Saanich North and the Islands voters invited to candidate debate on nature & climate

Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – September 17, 2024—Voters in Saanich North and the Islands are invited to a candidate debate on nature and climate on the evening of Sept. 26, 2024 at the SHOAL Community Centre hosted by The BC Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-BC) and Georgia Strait Alliance.

“Recent polling shows the vast majority of voters support more protected areas on land and in the ocean with strong support among all major parties. It’s important for voters in Saanich North and the Islands to hear how their candidates intend to address their concerns about nature and climate,” says Eden Luymes, Youth Engagement Coordinator at CPAWS-BC.

The forum is non-partisan and BC NDP, BC Green Party, Conservative Party of BC and Independent candidates have been invited. Candidates will have a chance to share ideas and plans with the audience on key environmental issues that are front and centre in BC and across the constituency.

“There are lots of important environmental issues that communities need to hear candidates discuss,” said Russ Elliott, Campaigns Manager for Georgia Strait Alliance. “It’s not only about the next four years but laying a path forward for future generations. Making space for and supporting youth involvement in this process is essential.”

Youth from the CPAWS-BC Young Leaders in Conservation Program will be developing and asking specific questions to candidates. There will be space in the second half for audience Q&As.

“It’s critical that youth and young adult voices are heard in these conversations about environmental and climate policy. It’s our futures that are at stake―in this election and every election,” says Luymes.

Doors will open at 6 pm, with complimentary snacks and drinks before the debate begins. Attendees are encouraged to reserve a seat via Eventbrite, as only a limited number of seats will be held for walk-ins.

“CPAWS-BC is pleased to partner with Georgia Strait Alliance on this event,” says Luymes. “We have collaborated for years to ensure better protections in the Strait of Georgia and it’s crucial to have their local expertise included for this panel in the Saanich North and the Islands riding.”

About the organizers:
Georgia Strait Alliance has been the leading advocate for the protection of the Strait of Georgia for more than 30 years. Grounded in environmental justice, we mobilize and support collective action for the protection of a Salish Sea teeming with life where thriving and just communities live in balance with the environment.

CPAWS-BC is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We advocate for the protection of wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We work with Indigenous, provincial and federal governments with the goal of creating large protected and interconnected areas: places that can nurse nature through climate change and shelter plants and animals forever.

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Media Contacts:
Max Winkelman, CPAWS-BC, max@cpawsbc.org, 604-685-7445 x3
Allison Murray, Georgia Strait Alliance, allison@murraycommunications.org, 604-442-1846