Les Jickling is the right choice for North Vancouver-Capilano

Les Jickling is seeking the Conservative nomination in North Vancouver and when asked why he feels he has the right skills and experience to serve as North Vancouver’s Member of Parliament, he offers a compelling and logical answer. Jickling touches on family, community service, his business career, political experience, and some elements of his personality as the reason why he is the ideal candidate.

On Family

Les Jickling considers his family a source strength and inspiration. His wife Michelle, son Ben and a dog Max keep him grounded and aware of the daily challenges that families face when juggling multiple commitments, shuttling between activities and making financial compromises. These are the same challenges faced by the families he intends to represent.

Community Service

For the last 17 years, Les has also been an active volunteer with the Federal Conservative Party. He has served in almost every role at the riding association level, attended several conventions as an elected delegate, run as a candidate in the 2021 Federal election and been formally recognized by the party for his dedication and service.

For 10 years he has been a volunteer with a charity that raises money for hospice care in British Columbia. Among other projects, they built and continue to fund the hospice at UBC.  For 18 years he was a volunteer with the Vancouver Open Water Swim Association including three years as its President. The organization is devoted to safe outdoor swimming and also funds the BC Special Olympics and the Vancouver Lifeguard Association. During his last term as president, open water swimming became a recognized event at the summer Olympics.

These days, he spends most of his time with his son’s school and sporting activities.

Demonstrated success in business and healthcare

Les started his career with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Victoria and an MBA from St. Mary’s University. He then served in senior leadership roles across technology, biotechnology and healthcare. His specialty is driving growth and transformation.

Most recently, Les Jickling has been serving as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Eproval, a dynamic software company that has grown 700% since he joined them three years ago. Eproval’s mission is to accelerate local government permitting processes.

As a member of the Copeman Healthcare executive, he led the project to transform the organization into a Deloitte Best Managed Company, which is one of Canada’s preeminent national business awards. Later, Copeman merged with Medisys and became part of Telus Health. At LifeLabs, Les brought the Fecal Immunochemical (FIT) test to market. This is an early diagnostic test for Colon cancer that is the gold standard for prevention. Based on successful screening rates, the FIT test has the potential to save over 200 lives a year in BC.

At Absolute Software, Les was part of a team that drove a 1,200% increase in sales contracts and won numerous awards including a CODiE. He was twice awarded the Chairman’s Cup for a game-changing contribution and received four ASSET awards for going above and beyond. Absolute Software is a Vancouver success story that according to Business in Vancouver sold to Crosspoint Capital for approximately $1.2 Billion dollars in May of 2023.

Throughout his career, he has widely published on a broad range of topics including technology, healthcare, and travel.

The will to carry-on in the face of adversity

Perhaps most interesting are the life lessons Les has gleaned from tackling challenges outside of work. By overcoming challenges, he has learned grit and determination – qualities he believes are desirable in a politician. Here are a few ways in which he has been challenged and ultimately prevailed.

Paddling the entire Blue Nile river from source to sea, a journey of 5,000 kms made in support of World Water Monitoring Day and access to fresh water in the developing world. It was a journey many experts said was impossible.

Completing the gruelling Penticton Ironman Triathlon, a race that requires athletes to swim 3.85 kms, ride 180 kms and run a 42.2 kms marathon. Separately, he has completed the 9 km swim from Sandy Cove in West Vancouver to Kitsilano Beach and the dramatic swim from the island of Alcatraz to Aquatic Park, San Francisco.

Some other interesting things he has done: Scaling the 4,392-metre peak of Mt. Rainier, getting certified as a PADI open water diver, obtaining First Jump certification from the Canadian Sport Parachuting Association, and winning a Toastmaster’s International public speaking competition.  When overcoming obstacles, Les believes we develop courage, test our mettle and grow as human beings. With difficult challenges, sometimes the lesson is just to keep going.

Campaign experience and name recognition

As with any role, he believes a candidate should be experienced. He has been through a full election-cycle and learned to raise money, build a team and get out the vote. In addition to experience, he believes name recognition matters. Rather than start all over with a new name, it is more effective to build on a trusted brand.

Help Les win the Conservative nomination

Les makes a compelling argument for bringing character, experience and grit to the role. With that in mind, he has a request. Help him win the Conservative nomination by renewing or buying a Conservative party membership and supporting him at the nomination.

To become a Conservative Party of Canada member: https://donate.conservative.ca/en/membership/

To renew your Conservative Party of Canada membership: https://donate.conservative.ca/renew/