Two upcoming elections have varying degrees of importance for qathet region voters.
This weekend, a new trustee for qathet School District (qSD) will be chosen. While the choice between the two candidates featured on page one and two of the latest print edition of the Peak is far less contentious than the six candidates North Island-Powell River constituents have to choose from in the upcoming federal election, qSD’s budget of more than $50 million is significant. Whoever comes out ahead between Gretchen Conti and Guy Chartier will be involved in decisions that affect current and future students in the system, and their parents.
As federal election candidates present their platforms, voters in North Island–Powell River will make their decisions without knowing if their chosen candidate will be part of a decision-making government, or only be a voice in opposition.
For some voters, it’s all about the party that represents their values most; the party leader or local candidate is not a determining factor. Others can be swayed by the specific person pursuing the top political job in the country.
But North Island-Powell River candidates have their own voices. The Peak has offered each an interview opportunity to share their positions on policies and needs of communities in the riding.
Candidates who have responded and conducted interviews are featured in the April 10 edition of the Peak. Pursuit of the others will continue as general election day approaches.
Seeking to represent North Island-Powell River as MP are Aaron Gunn (Conservative Party of Canada), Tanille Johnston (New Democratic Party), Jennifer Lash (Liberal Party of Canada), Paul Macknight (People’s Party of Canada) and Glen Staples (Independent). Interviews with Johnston, Lash and Wegg were published earlier this week. Gunn and Macknight have not yet scheduled interviews offered by the Peak in March. Staples, who was a late entry in the race, will be contacted this week. Powell River Chamber of Commerce will host an all-candidates meeting from 6 to 8 pm at Evergreen Theatre in Powell River Recreation Complex on Thursday, April 17.
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