Victoria NDP MP Laurel Collins is running once again in this month’s federal election and has garnered the endorsement of a former opponent.
Former Victoria Conservative candidate Hannah Hodson has given her endorsement to the NDP incumbent ahead of the April 28th election day.
Hodson had run against Collins in the 2021 race for the Victoria electoral district, and has cited Collins’ commitment to the community, her values and effectiveness as an MP as her reasons for the endorsement.
The former Conservative candidate was the first openly transgender candidate to run for the federal Conservatives.
However, she resigned from the party in 2023 due to the Conservative’s stance on gender-affirming care.
Since then, Hodson has been a vocal critic of what she describes as “politically motivated attacks on minorities” within the Conservative Party and those who support them.
“Laurel Collins has consistently fought for bold climate action, affordable housing, and for more services especially for the most vulnerable in her community,” said Hodson.
Hodson also spoke out against her former party in regards to the recent calls for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to drop North Island-Powell River candidate Aaron Gunn.
“Laurel’s unwavering advocacy for marginalized communities stands in stark contrast to the Conservative Party’s regressive policies and embrace of candidates who deny historical truths,” she added.
Collins secured re-election in 2021 with over 44% of the vote compared to Liberal candidate Nikki Macdonald’s 27% and Hodson’s 14%.
Collins says she is happy to accept the endorsement of her former opponent.
“Hannah’s courage in speaking truth to power reflects the values our community holds dear,” said Collins.
“Here in BC, people vote NDP to defeat Conservatives. Together, let’s protect what matters most to us.”
In Hodson’s stead, Angus Ross will be the Victoria Conservative candidate on the upcoming election’s ballots.
According to Ross’ Conservative Party webpage, he has spent most of his career as a police officer, with some experience in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Additionally, he was a municipal councillor in Scugog, Ontario from 2018 to 2021—a township of just over 22,000.
He says his priorities for the community lie in community safety and policing.
