Two Parksville businessmen are vying for the Conservative Party of Canada’s nomination in the Courtenay-Alberni riding.
Ed Mayne and Kris McNichol both announced last week that they are running for the Conservative seat.
McNichol said his strong background in business, sport and community involvement make him an ideal candidate.
McNichol has owned multiple companies in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area over the past 23 years. A father and grandfather, he has lived in the Parksville and Nanoose Bay area for more than 30 years. He has promoted women’s sports as coach of the Rage softball team, served as president of the Oceanside Minor Softball Association and spent five years as a firefighter with the Parksville Volunteer Fire Department.
McNichol said he spends half his time in the Port Alberni area. He is co-owner of the Lakeshore Marina, has property at Sproat Lake and is a past president of the Sproat Lake Water Sports Association.
“I’ve spent half my life here since I was 20,” he said, adding that he played flag football and went wakeboarding here. “I have three daughters, 23, 27 and 29. Sports is really one of the things that brought us all together.”
The family spent years visiting Ucluelet and Tofino for surfing and camping holidays, and McNichol said he’s had business dealings on the west coast as well.
He said it’s his business background that has prompted him to run for a seat with the Conservatives. “I won’t lie, I’m not a politician. I’m a businessperson,” he said. “That common-sense plan of the Conservatives, that’s where I fit in. I believe in community, and I believe in hard work.
“I’m doing this to try and make a difference.”
Mayne served two terms as mayor for the City of Parksville and says under his leadership the city “experienced unprecedented growth and prosperity.” He said under his fiscal management property taxes in Parksville “remained among the lowest increases in the province.”
Mayne noted he spearheaded initiatives to address the pressing need for affordable housing.
Former Parksville mayor Chris Burger called Mayne a “passionate community leader. His proven ability to work with all levels of government to accomplish his agenda will be a major asset as a Member of Parliament.”
Mayne said he is running for the Conservative Party seat because he is concerned with the recent direction the Liberal government has taken.
“Our economy can no longer withstand this lack of leadership and fiscal responsibility,” Mayne said in a press release. “If I am fortunate enough to be elected to represent the Courtenay-Alberni riding I will join my fellow Conservative members and address these challenges head on, offering alternative, common-sense solutions that prioritize the best interest for all Canadians.”
A third candidate, Mark Donnelly, has also filed papers to run for the federal seat in Courtenay-Alberni.
The date for the Conservative Party’s nomination race in the Courtenay-Alberni riding has not yet been set. A federal election is expected in October 2025.