“Jessica has shown great leadership in tackling the selling-off of ‘surplus’ school lands in B.C. She’s been clear and vocal in pressing for retention of these invaluable public assets for the benefit of our communities and future generations.”
		MLA David Cubberley (Saanich South), NDP education critic 2006 – 8
	"I am convinced that Jessica Van der Veen will represent us in the same spirit that  Muriel [Overgaard], Elizabeth [Cull] and Charley [Beresford] would be proud  of.   Everything that she spoke about rang  honest ,and true, and within the principles that, as NDPers, we all hold dear.  As a one time candidate in this constituency in the by-election in 1978, I heartily recommend  Jessica Van der Veen."
		Bennett Camp
	"Jessica is the right person for Oak Bay-Gordon Head.  She is a tireless worker with compassion and understanding who is a strong advocate for children, health care, education and common sense.  Let's elect her as our next MLA to join the Carole James NDP Government in the BC Legislature."
		Chris Brown Member at Large, Oak Bay/Gordon Head Constituency Executive
	“ It is my view that Jessica will speak courageously for our public needs and our community interests. I believe she will always stand for equality and  for the full genuine inclusion of all in the decisions that affect their lives. I can’t vote for her because I live in Cowichan but I would if I could. My regards and my respects to you, Jessica.”
		Eden Haythornthwaite School Trustee in Cowichan
	"Jessica has the intelligence, passion and values needed to serve Oak Bay Gordon Head as an outstanding M.L.A. She has demonstrated her ability to listen, learn and respond to the concerns and wishes of her community with compassion, wit and a feisty spirit."
		Sheridan Cooper Executive Member, Oak Bay-Gordon Head New Democrats.
	"Hi. My name is Simon, and I'm a playwright, actor, and working theatre artist. I can claim all of these things to be fact today because of Jess. Hers was the very first acting class I was dragged to, by a doorman at some club I was flipping bottles in at the time, 15 years ago when I wasn't even aware that normal people could even become actors. I wish a teacher like her on anyone starting down the path of the artist. Her eagerly-shared wisdom, love of storytelling, and fierce righteous indignation at the injustices of society managed to stoke something in me that I had theretofore been unable to articulate. That class gave voice to the artist I was born to be. Forgive me if I wax a little poetic, but hey, our mentors'll do that to us, won't they?
		Simon Ogden Marketing Director and Writer-in-Residence, Lyric Stage Project
	"I am pleased to endorse Jessica Van der Veen in her campaign to become NDP MLA for Oak Bay -Gordon Head. I have known Jessica for a while now through a common interest in and commitment to public education. Her unflagging energy and vivacity, and her clear thinking and intelligence reflected in her discourse are continually impressive. Jessica is a wonderful listener who really takes the time to understand and to be sure everyone feels heard. Constituents who elect Jessica to take their concerns forward in the provincial political arena will be fortunate indeed."
		Diane McNally Public School Teacher, Union and Community Activist
	"Jessica is a community champion who believes that learning and education opportunities for all are at the heart of a creative and just society."
		Ron Faris Ph.D., President Golden Horizon Ventures
	"Jessica is a woman of great capability, relevant work experience, advanced education, energy and vision. I have come to know this as I have worked with Jessica to support and protect public education. I believe that Jessica is an agent of change and will work on behalf of all people and issues grounded in the principles of equity and compassion, sustainability and prosperity, integrity and truth. Jessica would work with an undeviating commitment to restore and move forward the vision we all desire for British Columbia."
		Deborah Nohr, Educator SD #61 Social activist and resident of Oak Bay and British Columbia