Fraser Nicola All Candidates Forum

The five people running in the Fraser-Nicola riding were in Ashcroft on Oct. 15 for an All Candidates Forum. During the two-hour event, the candidates were asked a range of questions about mostly local issues, and had an opportunity to direct one question at one of their opponents. Each candidate also fielded questions directed at them alone, and had three minutes to introduce themselves and two minutes to wrap up.

Dennis Adamson, who is running as an Independent candidate, said that B.C.’s political parties are self-serving, which is why he chose to run as an independent voice for small towns and the people of Fraser-Nicola. He said that he would, if elected, support good ideas no matter which party they came from.

Mike Bhangu, also running as an Independent, acknowledged that he was an underdog, but said that he would speak truth to power and stand up for voters in Victoria. He said that fully functioning hospitals, as well as drug treatment centres, were priorities throughout the region. Aaron Sumexheltza, representing the BC NDP, said he would fight for all communities across the riding to make sure they were represented in Victoria. He said that the BC NDP would meet the challenge of the climate crisis and keep B.C. moving forward for everyone.

Incumbent Jackie Tegart, of the BC Liberal Party, mentioned her years of public service as a school district trustee and an Ashcroft councillor before becoming MLA in 2013. She noted the challenges facing British Columbians, and said that the Liberals have a plan to move everyone in the province forward.

Jonah Timms, standing for the BC Green Party, noted the importance of working on relationships with First Nations and dealing with climate change. He also said that the BC Liberals have created a mess when it comes to B.C.’s natural resources, and that the NDP has failed to clean up that mess.

The NDP candidate Aaron Sumexheltza, spoke about his back round as an indigenous leader and Merritt Council member in his opening speech. Aaron claims that "voting for the Liberals and Andrew Wilkinson is a step backwards, and their plan does not help the people who need it".

The candidates were asked questions about the Ashcroft Hospital emergency department, as well as the long delay in getting seniors’ housing built in Clinton. Sumexheltza said the NDP are committed to hiring more health care staff and increasing funding for health care, while Timms said the Greens would fight for health care services that had been cut in small communities. Bhangu said that government had to stop treating rural residents as second class citizens, and Adamson said it was crucial to have more hospital services available throughout the riding. Tegart said she recognized the challenges around health care and would continue to fight for services, and would also hold Interior Health to account.