Voters in Prince George are invited to a candidate debate focused on nature and climate issues on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
The event will take place at the Weldwood Lecture Theatre (Room 7-238) at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and is organized by UNBC students in partnership with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, British Columbia (CPAWS-BC).
Doors will open at 6:15 p.m., with the debate starting at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to reserve seats via Eventbrite, as only a limited number of spots will be available for walk-ins.
“Recent polling shows that a vast majority of voters support increased protection for both land and ocean areas, with strong backing across all major parties," said Eden Luymes, youth engagement co-ordinator at CPAWS-BC. "It’s crucial for voters in Prince George to hear how their candidates plan to tackle these pressing concerns.”
The non-partisan debate will feature candidates from the BC NDP, BC Green Party, Conservative Party of BC, and Independent candidates from the Prince George-Mackenzie, Prince George-North Cariboo, and Prince George-Valemount ridings. Confirmed participants include Shar McCrory (BC NDP), James Steidle (BC Green Party), and Rachael Weber (Independent) for Prince George-Mackenzie, as well as Coralee Oakes (Independent) and Randy Thompson (BC Green Party) for Prince George-North Cariboo.
Youth members of the CPAWS-BC Young Leaders in Conservation Program will lead the discussion by posing specific questions to the candidates, with additional time allocated for audience questions at the end of the panel.
“As youth, we will live the future we help shape today; let us shape a future worth fighting for. Every vote matters, and it's essential to be informed and make your voice heard," said Tina Watters, a local participant in the Young Leaders program.
Madi Tokarchuk, also from the Young Leaders program, added: “With declining voter rates, it’s vital to prioritize informed voting among our youth. Environmental issues are increasingly urgent, and we must demand change and protection for our environment from our leaders.”
CPAWS-BC is one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation organizations, advocating for the protection of wilderness across British Columbia and its oceans. The organization collaborates with Indigenous, provincial, and federal governments to create large, interconnected protected areas that support biodiversity and combat climate change.
