Fifteen minutes before the debate began, prospective voters were being turned away at the door of the Chief Petty Officers Mess in Esquimalt.
The room was already packed. More than 150 residents crammed into the room Monday night (April 14), eagerly waiting to hear the Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke candidates speak.
“From the outside, it can seem like politics is just a dirty game, and the three people there tonight really seemed to care about the community,” said Angela Andersen, who came to hear the candidates speak. “I came away thinking that was an excellent message to share with people.”
In attendance were the NDP’s Maja Tait, the Liberal Party’s Stephanie McLean and the Green Party’s Ben Homer-Dixon. Communist Party candidate Robert Crooks also attended the event, although he was not invited to speak. Absent was Conservative candidate Grant Cool, who declined due to prior commitments.
Homer-Dixon, just 20 years old and in his first year at UVic, began by highlighting the work of his veteran grandfathers when they were deployed at 20. He shared a desire to follow in their footsteps – although he described a more modern foe: not a nation, but climate change.
“It has gone unaddressed by the other parties. Our province is on fire every summer and I won’t stand idly by,” Homer-Dixon said.
Meanwhile, Stephanie McLean spoke about her work as a former Alberta minister, her love for her new home, and a different threat.
“This community has embraced me and my family since we moved in 2019, [we] are lucky to be B.C.ers,” she said.
“I have spent my career working to help others. In the face of Trump’s tariffs, we need to send a strong group to Ottawa behind Mark Carney.”
Tait leaned on her connection to the community and decade of municipal service.
“This is an important election; I’ve walked many steps in this riding, knocking on doors, and I’m thankful for the people who’ve spoken to me and shared their anxieties,” Tait said. “I’m with the NDP because it is the party that puts people first.”
These themes carried through much of the candidates’ discussion, with climate change, the U.S. president and community commitment frequently anchoring their perspectives.
As the question period began, candidates were asked about the importance of cross-party collaboration. All shared the view that such collaboration would be essential – especially in the face of Trump’s tariffs.
“You can agree without being disagreeable if you put communities first,” said Tait.
Homer-Dixon shared a story about an encounter with a Conservative supporter who approached him with questions. Homer-Dixon said the man appreciated what the Green candidate had to say.
“Co-operation and communication are the key. Together, we can make that happen.”
The candidates appeared to share ample common ground, especially on health care. They expressed a need for more doctors and funding when asked about the issue.
“I’m in denial, my doctor is getting older. There is no one to take over for her, and she is taking fewer patients to account for admin work,” said Tait, who expressed a need for an intergovernmental approach and better dental and pharmacare.
Homer-Dixon echoed this while stressing the need for more mental health support.
“Our Canadian way of health care deserves to be protected, built on and improved. Everyone should have a family doctor,” said McLean, who specified the Liberals would direct funding toward hiring more doctors.
Questions on climate change yielded more varied perspectives. Homer-Dixon called for complete divestment from the fossil fuel industry while transitioning related jobs to sustainable energy and development in both urban and agricultural areas.
“In short, the entire system needs a complete overhaul. It can be done – I fully believe it can be done – but this is a massive issue that needs to be addressed urgently. The country catches fire every summer.”
McLean acknowledged the threat of climate change but quickly reminded attendees of Donald Trump’s threats against Canadian sovereignty.
“He wants our land, he wants our water, he wants our resources, he wants to weaken us so that he can own us,” she said. She further explained the need to draw on Indigenous knowledge and modern technology to mitigate climate change.
Tait spoke about climate impacts in Indigenous communities.
“A child asked me if I had a magic wand as an MP, what would I do with it? I said clean drinking water,” she said, explaining that 35 long-term boil-water advisories remain in Canada – particularly impacting Indigenous communities.
Most attendees said they enjoyed the event and appreciated hearing the candidates’ perspectives. But some left unsure exactly how those goals would be achieved, no matter how well intentioned.
Many expressed disappointment that the Conservatives were not represented.
“It was interesting the Communist Party candidate was there, but he was not allowed to participate in the debate. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party candidate was invited but chose not to show up,” said attendee Siwan Tastan.
As the debate concluded, candidates emphasized the central themes driving their campaigns.
“You can count on me to stand up to Donald Trump and to give the Island a voice in Ottawa,” said McLean.
Tait called for a new voice.
“Is the two-party system working down south?” she asked.
“I need to stand for those who may not have a voice. I’m a hockey mom and I know when it’s time for elbows out.”
Homer-Dixon concluded by acknowledging that what he may lack in age or experience, he makes up for in passion and commitment.
“On April 28, voters choose hope or fear,” he said. “I choose to fight for a future I know is possible.”
