When the national media arrives in ridings with Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion, they typically do a quick online search for information on the local candidate.

The Liberal candidate for the B.C. riding of Saanich Gulf Islands is a well-known and long-time environmentalist, illustrator, writer, and has a PhD in geography. On Briony Penn's website, she talks about being courted by the NDP, Green party and Liberals before choosing to work with Dion.

Locals though, always have more information. Many speak fondly of a media stunt Penn pulled back in 2001. That's when Penn donned only underpants and a long blonde wig, jumped on a horse and rode around downtown Vancouver with several other women.

Penn said the purpose of her bare-breasted stunt was to exploit the media to raise awareness about endangered ecosystems.

Penn said at the time, "I've got a PhD and no one listens. I take my clothes off and here you all are. So thank you."

—Alison Crawford