On Wednesday September 7th, residents of Skeena-Bulkley Valley could watch, listen and hold discussion about the six candidates running in the federal election on September 20th.
The candidates in the Skeena Bulkley Valley Riding are as follows:
Taylor Bachrach - (incumbent) NDP
Rod Taylor - Christian Heritage Party
Claire Rattee - Conservative Party
Lakhwinder Jhaj is the Liberal Party candidate, (who did not attend the September 7th or 8th forum)
The debate was mildly attended online, with the audience of viewers never reaching 100.
A study in the Harvard Political Review states that “democracy is at its best when the people’s voices are heard and status quo attitudes towards local candidates reflect an area for improvement. People should pay more attention to our elections and take the time to learn about the stances of local candidates and propositions.”
As we all can likely agree, this country, and our little piece of it here in Skeena-Bulkley Valley is fractured. People are rallying in parking lots, protesting health care mandates -- and workers -- harassing young, minimum-wage workers and then turning around to ask “why they just don’t want to work”?
In order to vote safely, go to elections.ca to find your local elections office advance polls or mail-in ballot options.
The following is the audio from the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce candidates debate held on Wednesday September 8th.