Voters in the Courtenay-Alberni riding will have six candidates to choose from when they go to the polls April 28 in the 2025 federal election. As part of our ongoing election coverage, we asked each candidate to submit a short bio.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Brian Cameron (Liberal Party)
I was born and raised in Ottawa by my single mother, developing a deep appreciation for Canada’s diversity—its cultures, landscapes, and people. As an aircraft engineer by trade, I’ve worked in aviation and film, allowing me to visit every province and territory and gain a deeper understanding of this incredible country.
My respect for First Nations communities runs deep. One of my most profound experiences was spending three weeks in the High Arctic, filming with the Tlingit and Gwich’in First Nations. That time gave me a humbling perspective on resilience, tradition, and the enduring strength of Indigenous cultures.
In 2013, I cycled solo across Canada to raise funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, honouring my father and grandfather, who both died of heart disease at 56. Starting in Vancouver, I rode 8,500 kilometres to Cape Spear, Newfoundland, completing the journey in exactly 56 days—an unintended but fitting tribute. I arrived nine years to the day after losing my father, lifting my bike overhead in a moment of triumph, grief, and reflection.
After years in British Columbia, my wife and I made our home in the Comox Valley—a place that truly feels like the best part of the best country in the world. In 2024, Clare became a dual Australian-Canadian citizen, and later that year, we welcomed our daughter, Nel, named in tribute to Nellie McClung, whose dedication to equality inspires us.
Like so many in this riding, Clare and I rent our home and face the same economic challenges as countless families. I understand firsthand the struggles of rising costs, and I’m ready to stand up for Canadians—to make life more affordable and protect the values that make Canada strong.
Public service runs deep in my family. My great-great-grandfather, Donald Mackenzie Cameron, served as a Liberal MP from 1883 to 1887. I carry that legacy forward with the same determination that took me across this country by bicycle. If elected to represent Courtenay-Alberni, I will bring that same relentless drive and unwavering passion to Ottawa. I promise to pour my whole heart into this job.
Contact info: briancameronliberalcandidate@gmail.com.
Thomas Gamble, People's Party of Canada
Thomas Gamble is the People’s Party of Canada candidate for Courtenay-Alberni. He is a former Naval Warfare Officer and small business owner with a background in leadership, strategy, and technology. He holds a Bachelor of Computer Science and an MBA in Executive Management.
Thomas is seeking election to bring honesty, accountability and a principled voice to Parliament. Having served in uniform and navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, he understands the importance of responsibility, freedom, and fiscal discipline. He believes government should work for the people—not control them—and that this is the moment to restore common sense to Ottawa. He is committed to putting ordinary Canadians first and having their voices echo in the corridors of Parliament ahead of those who have manipulated and abused their power for far too long. In considering policy, his North Star is simple: whatever maximizes Canadians’ freedom and minimizes government interference.
That is why Thomas is proud to run with the People’s Party of Canada. The PPC is the only federal party that stands unapologetically for freedom, personal responsibility, and smaller government. While legacy parties grow bureaucracy and restrict your rights, the PPC focuses on empowering Canadians. The PPC wants government out of your wallet, your business, and your personal choices. It doesn’t pander or make empty promises—its platform offers 21 principled, practical solutions that reflect the values of working Canadians. Thomas encourages everyone to read it and judge for themselves.
It’s time to reject the status quo of self-interested, professional politicians and elect a government that is honest, accountable and truly committed to serving the people.
Contact info: Email: thomas.gamble@teamppc.ca; phone: 778-909-7721; FB/IG/X: @thomasgambleppc
Gord Johns (NDP)
Gord Johns was born and raised on Vancouver Island, working as a small eco-business owner, and serving as a Tofino municipal councillor and executive director of the Tofino-Long Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Gord entered federal politics in 2015 to reverse a decade of neglect by Conservative MPs. Since then, historic levels of housing and infrastructure investment have created jobs and reduced the local tax burden for the people of Courtenay-Alberni.
During his nine years in Parliament, local and regional governments in Courtenay-Alberni received an average of $18.07 million annually in federal infrastructure funding as compared to $1.7 million during the 10 years of Conservative representation in the previous in the 10 years.
His private members’ bill led to the doubling of the income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue personnel and much-needed financial relief for these essential volunteers.
His motion on plastic pollution in aquatic environments passed unanimously and led to the ban of single-use plastics and the first ever ghost gear clean up fund. His bill to protect unspent funds for Veterans benefits also passed unanimously.
During the pandemic, he fought hard as the NDP critic for small business to support owners and their employees when they were required to close their doors to protect public health. The Canadian Federation of independent Business recognized Gord for his role in forcing the government to require banks to lower credit card merchant fees.
Gord believes strongly in a diversified and environmentally sustainable economy and has fought hard in Parliament for the biomass tax credit, the aerospace industry and the largest investment in wild salmon restoration.
As a member of the NDP caucus, he helped create the national dental care benefit, pharmacare, the school nutrition program and worker protection legislation.
During his terms of office, Gord has spoken in the House of Commons second-most of all MP’s representing B.C. ridings from all parties.
Known for his tireless work ethic and strong community engagement, Gord has always prioritized people and the planet over corporate profits.
For more information about Gord Johns’ record in Parliament, go to: reelectgord.ca.
Teresa Knight (The Animal Protection Party)
Teresa has worked for animals all her life. She serves on the board of the Animal Defence and Anti-vivisection Society of BC and has curated animal-themed art shows, like "Non-human Persons" and "Animals in Our Humanscape" shown at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville. Teresa continues to spread the message of compassion through her own art.
She teaches art in the Comox Valley.
Contact info: teresa@animalprotectionparty.ca.
Chris Markevich (Green Party)
I’m excited to be running for the federal Green Party in the next election. For more than 10 years, I’ve been working with political movements across Canada to help lay out a social democratic vision that brings Canadians together and lifts everyone up. After spending nearly a decade working and volunteering with the NDP, I knew that I needed to make a change. The challenges facing us in the world today demand bold, radical actions on the part of our government. I strongly feel that only the Green Party of Canada can make the case for that change.
We have all seen the overlapping crises unfold around the world, and the Green Party has always been a steady and responsible voice for peace and stability. Building upon the Six Core Principles that Green parties around the world share, we will continue to be that voice at home and abroad. I’m excited to be a small part of amplifying that voice, and to light the way for a better future for all of us on this planet.
Courtenay-Alberni is a vast and geographically diverse area and is unique in many ways. There are numerous challenges facing people, from safe and reliable transportation through Port Alberni, to earthquake preparedness in Tofino and Ucluelet and shipbreaking in Baynes Sound. People in the riding want an MP who will address those challenges head on in Parliament, and to be a tireless advocate for real progress on solving them. I am committed to being Courtenay-Alberni’s voice in Ottawa, and I am not afraid to make good trouble for any obstinate government, whether it ends up being Liberal or Conservative.
Residents on Vancouver Island are waiting to have their voices heard. There is so much at stake for the people of Courtenay-Alberni, and time is of the essence. I will work tirelessly to ensure that your next MP has a hand in how decisions are made in Ottawa, for all Canadians. We have an exciting opportunity to elect the first ever Green MP in this riding, and I am looking forward to the journey ahead with all of you.
Contact info: www.chrismarkevich.ca; chrismarkevichgpc@gmail.com.
Kris McNichol (Conservative Party)
Information obtained via website
I’m a husband, father, proud grandfather, and Canadian business owner.
I have been living in the Parksville and Nanoose Bay area for more than 30 years. During this time, I’ve had the pleasure of promoting women’s sports by coaching The Rage softball team and serving as president of the Oceanside Minor Softball Association. Additionally, I have supported the community as the past president of the Sproat Lake Water Sports Association and have volunteered as a firefighter.
As a business owner of multiple companies over the last 23 years, I take pride in employing local people. I have a common-sense approach and understand the importance of an effective government working on real problems. I am concerned about the growing problems caused by the mismanagement of the Trudeau Liberals and the NDP through their coalition, and the impacts this has on our local community and all Canadians
Over the past eight years, the Trudeau/NDP coalition has increased the cost of housing, food and doing business. The constituents of Courtenay-Alberni are no exception to this trend. The region has become an unaffordable place to call home, with issues such as drug addiction, homelessness and crime worsening. Taxpayers deserve better and need someone who will fight back! I will fight for you!
Contact info: kris@krismcnichol.com.
