A provincial election candidate debate focused on the environment is coming up, and Sea to Sky voters are invited to attend.
Voters in the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding are invited to watch and take part in a nature and climate candidate debate on Oct. 7, hosted by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, British Columbia (CPAWS-BC).
Held at the Eagle Eye Community Theatre at Howe Sound Secondary School, the debate will see candidates Jen Ford from BC NDP, Jeremy Valeriote from the BC Green Party and Yuri Fulmer from the Conservative Party of BC share their views on key environmental issues.
The meeting will not be live-streamed.
“Polling reaffirms that the residents of Squamish and the Sea to Sky value strong environmental policies that will expand protected areas, address climate change and ensure sustainable management of natural resources to safeguard our shared futures,” CPAWS-BC conservation director Tori Ball said in a press release.
Youth from the CPAWS-BC Young Leaders in Conservation Program will be developing and asking specific questions to candidates. There will be time allotted for audience questions toward the end of the panel.
"It is really inspiring to see youth taking an active interest in our local elections, as it is the youth that will bring the courage, innovation, leadership and drive to create the future that we envision for ourselves,” program participant Hailey Boehner said.
“A healthy and resilient environment that is protected for future generations and supports both communities and local biodiversity, is imperative to this future," she said.
Fellow program participant Ellika Cairns said it was an exciting opportunity for youth in the Squamish community to engage directly with candidates.
“I know many young people have concerns about environmental and climate policies, and how they will impact our future,” Cairns said in the release..
“Here in the Sea to Sky, we are directly impacted by rising sea levels, wildfires, flooding, severe weather events, and other effects of climate change. Strong environmental policies that aim to mitigate and adapt to these pressures are imperative to a healthy future for all of us.”
Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Food from Luz Tacos will be provided following the debate.
Attendees are encouraged to reserve a seat via Eventbrite, as only a limited number of seats will be held for walk-ins.
*Please note that this story has been updated to say that the event will not be live-streamed.
