West Vancouver - Sea to Sky voters invited to candidate debate on nature & climate

Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – September 17, 2024—Voters in West Vancouver – Sea to Sky are invited to a candidate debate on nature and climate on the evening of Oct. 7, 2024 at the Eagle Eye Community Theatre (Howe Sound Secondary School) hosted by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, British Columbia (CPAWS-BC).

“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,” says Tori Ball, Conservation Director at CPAWS-BC and Squamish resident.

The forum is non-partisan with candidates Jen Form from BC NDP, Jeremy Valeriote from BC Green Party and Yuri Fulmer from the Conservative Party of BC confirmed to attend. Each candidate will have the opportunity to share their views and priorities with the audience on key environmental issues that are front and centre in BC and the constituency.

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 Q&As towards 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. A healthy and resilient environment that is protected for future generations and supports both communities and local biodiversity, is imperative to this future,” says Hailey Boehner, a participant in the Young Leaders in Conservation Program.

“This is an exciting opportunity for youth in our community to engage directly with candidates and ask questions,” says Ellika Cairns, a Squamish-based participant in the Young Leaders in Conservation Program. “I know many young people have concerns about environmental and climate policies, and how they will impact our future. 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 pm and the event will begin at 6:30pm. 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.

About the organizer:
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