Waddell, 61, is a mainstream, moderate New Democrat running against an extremely conservative Liberal candidate with a long and friendly relationship with Premier Gordon Campbell.

Waddell, an MP from 1979 to 1993, is not perfect. He riled antigambling activists by spearheading the campaign to lift Vancouver's moratorium on slot machines. However, Waddell has also been a staunch advocate of arts and culture and a tireless promoter of the local film industry. As a provincial cabinet minister, he helped kick start Vancouver's Olympic bid.

Liberal candidate David Emerson, 58, former president and CEO of forestry giant Canfor Corp., is also a big booster of the Olympic Games. He has championed the Richmond/Airport/Vancouver Rapid Transit line, which would rip up the Cambie Heritage Boulevard and likely undermine bus service.

The 30-year-old Conservative candidate, Jesse Johl, and the 23-year-old Green candidate, Tracey Mann, both need more seasoning. Mann is articulate and sincere; Johl's party's platform offers very little for cities.

The Canadian Action Party candidate, Jacob Rempel, is a cheerful retired teacher who wants to cancel international trade agreements and end the Canadian government's cozy relationship with U.S.-based corporations.