Candidates clash in livestreamed forum ahead of Sept. 26 vote

Tensions flared during a live 90-minute debate hosted by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday evening, where four Abbotsford-Mission candidates traded sharp criticisms over economic strategy, tax policies, and political stability.

NDP candidate Pam Alexis capped off the evening by targeting Conservative Party of BC candidate Kerry-Lynne Findley, claiming Findley is unfamiliar with the constituency and is focused on internal party conflicts rather than building a collaborative community. Findley had earlier criticized the ruling NDP on provincial spending, red tape, and an inability to balance B.C.’s budget.

Taxation and economic platforms take center stage

A primary point of contention was the expansion of B.C.’s PST to professional services starting Oct. 1. Findley voiced strong opposition, stating that local small business owners and seniors are distressed over growing tax burdens. She attributed the province’s rising debt and credit downgrade to Premier David Eby’s administration.

Alexis defended the expanded tax base, explaining it was necessary to maintain public services following the elimination of B.C.’s carbon tax. She assured voters that revenue raised would be managed responsibly.

During a candidate-to-candidate questioning period, Alexis pressed Findley on recent Conservative party instability, pointing to nine individuals—including Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman—who recently departed the party. Findley rejected the characterization that those individuals worked alongside her, attributing the exits to a competitive leadership race.

CentreBC candidate Lakhwinder Jhaj asked Alexis whether she would ever vote against an NDP budget, to which Alexis replied she would voice concerns privately within government rather than vote against her party. Findley seized on the response, advocating for greater public transparency. BC Green Party candidate Stephen Fowler urged more proactive environmental action, stating climate change drives costly flood and wildfire emergencies.

Common ground on infrastructure and flood mitigation

Despite sharp exchanges, candidates found consensus on several local issues. All four agreed that federal assistance is crucial to protect the riding from future flooding, and all supported expanding transit options to alleviate persistent highway congestion.

Additionally, both Findley and Alexis favored expanding mental health resources, supporting local food processing on Agricultural Land Reserve property, and opening inter-provincial trade barriers to bolster B.C.’s economy.

The byelection, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, was triggered after former Conservative MLA Reann Gasper resigned her seat on Aug. 22 to allow Findley to seek the nomination following Findley’s move to party leadership. The debate was moderated by University of the Fraser Valley professor Hamish Telford. BC Libertarian Party candidate Jeff Monds did not participate.

Bylaw Ticket Issued as Floating Vessel Draws Public Attention

A city bylaws infraction notice has been taped to a makeshift vessel recently launched on the Nicomekl River in South Surrey. The craft—constructed by securing a recreational vehicle atop a homemade raft composed of barrels, metal beams, plywood, and straps—is currently anchored near Nicomekl Portage Park and the old Elgin Road bridge, behind the Crescent Road Esso station.

Local Reactions Split Over Craft’s Launch and Safety

Reports circulating online indicate the structure was assembled in two days within the Portage Park parking lot before being lowered into the waterway using a crane. The vessel lacks a visible motor. When checked on the morning of Friday, Sept. 11, no occupant answered calls at the site.

The craft’s presence has generated varied commentary across local community groups. Some observers celebrated the initiative, with one poster writing, “Property tax free !!! Whoot whoot!” while another called the creator “Today’s Tom Sawyer.” Another user commended the effort, posting, “100% kudos for out of the box thinking and giving it a go. Here’s hoping he’s carefully studied all the appropriate regulations, sleeps in a lifejacket (and doesn’t park it in front of my view, lol! Pretty it ain’t).”

Others expressed strong skepticism regarding legality, environmental risks, and structural durability. Comments included “There is no way that is legal,” alongside inquiries such as, “Saw the crane about to launch it. Does it even have a motor?” Additional public discussions raised concerns about potential waste discharge, grey water management, and how the craft will handle incoming winter storms or rough water. Both Transport Canada and the City of Surrey have been contacted regarding the vessel.

Elected Officials Demand Swift Action on Highway 1

Spurred by four recent vehicle collisions between Sicamous and Revelstoke that left three people dead and at least six injured over a 68-hour period, local politicians are urging B.C. Transportation and Transit Minister Mike Farnworth to act quickly on corridor safety.

Columbia River—Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis and Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies MP Mel Arnold sent separate letters on Friday, Sept. 4, calling for near-term safety upgrades along the stretch between Chase and the Alberta border. McInnis described the route as one of the most dangerous highway sections in North America, noting that residents are fearful while traveling to work or transporting their children.

Plea for Four-Laning and Increased Law Enforcement

Arnold, who has petitioned the federal government for increased funding to expand the largely two-lane corridor since 2016, emphasized that rising traffic volumes and the lack of passing lanes are serious concerns. He acknowledged geographical hurdles but stated that fatal crashes cannot simply be accepted as permanent reality.

In response, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit stated that it remains committed to highway safety, reliability, and capacity. Working alongside ICBC, the province has four-laned 125 kilometres—or 37 per cent—of Highway 1 under provincial jurisdiction between Kamloops and Alberta to reduce head-on crashes and improve passing opportunities. However, the ministry highlighted that travel safety relies on a combination of infrastructure design, vehicle safety, and driver behaviour, urging motorists to follow speed limits and adjust to road conditions.

Proposed Short-Term Solutions and Community Town Halls

To address ongoing high-risk driving behaviour such as speeding, aggressive passing, and tailgating, McInnis requested an immediate increase in BC Highway Patrol and RCMP presence along the Field-to-Sicamous corridor, noting local detachments in Revelstoke and Golden-Field are stretched thin.

McInnis also proposed immediate steps including enhanced traffic management, better incident response capacity, and commercial vehicle compliance reviews. He is scheduled to meet directly with Minister Farnworth on Sept. 23 and plans to host town hall sessions in Revelstoke and Golden to gather constituent feedback and ideas.