Laurel is recognized as a climate champion in the House of Commons and has fought hard for bold climate action and good jobs for workers in a low-carbon economy. She has been a strong advocate for a health-based approach to the toxic drug crisis, for Indigenous rights, and for real action on the affordable housing crisis in Victoria.

As a Victoria City Councilor, she successfully fought to accelerate the City of Victoria’s Climate Leadership Plan, for strong affordable housing policies, and for protecting the urban forest. Before entering politics, Laurel co-founded Divest Victoria, an organization promoting responsible investment, for which she won a Victoria Community Leadership award in Sustainability and Community Building. As an instructor the University of Victoria, she taught courses in Social Justice Studies, Political Sociology, Social Inequality and the Sociology of Gender.

Laurel has dedicated her life to advocating for social and environmental justice and is committed to continuing that work to ensure a liveable planet for future generations. She lives in Victoria with her partner James and their daughter Alora.