A series of all candidates debates and forums scheduled over the coming weeks will allow voters to hear from local candidates running in the October election. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

election season

All-candidates debates to drill into priorities across Nanaimo, Ladysmith & Oceanside

Sep 25, 2024 | 11:57 AM

NANAIMO — Healthcare, housing and public safety will be among the topics discussed at a series of all-candidates debates over the next few weeks.

The Regional Hospital District of Nanaimo is hosting events beginning Thursday, Sept. 26 and continuing the following week featuring candidates in the Ladysmith-Oceanside, Nanaimo-Gabriola and Nanaimo-Lantzville ridings.

Healthcare will be a major topic discussed during the debates, especially following a major rally calling on the provincial government for more equal funding on Vancouver Island.

The Regional District of Nanaimo held public engagements over recent weeks to gather questions from the general public on healthcare and a variety of topics.

Thursday’s debate, beginning at 7 p.m. at Tigh-Na-Mara in Parksville, will feature Ladysmith-Oceanside candidates Stephanie Higginson (NDP) and Adam Walker (Independent) on stage answering screened questions focused on their experience and views on key issues.

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Candidate Brett Fee (CON) indicated he’s unable to attend the event.

A pair of debates in Nanaimo will occur starting Wednesday, Oct. 2 with Nanaimo-Lantzville candidates meeting at Wellington Secondary School at 7 p.m.

George Anderson (NDP), Gwen O’Mahoney (CON) and Lia Versaevel (GREEN) are confirmed to attend.

Finally, Thursday, Oct. 3 will feature candidates in Nanaimo-Gabriola on stage at the Nanaimo Curling Club, also starting at 7 p.m.

Shirley Lambrecht (GREEN), Sheila Malcolmson (NDP) and Dale Parker (CON) have indicated they will be there.

Video from the debates will be shared after the events for those unable to attend in person.

A debate was planned for Wednesday, Sept. 25 featuring candidates for Mid-Island Pacific Rim, however only one of the three presently announced candidates was able to attend.

In addition to debates hosted by the RDN, the Nanaimo Climate Action Hub will host two all-candidates forums in Nanaimo, on Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Legion Branch 256 on East Wellington Rd. for candidates in Nanaimo-Gabriola Island.

Then, on Oct. 5, beginning at 10 a.m., Nanaimo-Lantzville candidates will discuss issues at Wellington Hall on Corunna Ave.

The Vancouver Island University Students Union are also welcoming candidates from Nanaimo-Gabriola and Nanaimo-Lantzville to the campus for an All-Candidates Forum on Oct. 8 beginning at 4 p.m.

“With youth and young adults aged 18-35 representing the largest voting bloc in British Columbia, the forum seeks to highlight the significant impact this demographic can have on the electoral process,” a statement from the Union read.

Editor’s note: Candidate names in this story are listed in alphabetical order, by last name, for each riding.

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