Recently, some of the owners in my strata building have complained that election candidates have been in the building knocking on their doors. Fortunately, we have an enlightened strata council that sent this note to owners:
Council has advised, in accordance with the BC Election Act and the Canada Elections Act, candidates or their representatives are allowed access to multiple-residence buildings. While residents are under no obligation to engage in dialogue with them, candidates and their representatives have legitimate access to the building and may knock on unit doors in the near future.
I call this approach “enlightened” because having an informed and engaged electorate is essential to our democracy. If we don’t know what each candidate is offering, how can we make an intelligent decision in this election?
It’s essential for all of us – strata owners and renters – to be aware of our rights during an election. If you have any doubts, the Vancouver Island Strata Owner’s Association provides this helpful information: https://visoa.bc.ca/resources/election-signs-and-access-for-canvassers/.
Bruce Chambers
Victoria
