal party leaders keep getting wrong, CBC News.
Election news and events
Tuesday, April 22, 7 p.m.: VIU’s political studies Department is hosting a Candidates’ Town Hall in the Malaspina Theatre on Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus.
Wednesday, April 23, 6 p.m.: The Nanaimo and Ladysmith Chambers of Commerce, along with the Homebuilders Association of Vancouver Island are holding an all-candidates debate at the Coast Bastion Hotel.
Friday, April 25, 5 p.m.: NDP candidate Lisa Marie Barron will hold a town hall meeting at the Gabriola Community Hall.
