2026 Nanaimo Local Election: Candidate Responses

Position running for: MayorCampaign link: https://bruniebrunieformayor.wixsite.com/voteQuestionnaire: 1. Safety, Public Spaces & Anti‑Hate MeasuresNanaimo has seen demonstrations and counter‑demonstrations related to gender and sexual diversity at municipal and school board facilities. How do you approach ensuring that public municipal spaces remain safe and accessible for all residents during periods of heightened tension?Municipal spaces are sometimes requested for controversial events, such as the Ben Bankas booking at the City-owned Port Theatre. What principles should guide the City’s facility booking policies and its agreements with facility operators when balancing public safety, inclusion, access, and freedom of expression? What measures would you support to ensure the Respectful Spaces Bylaw is applied consistently across City facilities, services, programs, and events, and how should the City address inconsistencies when they arise?Brunnie's Response:Hurrah for you I’m on your side all the way2. Housing & Shelters2SLGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately represented among youth experiencing homelessness. What specific actions would you support through the City’s housing partnerships and work with shelter providers to improve safe, inclusive, and accessible services for trans, non-binary, and queer youth?2SLGBTQIA+ youth and elders face unique risks of displacement. How would you utilize municipal tools such as zoning, incentives, city land, and housing partnerships to reduce housing barriers experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and elders, and what additional supports would you advocate for from the Province?Brunnie's Response:All people matter regardless of colour religion or sexual orientation I strongly campaign for a FACILITATED CAMPSITE WITH STURDY SAFE ARMYTENTS PEOPLE MUST NOT BE PUSHED FROM PLACE TO PLACE SHELTOR IS A HUMAN RIGHT3. Municipal Funding, Representation & SupportWhat principles should guide City funding for equity and inclusion initiatives, and would you support continuing public expressions of inclusion such as Pride flag raising and rainbow crosswalks?Elected officials influence community tone and dialogue. When discriminatory or demeaning rhetoric arises in the community, what role do you believe the Mayor and Council should play in publicly supporting residents who are targeted, and how would you use your platform as an elected official to respond?Brunnie's Response:I will always promote equality and justice come see me anytime for better discussion I LOVE THE RAINBOW SIDEWALK4. Healthcare, Harm Reduction & Social ServicesIn Nanaimo, 0.57% (about 1 in 180 residents aged 15 and older) identify as transgender or non-binary, ranking it second in British Columbia (behind Victoria) and fourth nationally for mid-sized urban centers. How would you approach advocating to provincial partners and Island Health for expanded access to gender‑affirming care, inclusive mental health supports, and specialized health resources?Trans and queer residents, particularly Queer & Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (QTBIPOC) community members, are disproportionately affected by the toxic drug crisis and housing shortages. How should the City manage harm reduction and public safety to ensure vulnerable residents receive equitable support?Brunnie's Response:A happy safe campsite until future housing is developed opportunities to work in GREENHOUSES providing HEALTHY AFFORDABLE FOOD for worthwhile work NO ONE MUST BE LEFT ALONE ON THE STREET5. Workplace Equity Within the CityMunicipal governments model workplace standards for the broader community. How do you think the City should approach being an inclusive employer? This could include gender‑affirming benefits, equitable hiring practices, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) training for staff and Council.Brunnie's Response:We could have some special meetings on this issue to bring all parties together

Position running for: MayorSocial media link: https://realnanaimo.ca/Questionnaire1. Safety, Public Spaces & Anti‑Hate MeasuresNanaimo has seen demonstrations and counter‑demonstrations related to gender and sexual diversity at municipal and school board facilities. How do you approach ensuring that public municipal spaces remain safe and accessible for all residents during periods of heightened tension?Municipal spaces are sometimes requested for controversial events, such as the Ben Bankas booking at the City-owned Port Theatre. What principles should guide the City’s facility booking policies and its agreements with facility operators when balancing public safety, inclusion, access, and freedom of expression? What measures would you support to ensure the Respectful Spaces Bylaw is applied consistently across City facilities, services, programs, and events, and how should the City address inconsistencies when they arise?Anne Marie's Response:I want all citizens to feel free to express concerns, thoughts and suggestions to mayor and council freely. I plan to have a weekly mayor open door time for citizens to speak safely to me about concerns. That way I can listen and offer support as to the best course to get the desired results. 2. I plan to push for better marketing of the Port Theatre and Conference Centre as both are running at huge losses each year. If we can market to and book wholesome diverse acts and events this will help avoid controversial or questionable bookings and make shows suitable for all audiences. If a group is concerned of course they should be safe to speak out. I met with Benjamin Bollich after he spoke at the council meeting. A one on one meeting with a mayor open to listening could have made this easier for him and his supporters. Having policies as to what types of acts will be booked will provide a guideline for booking parties. Because I am very friendly to all citizens I would push for inclusion and safety in city owned spaces. If a controversial or confrontational situation arises or is expected, it could be necessary to have security on site. I think leading with an inclusive attitude sets a good example for everyone.2. Housing & Shelters2SLGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately represented among youth experiencing homelessness. What specific actions would you support through the City’s housing partnerships and work with shelter providers to improve safe, inclusive, and accessible services for trans, non-binary, and queer youth?2SLGBTQIA+ youth and elders face unique risks of displacement. How would you utilize municipal tools such as zoning, incentives, city land, and housing partnerships to reduce housing barriers experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and elders, and what additional supports would you advocate for from the Province?Anne Marie's Response:I have helped quite a few youth in our community long before deciding to run, including some who were in the above noted group. One who transitions still reminds me that I was there to provide guidance at a critical time and help with self acceptance. I have had many wonderful friends over the years in the community. I really have a problem with homelessness and it is top of list for problems to solve here. We definitely need more housing for vulnerable people suffering with lack of shelter, employment and food. I have always wanted to create an art centre for youth that would have a food preparation component so they could eat and do art somewhere safe, modelled after the Artists For Humanity in Boston which I visited and was very moved by and also the Winnipeg Graffiti Arts Programing which I also visited with my daughter for ideas. As an artist in addition to my professional background I believe art is very therapeutic and can enhance a sense of identity in a very positive way while also giving license to be different and expressive. I want everyone to have somewhere safe and warm to sleep and exist. It is a top priority and in Nanaimo I would put this ahead of less urgent expenditures like road narrowing, bollards and bike lanes. This topic is deep in my heart and we can find solutions if we have the will to do so. I possess that will.3. Municipal Funding, Representation & SupportWhat principles should guide City funding for equity and inclusion initiatives, and would you support continuing public expressions of inclusion such as Pride flag raising and rainbow crosswalks?Elected officials influence community tone and dialogue. When discriminatory or demeaning rhetoric arises in the community, what role do you believe the Mayor and Council should play in publicly supporting residents who are targeted, and how would you use your platform as an elected official to respond?Anne Marie's Response:Mayor and council should set examples for welcoming, inclusive behaviour and speech. Celebrating differences is a fine thing to want to do and we should all embrace those differences that make our society richer. I draw a line at globalist involvement because I think we can do more meaningful initiatives on our own without a hidden agenda that is not in the interest of humanity. I am vehemently opposed to bullying, name calling and unkindness to anyone. I have been standing up to bullies on my own behalf and that of others too, my whole life and that will carry through to my role as mayor. I would not hesitate to call out dismissive arrogant unkind behaviour and speech against any group or individual just trying to exist peacefully as part of our community.4. Healthcare, Harm Reduction & Social ServicesIn Nanaimo, 0.57% (about 1 in 180 residents aged 15 and older) identify as transgender or non-binary, ranking it second in British Columbia (behind Victoria) and fourth nationally for mid-sized urban centers. How would you approach advocating to provincial partners and Island Health for expanded access to gender‑affirming care, inclusive mental health supports, and specialized health resources?Trans and queer residents, particularly Queer & Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (QTBIPOC) community members, are disproportionately affected by the toxic drug crisis and housing shortages. How should the City manage harm reduction and public safety to ensure vulnerable residents receive equitable support?Anne Marie's Response:Having community facilities, like the art centres described above, give vulnerable individuals a chance to feel part of something important. It can help develop skills for self-sufficiency and success. The programs cover art, culinary art, events planning, maketing and entrepreneurship. They create a team spirit and can include counselling and some health resources. As mayor I will be able to finally explore this long held vision and bring in some excellent people who share this vision to bring it to life.5. Workplace Equity Within the CityMunicipal governments model workplace standards for the broader community. How do you think the City should approach being an inclusive employer? This could include gender‑affirming benefits, equitable hiring practices, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) training for staff and Council.Anne Marie's Response:I believe that government hiring should be based on merit regardless of gender, appearance, orientation or how one identifies. I think that programs to help vulnerable citizens learn how to be qualified and how best to apply should help them be the best applicants and get hired as such. Programs that help confidence and skills will be instrumental in getting better chances at great jobs for the vulnerable or different individuals. Staff and council should take the lead of an open minded humanitarian mayor who supports opportunities for these individuals. I believe I am that individual also possessing the other required skills such as financial literacy and fiscal responsibility. We can and must be inclusive and equitable and anyone hostile to those concepts does not belong in a leadership role. I also think that we can develop our EDI without serving the globalist agenda for eugenics and instead having empowering programs to help all participants to be strong and live their best lives. People are complex and globalist directives do not generally act for humanity. They always have a hidden agenda that does not really serve the groups they exploit for their own advancement.

Position running for: MayorSocial media link: https://www.lovegroveformayor.ca/https://www.facebook.com/sarahlovegrovefornanaimo2026/ https://www.instagram.com/nurselovegrove/Questionnaire1. Safety, Public Spaces & Anti‑Hate MeasuresNanaimo has seen demonstrations and counter‑demonstrations related to gender and sexual diversity at municipal and school board facilities. How do you approach ensuring that public municipal spaces remain safe and accessible for all residents during periods of heightened tension?Municipal spaces are sometimes requested for controversial events, such as the Ben Bankas booking at the City-owned Port Theatre. What principles should guide the City’s facility booking policies and its agreements with facility operators when balancing public safety, inclusion, access, and freedom of expression? What measures would you support to ensure the Respectful Spaces Bylaw is applied consistently across City facilities, services, programs, and events, and how should the City address inconsistencies when they arise?Sarah's Response:I will approach ensuring the safety and accessibility of public municipal spaces from an understanding that some groups (i.e. 2SLGBTQ+, racialized, disabled people, etc.) are more vulnerable than others and that an equity-oriented lens needs to be prioritized at times of heightened tension and division within the community.To enhance safety for all, the municipal government can promote the use of and support the training of non-police interventions within such circumstances, including the use of social workers, people with lived experience, counselling professionals or other persons who are trained in de-escalation and non-violent crisis intervention.Within my campaign platform I have included a priority to"[I]nstitute an equity policy for event permitting to ensure publicly owned venues and spaces are not used to host anti-2SLGBTQIA+, racist, or otherwise discriminatory events." Such a policy would create space to construct boundaries, principles, and policies around booking at municipal facilities to balance public safety, inclusion, access, and freedom of expression. This policy would understand and act on the difference between freedom of expression and hate speech, acknowledging that publicly-funded municipal facilities or venues are not an appropriate space to promote discriminatory activities or engagements that involve hate speech.2. Housing & Shelters2SLGBTQIA+ youth are disproportionately represented among youth experiencing homelessness. What specific actions would you support through the City’s housing partnerships and work with shelter providers to improve safe, inclusive, and accessible services for trans, non-binary, and queer youth?2SLGBTQIA+ youth and elders face unique risks of displacement. How would you utilize municipal tools such as zoning, incentives, city land, and housing partnerships to reduce housing barriers experienced by 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and elders, and what additional supports would you advocate for from the Province?Sarah's Response:Housing availability and affordability for all is my number one priority within this campaign. Within my own advocacy work in our community, I recognize the disproportionate impacts of homelessness, substance use, harm from toxic drugs, and mental health challenges within the 2SLGBTQ+ community and across intersecting identities of race, socioeconomic status, and disability.Ensuring our community has 24/7 availability of safe, welcoming, and supportive spaces is vital. I would prioritize the creation and expansion of dedicated shelter space for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, adults, and Elders as they are significantly more vulnerable to abuse and assault in shelter spaces.Additionally, I will prioritize low-income and/or supportive housing options for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, Elders and other community members. Housing discrimination is an issue faced by many queer folk and having dedicated housing can be a way to push back and create consistent home spaces rooted in safety without fear of discrimination within living conditions or as motivation for eviction.I will prioritize ensuring that municipally funded shelters engage in education and training for all staff on issues related to 2SLGTBQ+ populations (i.e. gender affirming care and treatment, particular health and mental health issues faced by these populations, including trauma-informed and culturally-safe practices). Additionally, ensuring staff are trained to recognize homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise discriminatory abuse and language and how to intervene appropriately and effectively to support the wellbeing of the people most impacted.3. Municipal Funding, Representation & SupportWhat principles should guide City funding for equity and inclusion initiatives, and would you support continuing public expressions of inclusion such as Pride flag raising and rainbow crosswalks?Elected officials influence community tone and dialogue. When discriminatory or demeaning rhetoric arises in the community, what role do you believe the Mayor and Council should play in publicly supporting residents who are targeted, and how would you use your platform as an elected official to respond?Sarah's Response:The City should be guided by the understanding that some populations (including queer folk) have historically been disenfranchised, discriminated against, and pushed to the margins. When considering inclusion and equity, priority should be given to addressing these past and present wrongs, and inequalities and specific effort should be made to include and prioritize queer voices, especially in events/policies that impact them directly.Physical demonstrations of safety and support (Pride flags, rainbow crosswalks, etc.) should continue to be uplifted, celebrated, and expanded within our community to promote safety and inclusion across our community, while sending a clear message to visitors and community members alike that Nanaimo stands for love, safety, and inclusion of all people.Discriminatory language or rhetoric should be called out and stopped at official city meeting and events. The Mayor and Council should be trained and responsive to the 2SLGBTQ+ community when discussing language and rhetoric, and remain open to changing their behaviour and language as they learn.I wholeheartedly agree that tone and dialogue around controversial issues are influenced significantly by elected officials. This is a significant motivation for my candidacy in this election. The Mayor and Council should lead by example: modelling behaviour of support, enacting policies, and using language that is progressive, inclusive, and respectful. As Mayor, I will be as engaged and participatory within Pride and other queer-centred events to be best of my capacity to demonstrate my unshakeable allyship for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. For example, I would love the opportunity to be properly dressed up in drag at next year's Pride!4. Healthcare, Harm Reduction & Social ServicesIn Nanaimo, 0.57% (about 1 in 180 residents aged 15 and older) identify as transgender or non-binary, ranking it second in British Columbia (behind Victoria) and fourth nationally for mid-sized urban centers. How would you approach advocating to provincial partners and Island Health for expanded access to gender‑affirming care, inclusive mental health supports, and specialized health resources?Trans and queer residents, particularly Queer & Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (QTBIPOC) community members, are disproportionately affected by the toxic drug crisis and housing shortages. How should the City manage harm reduction and public safety to ensure vulnerable residents receive equitable support?Sarah's Response:In my advocacy and work experiences throughout the past 8 years, it is very clear to me that QTBIPOC residents are disproportionately impacted by the toxic drug crisis and housing affordability crisis. I have lost too many of my own queer friends and colleagues as a result of toxic drugs within the context of a grossly under-resourced community. This is a very important issue for me and I thank you for including it in your survey.As a cis-hetero white woman putting my name forward for this important position, I recognize my privilege here as well as the historical and ongoing lack of representation of these voices at the decision-making table. I will therefore first prioritize the inclusion and prioritization of voices of QTBIPOC substance users and people with lived/living experience with homelessness or housing insecurity in all decision-making regarding policies and strategies that address these issues.The municipal government has the capacity to ensure comprehensive and updated training at all levels for all City of Nanaimo personnel, specifically ensuring the enhanced training of any frontline staff (CSO's, bylaw, fire etc.), municipally-funded shelter staff, and harm reduction workers about trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, and gender affirming care. We need to ensure there is education for personnel at all levels about the particular traumas faced by 2SLGBTQ+ folk that may inform their relationship to health care systems and substance use; including cultural safety and trauma-informed practice to ensure City staff and spaces do not perpetuate trauma or re-traumatize our residents. Included in this municipal training would be an emphasis on respecting identities and understanding the barriers and vulnerabilities faced by queer folks, especially racialized queer folks in institutionalized spaces, including and especially health care and shelter or supportive housing settings.As a registered nurse who both practices and teaches gender-affirming care, I recognize this as a significant missing piece to our local spectrum of healthcare. I would engage my most powerful advocacy efforts within my relationships to provincial partners and Island Health for expanded funding, availability, and access to gender‑affirming care, low barrier, affordable (preferably, free) inclusive mental health supports, and specialized health resources for the 2SLGBTQ+ residents of Nanaimo. I have worked as a nurse at AVI Health and Community Services and have strong connections to this non-profit healthcare provider who are actively engaging physicians and NP's to expand their gender-affirming care offerings at their downtown Nanaimo location. I will advocate within our council to support their efforts to become a Community Health Centre (CHC) funded by the province that would allow them to expand their capacity and support of our community in need of connection to inclusive, low-barrier health care. I would also advocate with Island Health to enhance their accessibility of local health services, specifically advocating for them to hire a 2SLGBTQ+ Liaison within our Emergency Department at NRGH (as it was offered in Victoria hospitals until recently) to enhance the safety and accessibility of our local hospital and emergency healthcare services.5. Workplace Equity Within the CityMunicipal governments model workplace standards for the broader community. How do you think the City should approach being an inclusive employer? This could include gender‑affirming benefits, equitable hiring practices, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) training for staff and Council.Sarah's Response:The City of Nanaimo has an important opportunity to demonstrate leadership as an inclusive employer, ensuring that all employee benefits include access to a full spectrum of gender affirming care and 2SLGBTQ+ health care.City of Nanaimo staff and Council need to engage in ongoing training and education on the present and historical discrimination faced by queer populations, informed by people with lived and living experience within our community. At the leadership level, City management and Mayor & Council need to demonstrate attention and responsiveness to reports of employment discrimination and working with appropriate agencies to address it. As an employer that celebrates diversity, the City of Nanaimo needs to be prioritizing the voices of queer community members in discussions about employment and labour issues, and explore the option of conducting a study or survey to better understand the current situation within the employment experience of City of Nanaimo staff and contractors.As a municipality, we can also engage in offering municipal resources to help train and educate other employers around the city in how to create inclusive and welcoming workplaces more broadly in our community, and celebrate workplaces within our community that represent inclusion and safety for their employers.

The following Candidates for Mayor did not complete the survey by the September 28th deadline:Leonard Krog