There are three candidates represented in the West Kelowna-Peachland riding for the Oct. 19 provincial election - only one of them showed up for a public forum, on Wednesday (Oct. 2) night.
It was Stephen Johnston, running as an Independent, who fielded questions meant for all candidates from the Greater Westside Board of Trade (GWBT).
Executive director Heather Robinson told reporters, after the forum, that all candidates were invited. She said B.C. Conservative candidate Macklin McCall declined to participate, adding he is concentrating on door-knocking for the rest of the campaign.
During candidate introductions someone in the crowd said B.C. NDP candidate Krystal Smith was ill and unable to attend. Black Press Media received an email from someone responding on Smith’s behalf, when it requested a one-on-one video interview with the candidate on Sept. 25, also stating she was ill.
Johnston, the former B.C. United candidate for the riding, was asked about his opponents' no-show.
“In this election, it’s really about choosing the best candidate to represent you,” he said. "So I invite people to research the candidates…trust their gut and make a decision they feel is right for them and their community.”
With only one candidate to answer questions, the crowd of more than 300 people listened to Johnston speak for 30 minutes about housing, property rights, healthcare, investment and job creation, tourism, homelessness, crime and drug use.
Johnston drew applause from the crowd several times including for a comment that drug decriminalization in B.C. needs to end.
“Enabling people isn’t helping and we’re seeing the evidence of that in our communities, and safe supply is not safe,” he said. “That might not be popular with everyone, but that’s what I believe.”
Johnston said he believes the province needs to pursue treatment and recovery, even where involuntary care is necessary for people who have complex mental health needs.
“That sometimes rubs some people the wrong way but the truth of the matter is we have people who are a danger to themselves and others and we can’t continue to allow this to happen.”
During closing comments, Johnston said he believes a balanced perspective has been removed from the campaign.
“We’ve said you’re either going to get this polarized option or that. I don’t think that’s right and I don’t think that’s representative of where British Columbia is at.”
He then told the audience that with so many independents running there is an opportunity in this election that voters have never had before.
“We’re free as Independents to move through our community, I’m accountable to you and therefore the government is going to be accountable to me on your behalf.”
