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Election calendar: Candidate forums and debates in Vancouver Island ridings

A list of candidate forums, debates and other events in Vancouver Island ridings in the leadup to the B.C. provincial election on Oct. 19, 2024.
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Know of an election event? Send the details (date, location, organizer, riding and where people can get more information) to us at [email protected]. Be sure to put the words "election event" in the subject line.

Courtenay-Comox

All-candidates forum 

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7-9 p.m. 

Comox United Church, 250 Beach Dr., Comox 

Hosted by the Unitarian Fellowship. For more information or to volunteer, contact Ross Griffith-Cochrane at [email protected] or 250-941-5559.

Esquimalt-Colwood

All candidates debate

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 7-9 p.m. 

Esquimalt United Church, 500 Admirals Rd., Esquimalt

Seven local community and non-profit groups have joined forces to organize an all-candidates debate for the new provincial Esquimalt-Colwood riding. This free, non-partisan event will be focused on Climate, Conservation and Community and be held live, plus live-streamed and recorded and shared with those who register at creativelyunited.org

UVic Students’ Society candidates debate

Monday, Oct. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Vertigo, UVic Student Union Building, 3800 Finnerty Rd.

Giving UVic student voters the opportunity to connect with candidates from the Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Esquimalt-Colwood, Victoria Swan Lake and Victoria-Beacon Hill ridings. An organized debate divided into four sections (by riding) in which candidates from the same riding will answer pre-determined questions submitted by students.

Juan de Fuca-Malahat

The Mill Bay Community League presents an all candidates debate

Sunday, Oct. 13, noon

Kerry Park Arena, 1035 Shawnigan Lake Rd.

This is your chance to hear bold ideas and pose your questions to those competing to lead our community. Get informed, be inspired, and help shape the future by attending and making your voice heard. More information on Facebook.

Ladysmith-Oceanside

Candidate forum

Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, 7-8:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, 1155 Resort Drive, Parksville 

Hosted by the Regional District of Nanaimo. More information at getinvolved.rdn.ca/who-we-are.

Mid Island-Pacific Rim

Candidate forum

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7-9 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

The Bradley Centre, 975 Shearme Road, Coombs 

Hosted by the Regional District of Nanaimo. Information on how to submit questions are posted at getinvolved.rdn.ca/who-we-are.

Nanaimo-Lantzville

Candidate forum

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 7-8:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

Wellington Secondary School, 3135 Mexicana Road, Nanaimo 

Hosted by the Regional District of Nanaimo. More information at getinvolved.rdn.ca/who-we-are.

All-candidates meeting

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd.

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce’s Community Impact Committee (CIC), in partnership with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vancouver Island, is pleased to invite Gabriola Island, Lantzville and Nanaimo community members to attend an all-candidates meeting for the Nanaimo-Lantzville and Nanaimo-Gabriola Island ridings.
 
The event will feature opening statements from each candidate and a moderated panel discussion. The evening will conclude with closing remarks from each participant.

Nanaimo-Gabriola 

Candidate forum

Thursday, Oct. 3, 7-8:30 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

Nanaimo Curling Club, 106 Wall Street, Nanaimo 

Hosted by the Regional District of Nanaimo. More information at getinvolved.rdn.ca/who-we-are.

All-candidates forum

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 4-6 p.m.

Vancouver Island University, Malaspina Theatre B., 310900 Fifth St., Nanaimo

Hosted by the VIUSU and VIU Political Studies Department. Join us to hear from candidates running in the provincial elections for Nanaimo, Lantzville and Gabriola ridings.

All-candidates meeting

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m.

Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd.

The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce’s Community Impact Committee (CIC), in partnership with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vancouver Island, is pleased to invite Gabriola Island, Lantzville and Nanaimo community members to attend an all-candidates meeting for the Nanaimo-Lantzville and Nanaimo-Gabriola Island ridings.
 
The event will feature opening statements from each candidate and a moderated panel discussion. The evening will conclude with closing remarks from each participant.

Nanaimo-Lantzville

All-candidates forum 

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 4-6 p.m. 

Vancouver Island University, Malaspina Theatre B., 310900 Fifth St., Nanaimo

Hosted by the VIUSU and VIU Political Studies Department. Join us to hear from candidates running in the provincial elections for Nanaimo, Lantzville and Gabriola ridings. 

North Island

All-candidates debate

Sunday, Oct. 6, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Tidemark Theatre, 1220 Shoppers Row, Campbell River

Hosted by the Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce and moderated by Dan MacLennan. The debate will be streamed live on the Tidemark Theatre website and a recording will be available on the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce YouTube channel.

Oak Bay-Gordon Head

All-candidates meeting 

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2-4 p.m. 

Monterey Recreation Centre (Garry Oak Room), Oak Bay

Moderator: Paul Haysom, anchor for CHEK News at 6

Hosted by Community Association of Oak Bay.

Webinar All-Candidates Forum 

Sunday, Oct. 6, 1:30-3 p.m.

Online event hosted by the University of Victoria Faculty Association (UVICFA) and the UVic chapter of the Professional Employees Association (PEA). Register at pea.org/2024debate

For the Oak Bay-Gordon Head provincial riding, this event provides an important opportunity for the public to hear from candidates on critical issues affecting our community. Moderated by David Black, faculty member at Royal Roads University.

UVic Students’ Society candidates debate

Monday, Oct. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Vertigo, UVic Student Union Building, 3800 Finnerty Rd.

Giving UVic student voters the opportunity to connect with candidates from the Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Esquimalt-Colwood, Victoria Swan Lake and Victoria-Beacon Hill ridings. An organized debate divided into four sections (by riding) in which candidates from the same riding will answer pre-determined questions submitted by students.

Town hall with Stephen Andrew

Thursday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

What’s important to the riding in this election? Join Conservative candidate Stephen Andrew and former Green Party leader and MLA Andrew Weaver for their opinions. Registration required.

Saanich North and the Islands

Candidate debate on nature and climate 

Thursday, Sept. 26, doors open at 6 p.m. 

SHOAL Community Centre, 10030 Resthaven Dr., Sidney 

Hosted by the B.C. Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-BC) and Georgia Strait Alliance. The forum is non-partisan and candidates from BC NDP, BC Green Party and Conservative Party of BC have been invited. Doors will open at 6 p.m., 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. 

Victoria-Beacon Hill

All-candidates meeting

Monday, Sept. 23, dinner at 5:30 p.m.; meeting 6:30-8 p.m. 

Fernwood Community Centre gym, 1240 Gladstone Ave., Victoria

Hosted by Fernwood Neighbourhood House (formerly Fernwood NRG): Join us for a community dinner and engage in a dynamic discussion in the heart of Fernwood. Dinner is by donation — everyone is welcome to join for a meal before the candidates take the stage.

All-candidates meeting

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 6:30-9 p.m. 

Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas St., Victoria

Hosted by the Downtown Victoria Business Association

This event is open to all residents of the Victoria-Beacon Hill riding. Those interested in attending the event can register at dvba.ca/all-candidates. Submit questions prior to the event at dvba.ca/questions

UVic Students’ Society candidates debate

Monday, Oct. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Vertigo, UVic Student Union Building, 3800 Finnerty Rd.

Giving UVic student voters the opportunity to connect with candidates from the Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Esquimalt-Colwood, Victoria Swan Lake and Victoria-Beacon Hill ridings. An organized debate divided into four sections (by riding) in which candidates from the same riding will answer pre-determined questions submitted by students.

Election forum 

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 7-9 p.m. 

James Bay Community School Gym, 140 Oswego St., Victoria

Hosted by PSAC and the Greater Victoria Teachers Association. For more information or to volunteer, contact Danielle Dardengo at [email protected]

Victoria-Swan Lake

Candidates forum 

Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7-9 p.m. 

Reynolds School theatre, 3963 Borden St., Saanich 

The candidates are Tim Taylor, Conservative; Nina Krieger, NDP; and Christina Winter, BC Green. All have confirmed their attendance. Hosted by the Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association. Free.

UVic Students’ Society candidates debate

Monday, Oct. 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Vertigo, UVic Student Union Building, 3800 Finnerty Rd.

Giving UVic student voters the opportunity to connect with candidates from the Oak Bay-Gordon Head, Esquimalt-Colwood, Victoria Swan Lake and Victoria-Beacon Hill ridings. An organized debate divided into four sections (by riding) in which candidates from the same riding will answer pre-determined questions submitted by students.