Conservative candidate John Duncan stressed Wednesday his experience, understanding of coastal communities in Vancouver Island North and ongoing commitment to working for, and representing coastal communities.
“Vancouver Island North is a special and unique place, and it is an honour to represent the people who live in our beautiful riding,” said Duncan at a news conference.
“In my time as the Member of Parliament for this area, I have travelled the length and width of this riding. I have spent time in each of our communities and I understand their issues and their unique needs and priorities.”
He criticized NDP candidate Ronna-Rae Leonard for trying to defend the NDP policy to replace aging fighter jets with navy ships, even though there is an air force base in the Vancouver Island North riding.
“Understanding our communities is essential as an MP, but it is also important to translate this understanding into results in Ottawa,” said Duncan. “My time in opposition, then government, and then in cabinet have given me a keen understanding of how things work in Ottawa. I have experience advocating for people, for families, and for our communities in Vancouver Island North.”
In the Comox Valley, he noted the Conservative government has invested in:
• Upgrades to Native Sons Hall and the Comox Valley Sports Centre;
• The new Trades Training Centre at North Island College;
• Renovations to the Comox Recreation Centre;
• The new Vancouver Island Coast Tourism Centre;
• The new Vancouver Island Mountain Sport Centre and the Strathcona Park and Wilderness Centre;
• Key sewer and water upgrades in Courtenay, Cumberland and Comox.