Federal election 2025: Saanich-Gulf Islands riding
Elizabeth May is looking to secure her seat again, with three others vying for the spot.
Voters in the riding won’t be overwhelmed with choices—only four candidates are vying for the spot. A fifth candidate from the People’s Party of Canada was initially running, but pulled out before the official candidate list was released.
The riding’s boundaries include the municipalities of Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney, and several Southern Gulf Islands. It's home to approximately 113K people, according to the 2021 census.
The riding has been one of the few Green strongholds in the country—Elizabeth May has held the seat since 2011, and has consistently won a large majority during each election. Even in 2021, when the party was in crisis under former leader Annamie Paul—hitting its lowest vote share yet—May still secured a majority.
This time, May will have her seat contested by other peninsula community leaders, including councillors and board members.
Across the board, these candidates are focusing on the economy, both locally in the riding and nationally, as US President Donald Trump continues to sow chaos on global markets with his unpredictable on-and-off tariffs. Environmental concerns, agriculture, and lower taxes are also top concerns among the candidates.
Before May’s 2011 win, the district had a history of leaning more conservative. May’s predecessor, Gary Lunn, held the seat under multiple right-wing parties (Reform, Alliance, and Conservative) from 1997 to 2011.
Candidates:
David Beckham. Photo: Liberal Party of Canada
David Beckham - Liberal Party of Canada
No, not that David Beckham. This Beckham has lived in Sidney for 13 years and in BC for 30 years after relocating from Manitoba. His career has focused on farm management and renewable energy solutions. In his work, he created methods for recycling wastewater in the concrete industry and solar-powered buildings. He says he joined the race to fight American-style politics.
Top concerns: Anti-privatization, sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship
Elizabeth May. Photo: Green Party of Canada
Elizabeth May - Green Party of Canada (Incumbent)
May has held the seat since 2011—becoming the first Green candidate to be elected to the House of Commons—serving as party leader from 2006 to 2019 and again since 2022. She is now a co-leader with Jonathan Pedneault, who was previously acting as deputy leader with Angela “Rainbow Eyes” Davidson. Before starting her political career, May worked as an environmental lawyer and executive director of the Sierra Club of Canada
Top concerns: Housing affordability, health-care access, and environmental protections
Cathie Ounsted. Photo: Cathie Ounsted / Facebook
Cathie Ounsted - Conservative Party of Canada
Ountsted has been a Saanich resident for 35 years, previously working as a VicPD officer. She’s a current member of the Central Saanich Police Board. Ountsted is a member of the boards of directors with both the Peninsula Co-Op and the Victoria Airport Authority. She previously owned Red Barn Market and was a director of Thrifty Foods. Ountsted is the first woman to represent federal Conservatives in the riding since 1997.
Top concerns: Affordability crisis, capitalizing on natural resources to improve the economy
Colin Plant. Photo: New Democratic Party of Canada
Colin Plant - New Democratic Party of Canada
Plant is looking for his first federal seat after serving municipally—both as a Saanich councillor and CRD board chair. In addition to his political career, Plant has been a high school teacher for 25 years in the Saanich School District. He was raised in Central Saanich by his dairy farmer parents. If he were to win, he would be the first NDP candidate to hold the riding’s seat in 22 years. Previous NDP riding candidate Sabina Singh received 18.3% of the vote in 2021 to May’s 37%.
Top concerns: Canada’s economy in the Trump era, environmental issues
Details on this year’s federal election
There are four major parties fielding candidates in BC in the upcoming federal election: the Liberal Party of Canada, the Conservative Party of Canada, the NDP, and the Green Party of Canada. There are also other smaller parties and independent candidates. You can find basic information about each party and their platform at the bottom of this page, or by using the links below.
Liberal Party of Canada | Conservative Party of Canada | NDP | Green Party of Canada | Rhinoceros Party of Canada | People’s Party of Canada | Christian Heritage Party of Canada
How to Vote
Federal election advance voting on April 18-21, in person, or by mail before April 22.
Where to vote
Unlike the BC provincial election, you must submit your ballot at your designated polling station.
If you register in advance, you will receive a voter information card with your designated polling station in the mail.
You can also look up your designated polling station online by searching your postal code on the Elections Canada page for Saanich-Gulf Islands.
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