A former View Royal mayor is the official federal Liberal candidate for the Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke riding.

David Screech, a four-term councillor and two-term mayor in View Royal, said it is an honour to be acclaimed by the Liberal Party of Canada.

B次元官网网址淚 believe this election to be one of the most important in Canadian history.  I am deeply concerned that Canada is at a crossroads where our values are being confronted and challenged,B次元官网网址� he said in a news release.

Screech was also the long-time owner/operator of GreggB次元官网网址檚 Furniture and Upholstery Ltd. in Victoria. Its iconic downtown Victoria shop closed in September 2024 after Screech said deteriorating safety around the business was B次元官网网址渢he tipping point.B次元官网网址�

He described vehicle break-ins, people defecating on or near his store property, and someone pulling a knife on an employee in the storeB次元官网网址檚 parking lot.

B次元官网网址淢y many years in local politics and operating a business, have enabled me to develop a deep understanding of the aspirations, concerns and hopes of people across our region,B次元官网网址� Screech said. B次元官网网址淭his is not an easy time for many people. The record shows IB次元官网网址檝e worked hard over the years for people across the Capital Region and beyond. The people in this riding deserve more. ThereB次元官网网址檚 much work to be done. IB次元官网网址檓 not afraid of hard work.B次元官网网址�

ScreechB次元官网网址檚 campaign kicks off with support from longtime member of Parliament Keith Martin, who represented the riding from 1993 to 2011.

B次元官网网址淎s a local businessperson, former mayor, and committed public servant, David Screech will be an outstanding MP for our community.  David will fight for our riding and our Canada,B次元官网网址� he said.

The riding is currently represented by NDP MP Randall Garrison who announced in April 2023 that he wouldnB次元官网网址檛 seek re-election.

B次元官网网址淚t has been a privilege to serve my constituents and to work with MPs across the country to help make Canada a better place for us all,B次元官网网址� Garrison said at that time. B次元官网网址淎s an out and proud member of the 2SLGBTQ1+ community, I hope that I have demonstrated that diversity is one of our strengths as a nation and that more diverse parliaments make better laws.B次元官网网址�

- with files from Canadian Press