Questions about housing, the cost of living, healthcare and toxic drugs — and how the provincial parties will tackle each theme as the next government — came before election candidates today, Oct. 8, at the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce's trade show.
Visitors to the Chamber’s annual event at The Show Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Vancouver, in Coquitlam, got a chance to talk with vendors about their businesses as well as speak with contenders seeking an MLA seat on Oct. 19.
The informal gathering for the provincial hopefuls was the idea of Chamber CEO Leslie Courchesne, who sought a more intimate greet instead of the regular all-candidates’ meetings for the region’s five constituencies.
She said the casual style is similar to what other Chambers around B.C. are doing for this election. Typically held during BC Small Business Week, the 2024 trade show in Coquitlam coincides with the provincial race, Courchesne said.
Conservative candidate Kerry van Aswegen (Port Moody–Burquitlam) told the Tri-City News she’s enjoying the campaign and meeting new people; however, she said she’s experienced vandalism with her signs: Yesterday, someone posted the words “Anti Vaxx,” “Intolerant,” “Racist” and other hateful words under her name.
Last weekend, Conservative Stephen Frolek (Coquitlam–Burke Mountain) also had his signs cut up, his spokesperson said while showing images on his mobile device.
Meanwhile, Independent candidate Ken Holowanky said he plans to pound the pavement starting tomorrow, Oct. 9.
Holding a large book titled Infinite Surburbia, he spoke about how Coquitlam residents are being pressured to sell their homes for real estate assemblies. He also said that many people don’t know who to vote for in this race and are turning to alternatives.
But MLA Rick Glumac (Port Moody–Burquitlam) said most of his conversations with voters centre on healthcare and the gains the NDP government has made under Premier David Eby and former leader John Horgan, including the training of 2,000 international nurses.
Green Party candidate Nicola Spurling (Coquitlam–Maillardville) said she’s also fielding questions about climate change and housing policies.
The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce trade show and candidate meet-and-greet is on until 7 p.m. at The Show Theatre in Coquitlam.
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