CHARLOTTETOWN CANDIDATES
Joe Byrne, Robert A. Campbell, Sean Casey, Darcie Lanthier and Fred MacLeod are on the ballot
See who’s looking for votes in latest riding worksheet
New Democratic Party
The who
Joe Byrne, NDP, Charlottetown The resumé
I am Quebecois born and raised. I moved to Charlottetown to finish my studies at UPEI and have been living here permanently —and loving it — since 1993 after moving back from the Dominican Republic.
What might be something people don’t already know about you?
I play and sing about once a month in various seniors' homes. I have worked with newcomers since the 1980s and, for some of that work, I was awarded a citizenship citation. I also am a driver's education instructor and I teach in English, French and Spanish.
What is the top issue facing Charlottetown residents this election? What needs to be done?
Housing. Close seconds are climate change and poverty. Addressing the former will require public investment from all three levels of government. The land has to be bought and buildings built. There is no plan that adequately addresses climate change if people do not have enough to eat, sufficient income and a decent place to live.
What makes the Charlottetown riding unique?
Our size and our sense of community that makes so many things possible. We are a capital city with levels of services comparable to other, much bigger cities. We can communicate easily across three levels of government. Our diversity means that we can relate to much of the world from our corner of it.
Bottom-line me
Joe Byrne is running for the NDP in Charlottetown. He says housing and climate change are the main issues in the riding. He appreciates the sense of community there, as well as the levels of services and diversity.
Conservative Party of Canada
The who
Robert Campbell, Conservative, Charlottetown The resumé
I was born in Charlottetown and grew up here. I was in the first year of the Atlantic Police Academy and served with Amherst Police Department for almost three-and-a-half years, same as the Summerside Police Department. I was with various other sections then I retired out of immigration and passport section.
What might be something people don’t already know about you?
I used to do impersonations when I was younger. It was down at the old Davie Jones locker [later JR’s]. I used to do voices, comedy. In those days, it was John Wayne, Flip Wilson, Ed Sullivan, Paul Lynde. I made a little bit of money off it.
What is the top issue facing Charlottetown residents this election? What needs to be done?
Affordable housing. When they call it a crisis, it is just that. There are probably three or four causes. One is the lack of affordable housing in the beginning. Then, things like Airbnb, people coming in and buying houses at really high prices. I think the approach has to be that all three levels of government – federal, provincial and municipal – sitting down together.
What makes the Charlottetown riding unique?
We are the place where Confederation started. It is important to draw on that. We have tourism, which draws from being the cradle of Confederation. But we also need to be able to present our businesspeople, our artists in a very special way. We have a special amount of talent and I think we should boost that.
Bottom-line me
Robert Campbell is the Conservative candidate in Charlottetown. He says affordable housing is the riding’s top issue. He sees potential in celebrating Charlottetown’s history and its businesses and artists.
Liberal Party of Canada The who
Sean Casey, Liberal, Charlottetown (incumbent)
The resumé
I am a lawyer by trade and worked for Stewart McKelvey, where I was the regional managing partner. I have served as the member of Parliament for Charlottetown since 2011, and most recently served as parliamentary secretary to the minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
What might be something people don’t already know about you?
I am an avid runner and find it quite beneficial for strong physical and mental health. I have completed four marathons, including the NYC Marathon. I am currently training to complete a half at the P.E.I. Marathon in October.
What is the top issue facing Charlottetown residents this election? What needs to be done?
Access to safe and affordable housing. That's why the Liberal Party launched the national housing strategy, with over $50 million invested in affordable housing in P.E.I. since 2015. We need to continue to work with the province and the City of Charlottetown to build and invest in more affordable housing.
What makes the Charlottetown riding unique?
Charlottetown is unique because it is the only riding in the country that has a small geographic area and a small population. This allows the member of Parliament to be closer to the people than any other riding in Canada, enabling them to truly understand the needs of the region.
Bottom-line me
Sean Casey is the incumbent Liberal candidate in Charlottetown. He says access to safe and affordable housing is the biggest issue in the riding, which he considers unique because of its small geographic area and population.
Green Party of Canada
The who
Darcie Lanthier, Green Party, Charlottetown
The resumé
I came to Charlottetown in May 1984 and fell in love immediately. It’s been home ever since. I raised three boys with my husband Peter here. I am one of the founding members of the P.E.I. Business Women’s Association and am a public legal information officer. I have worked as a solar energy and energy efficiency professional.
What might be something people don’t already know about you?
One day in Ottawa, I met with Elizabeth May, (former Tory MP) Tom McMillan and (former Liberal prime minister) Paul Martin. We talked about toxic chemicals, excess packaging, and climate change. Thirty years later, I am planning to head to Ottawa with Elizabeth May and get to work on these same issues.
What is the top issue facing Charlottetown residents this election? What needs to be done?
Housing is the number one issue. Affordability, accessibility and availability are all serious problems. We have a growing problem of homelessness. Federal support for co-ops, social housing, and supportive housing has languished over the last 30 years. Greens see housing as a basic human right, not just an investment opportunity.
What makes the Charlottetown riding unique?
Charlottetown loves democracy! Our title as the birthplace of Confederation is reflected in our election participation and voting rates. We are always looking to make our democracy better. That’s why we voted for a proportional electoral system twice in the last three years.
Bottom-line me
Darcie Lanthier is the Green Party’s candidate for Charlottetown. Housing is the biggest issue in the riding, she says. Lanthier likes the importance of democracy to the people of Charlottetown.
Christian Heritage Party of Canada The who
Fred MacLeod, Christian Heritage Party, Charlottetown The resumé
I live in Belle River and work at the Dundarave Golf Course. I worked on the environmental improvement river project in Belle River and worked for Highway Safety P.E.I. I hold a business management-office manager diploma from Holland College.
What might be something people don’t already know about you?
My other interests include, music, reading and studying. Involvement in Bible study and political function prepared me for the challenge to work from a solid platform as one of the people, for the people and the greater vision.
What is the top issue facing Charlottetown residents this election? What needs to be done?
Charlottetown constituency issues include housing, Employment Insurance requirements, and the environment. The question — “What are we leaving our children?” — is important. The value and purpose of life, the importance of the family unit, communities, opportunities, hope and the protection of our freedoms shapes our future.
What makes the Charlottetown riding unique?
Charlottetown is a growing city and the future can be established here. Immigration, higher education, and housing needs suggest we should invest in ways that will support our constituency. Balanced development of Charlottetown must be established. This includes all levels of government working together while in full allegiance of Canadian values for all life, the family unit and our freedoms.
Bottom-line me
Fred MacLeod is running for the Christian Heritage Party in Charlottetown. Identifying housing as the biggest issue in the riding, he says it’s important to think about what we are leaving our children. He believes Charlottetown has potential if all levels of government work together in alignment with Canadian values.