As the NDP Critic for Environment and Climate Change and Deputy Critic for Families, Children, and Social Development, she is recognized as a climate champion in the House of Commons. Laurel has tirelessly advocated for bold climate action and sustainable jobs in a low-carbon economy. She is also a strong voice for a health-based approach to the toxic drug crisis, Indigenous rights, and addressing the affordable housing crisis in Victoria.
During her time as a Victoria City Councillor, Laurel successfully pushed to accelerate the City of Victoria’s Climate Leadership Plan, championed robust affordable housing policies, and worked to protect the urban forest. Before her political career, she co-founded Divest Victoria, an organization dedicated to promoting responsible investment, earning her a Victoria Community Leadership Award in Sustainability and Community Building.
As a former instructor at the University of Victoria, she taught courses in Social Justice Studies, Political Sociology, Social Inequality, and the Sociology of Gender. She resides in Victoria with her partner James and their daughter Alora.
