Bill McKay
Experience meter
45 of 32 per-pass points · scores scale with terms & years served.
Figures collected from public online sources · not independently verified
- Elected public office+10 per 1 term
- Municipal committee+4 per 2 yrs
- Non-profit board+3 per 3 yrs
- Community organization+5 per 5 yrs+00 yrs
- Professional experience+5 per 15 yrs
- Recognized award+2 per 2 awards+00 awards
- Volunteer service+3 per 1 met
Bill McKay is a ship's captain and marine operations manager who served as Mayor of Nanaimo from 2014 to 2018, after a term on council (2011–2014). His mayoral term was among the most turbulent in the city's recent history: seven councillors called for his resignation in March 2016 amid council infighting, and the period included RCMP investigations, two special prosecutors and a leaked confidential email. He did not seek re-election in 2018. Now he is running for a council seat, telling the Times Colonist he has 'unfinished business' — 'I can't say that I enjoyed the shenanigans, but I enjoyed the work' — and says he prefers a council role because he has 'complete faith' in Mayor Leonard Krog. Details collected from public sources.
Key positions
Collected from public online sources · not independently verified- —Returning to politics because of 'unfinished business' — initiatives he was unable to complete while in office — and would rather serve as a councillor than challenge Mayor Leonard Krog, in whom he says he has 'complete faith'.Source
- —Campaign messaging emphasizes responsible leadership, sound fiscal management, and exploring opportunities for revenue generation that will ease tax increases.Source
Campaign Timeline
Events are researched from public sources and candidate disclosures.
2026 Campaign
The current election cycle — announcements, policy positions, and events from this campaign.
- Sep 17, 2026 · media
Profiled by the Times Colonist on his return to council politics
McKay told the Times Colonist he has 'unfinished business' from his 2014–2018 term as mayor and is running for a council seat rather than the mayor's chair.
Source
Previous Campaigns
Earlier election cycles and prior public service, shown separately for context.
- Jan 10, 2018 · controversy
Council formally censures McKay over respectful workplace policy
Council found McKay and Councillor Sheryl Brennan had breached the city's respectful workplace policy in their treatment of the chief administrative officer, directing training and recommending a written apology. McKay disputed the censure.
Source - Dec 28, 2017 · controversy
City of Nanaimo discontinues lawsuit against Mayor McKay
Council voted to discontinue the legal action, citing legal costs and delays. McKay characterized the decision as vindication; no findings were made against him.
Source - Jan 4, 2017 · controversy
City of Nanaimo files lawsuit against Mayor McKay
The City filed a civil claim alleging McKay improperly disclosed confidential information to a former administrative assistant and obstructed staff. McKay said he did nothing wrong.
Source - Nov 9, 2016 · controversy
Nanaimo City Council issues formal statement about Mayor McKay
Council issued a public statement alleging that McKay failed to disclose business dealings and gifts, and inappropriately shared confidential information. Council referred the matters to the RCMP. McKay denied wrongdoing.
Source
Videos & Coverage
Researched from public sources.
Ex-Nanaimo mayor wants to return as a councillor
Julie Chadwick's feature on Bill McKay's council run: 'unfinished business,' his turbulent 2014–2018 term, and why he'd rather serve as a councillor under Mayor Krog.
NNN's last 10: Constant infighting marked forgettable era of Nanaimo politics
Retrospective on the 2014–2018 council era, including the leaked email critical of McKay's council colleagues and the turmoil that defined his term.
Nanaimo Mayor Bill McKay not running for re-election
2018 report on McKay stepping away after a turbulent four years in the mayor's office.
Recognitions & Community Engagement
No recognitions recorded yet.
Financial Transparency
Campaign Finance
Elections BC
- Official source
- Filing ID: 100127809
Superseded by an amended filing.
- Official source
- Filing ID: 100123114
Personal Financial Disclosure
Municipal disclosure statements
No personal financial disclosure on file. Not Available.
Public Questions
No questions yet.