Thursday February 27, 2025 | LANGFORD, BC
Political news by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Conservative Party in Cowichan-Malahat-Langford seems to have whittled down their four applicant contenders to one.
On February 21 the Cowichan-Malahat-Conservative Association announced to their supporters that Jeff Kibble will be their candidate for the upcoming federal election.
The news is not exactly widely public yet. The Kibble website does not indicate that he is the candidate, and the Conservative Party of Canada website does not show him as the Cowichan-Malahat-Langford candidate.
What’s in the message to supporters:
The email to supporter plays heavily on Kibble’s military background.
“Jeff’s 28 years as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy have instilled in him a sense of duty, leadership, and integrity. His extensive command experience and proven leadership have prepared him to unite our community and lead with strength and compassion.”
“His military service has reinforced his belief that the proper role of government is to protect and serve its people, a philosophy he will carry forward in representing and serving our riding’s constituents.”
As well, there is of course indications of the Conservative campaign against the incumbent NDP:
“As Chairman of the Candidate Nomination Committee, I am impressed by Jeff’s resolve to address the national decline caused by the NDP/Liberal alliance. His determination to provide unparalleled constituency services and his collaborative leadership style promise to bring us all together during these divisive times,” writes Reed Elley, Member of Parliament (Ret’d), Chair of the Candidate Nomination Committee.
“For years, we have witnessed the adverse effects of the NDP supporting the Trudeau Liberals, resulting in a declining standard of living and the erosion of fundamental Canadian values. Their legacy of high taxes, reckless spending, and flawed policies has left Canadians grappling with unaffordable housing, escalating costs of living, and dwindling hope among our youth. With all of us working together backing Jeff as our candidate, we are positioned to reclaim these values and offer real, impactful solutions to our challenges,” writes Elley.
From four to one:
Earlier this month, applicant Charles Borg was essentially forced out of the Cowichan-Malahat-Langford race after more than a year of campaigning, after which he recently threw his support behind Martin Barker.
That’s when some people seemed to feel pressured to leak the Kibble choice. Somewhere in there the applicant attempt of the fourth contender — Mike Harris — seems to have evaporated.
When there were four contenders in the race in recent weeks only Harris declined to be interviewed by Island Social Trends. Kibble is now also not yet taking media interviews.
Conservatives in general tend to be less interactive with professional media than are politicians in more center or left-leaning parties.
Both Kibble and Harris seem to have a strong business-community backing in Langford. Barker was better known in the Cowichan/Duncan side of the large riding on south Vancouver Island. Borg worked hard to engage with all sectors of the riding.
Kibble’s campaign website is under reconstruction, with only password-access at this time.
Kibble was interviewed back in January.
NDP incumbent:
The Conservatives have an eye on the the Cowichan-Malahat-Langford riding that has been served by NDP MP Alistair MacGregor since 2015 (re-elected in 2019 and 2021).
MacGregor has been a vocal advocate for many of the NDP initiatives that have contributed to the success of things the Liberals now take credit for such as child care across Canada as well as the dental plan, a framework for Pharmacare, and anti-scab legislation.
As the incumbent, MacGregor will have a strong ground game in Cowichan-Malahat-Langford in the upcoming 2025 federal election.
The Liberals have yet to announce a candidate in Cowichan-Malahat-Langford.
The Greens are running Kathleen Code as their candidate (a previous contender as a provincial Green candidate here on south Vancouver Island).
Six of seven federal ridings on Vancouver Island have been held by the NDP for several election cycles.
===== RELATED:
- Charles Borg out of Cowichan-Malahat-Langford Conservative race (February 12, 2025)
- Mike Harris aims to be the Conservative candidate in Cowichan-Malahat-Langford (January 27, 2025)
- Martin Barker aims to be the Conservative candidate in Cowichan-Malahat-Langford (January 26, 2025)
- Jeff Kibble aims to be the Conservative candidate in Cowichan-Malahat-Langford (January 13, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: CANADIAN FEDERAL ELECTION 2025 | CONSERVATIVE PARTY | FEDERAL NDP