Provincial election guide: Candidates running in Esquimalt-Colwood

The Esquimalt-Colwood electoral district comprises four municipalities surrounding the Esquimalt Harbour and Royal Roads, including Colwood, View Royal, Esquimalt and the neighbourhood of Vic West from Victoria. 

It is a relatively new riding that was first created in 2024, containing parts of the former Esquimalt-Metchosin and Victoria-Beacon Hill districts.

In the 2024 election, the first it was active, the BC NDP’s Darlene Rotchford won by a margin of around 7,000 votes. 

Here are the candidates running to be the next MLA of the Esquimalt-Colwood electoral District:

Darlene Rotchford – BC NDP (incumbent)

Rotchford was elected as the MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood in 2024, and has served as the parliamentary secretary for armed forces development and veterans’ affairs during the past two years.

Before getting into provincial politics, she was an elected councillor in Esquimalt where she advocated for building more homes for people in her community. 

She has also served as president of the Victoria Labour Council where she worked on behalf of working families who were fighting for good wages and working conditions. 

In other work, she has worked with individuals facing mental health and addictions issues, working to ensure people get the treatment they need.

Her priorities are to stand up for the province, protect people and services and build a stronger economy.

This will be the second time Rotchford is running to be MLA for the riding after her win in 2024. 

Find information on the BC NDP’s platform here. 

Sidney Coles – BC Green Party

Coles has worked as a journalist, communications professional, researcher and former public servant.

Her career has focused on environmental justice, human rights, Indigenous issues, gender equity and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Since 2021, she has worked as a freelance journalist, including two years with Capital Daily. 

Coles’ work has also appeared in Ricochet Media, the Watershed Sentinel, Canada’s National Observer, the Toronto Star, the Hamilton Spectator and Women and Climate.

Her public-service experience includes working senior policy and program roles with the Ontario government. 

She holds two PhDs from the University of Toronto in comparative literature and applied psychology and human development.

In 2021, Coles ran in the federal election for the NDP in a Toronto riding, but was removed due to controversial social media posts. 

In her posts, which have since been deleted, she reportedly indicated that Israel was responsible for alleged missing COVID-19 vaccine doses in the United States.

She was removed from the party ahead of the election and issued an apology for her comments, admitting she was wrong and taking a firm stance against anti-Semitism, racism and discrimination. 

This will be the first BC election Coles participates in as a candidate. 

Find information on the BC Greens’ platform here. 

Dave Johnston – Conservative Party of BC

Johnston is the son of two public school teachers, was born in Prince Rupert, raised in Campbell River and now calls Colwood home. 

He has served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a ranger for the last decade. 

Aside from his military history, Johnston has studied at Camosun College and obtained his Red Seal as an electrician from BCIT. 

He worked in northern BC at Mount Milligan, a large-scale, open-pit copper and gold mine located about 155 kilometres northwest of Prince George. 

Johnston also worked at The Rio Tinto Alcan upgrade project near Kitimat. While there, he founded the non-profit organization The North Matters to advocate for responsible resource development. 

Furthermore, he worked with the Haisla Nation managing capital projects and assets.

This election is Johnston’s first as a candidate. 

Find information on the BC Conservatives’s platform here. 

Sid Tobias – CentreBC

Tobias may be a familiar name in Greater Victoria because he served as mayor of View Royal from 2022 to 2026. 

He has also served with the Canadian Armed Forces, is an experienced public servant and has deep roots in the Esquimalt-Colwood region.

Tobias was born in Esquimalt and spent much of his military career based at CFB Esquimalt. 

Following his military service, Tobias spent over a decade working in the BC Public Service, before being elected mayor of View Royal and Capital Regional District director in 2022. 

His priorities include housing, healthcare, transportation, infrastructure and affordability.

This is Tobias’ first time running in a provincial election. 

Find information on CentreBC’s platform here. 

Voting information

Advance voting will take place from October 16th to 21st, with voting places open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time. 

Final Voting Day is Saturday, October 24th, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters can confirm their electoral district and find voting locations through Elections BC.