It was pouring rain in Nanaimo, but that didn’t stop Paul Manly from holding a press conference about curbing the export of raw resources under a Green Party themed tent in a parking lot adjacent to the port in Nanaimo B.B.
As Manly addressed the media, a homeless man — visibly disoriented and possibly under the influence — wandered into the press conference area from behind the tent. “I know him,” said Manly before continuing with his remarks.
It wasn’t just a moment — it was a statement. Manly knew the man from his time as Executive Director of the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter. While other politicians might have recoiled or called for help, Manly extended familiarity and humanity. It wasn’t for the cameras; it was real.
In a political landscape dominated by performative empathy and photo ops at charity galas, Paul Manly stands out.
How many candidates actually know the homeless people who sleep on the streets of their community?
Most career politicians spend more time attending Chamber of Commerce lunches or private fundraisers than engaging directly with people experiencing homelessness. Paul Manly is different. When he speaks about the housing crisis, addiction, or mental health, he speaks from lived experience — not just policy papers.
Paul Manly’s campaign is rooted in grassroots service, and progressive policies – not self-promotion. As a former Green MP, city councillor, and shelter director, he’s seen the failures of our systems firsthand — and works to fix them. That shows in every quiet, unassuming act of decency.
Whether or not voters are watching, Paul Manly is paying attention — even to those our political class prefers to ignore for this and for his support of Palestine and sanctions on Israel he deserves to be elected.
