The last week of April is going to be a busy one if you’re following politics and trying to decide who to vote for in the May 9 B.C. election.
Four all candidates’ meetings go three days in a row.
Starting on Tuesday, April 25, the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Chamber of Commerce hosts a forum for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows candidates from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Pitt Meadows Seniors Activity Centre, 19065 – 119B Ave.
The same day, out east, the Whonnock Community Association hosts a forum for Maple Ridge-Mission candidates at the Whonnock Lake Centre, at 27871 – 113th Ave.
That begins at 7:30 p.m. and gives politicians five minutes for an opening address, followed by two-minutes for rebuttal.
After that, written questions follow from the audience, said organizer Phil Johnston.
The association hosts all-candidates during every election.
The next day, Wednesday, April 26, in Maple Ridge city council chambers, from 7 to 9 p.m., a Vote for Water all-candidates forum is being hosted by Community Education on Environment and Development Centre.
Up for discussion is everything pertaining to water – groundwater, oceans, lakes, streams and rivers. Candidates from both ridings will be invited.
“We want to raise awareness of the issues, to find out from the candidates what their interests are,” said Christian Cowley, with the CEED Centre.
The Freshwater Alliance, the Fraser River Keeper Society, Watershed Watch Salmon Society, the Golden Ears Transition Initiative and Friends of the Katzie Slough are sponsoring the event.
Then, on Thursday, April 27, the chamber hosts another forum for Maple Ridge-Mission candidates at Meadowridge School, 12224 – 240th St., from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The B.C. Conservative Party recently announced its candidate in Maple Ridge-Mission.
Trevor Hamilton, of Mission, was named last week.
If he had had obtained the required number of signatures by April 11, he’d be running against: Liberal incumbent Marc Dalton; Bob D’Eith, NDP; and Peter Tam, Green party.
In Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, Liberal Doug Bing is seeking re-election and is running against: Lisa Beare, NDP; Alex Pope, Green party; and Steve Ranta, independent.