Wednesday night marked the final opportunity for voters in the Saanich–Gulf Islands riding to hear from their candidates ahead of the federal election. Held at the Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church and hosted by the North Saanich Residents Association, the all-candidates meeting drew a full crowd for a lively and substantive discussion.
In attendance were Elizabeth May of the Green Party, Colin Plant of the NDP, and Liberal candidate David Beckham. Conservative candidate Cathie Ounsted did not participate.
The evening began with a heartfelt communal rendition of O Canada, echoing off the church walls and setting a patriotic tone.
“That used to come on our loudspeakers when I was a kid in school, and it always meant so much. Now, hearing that anthem means even more,” Beckham said. “It really has changed. We have something to rally behind.”
While a wide range of federal issues were on the agenda, one of the first questions zeroed in on the growing divide in employment growth between the public and private sectors. Since 2016, employment in the federal public service has grown by 42 per cent, compared to just 14 per cent in the private sector.
Elizabeth May acknowledged the disparity and called for broader structural reforms.
“We need to make sure we have full employment, and the best way to achieve that is through a circular economy – something Canada has committed to internationally but hasn’t followed through on,” May said.
She stressed the importance of processing Canadian resources domestically, rather than exporting raw materials, to create jobs and build a more resilient economy.
Colin Plant said he wasn’t surprised by the numbers.
“That growth has been to provide services that you and I have come to value,” Plant said, pointing to increased staffing in health care and other sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the need for sustainable budgeting. “The NDP believes in fair taxation so that we can actually provide services in a sustainable fashion.”
Beckham called the imbalance a problem and pointed to inter-provincial trade barriers as a key issue.
“We must bring our production home. To start, we need to remove inter-provincial trading barriers. Doing this – and keeping our dollar in our country – will not only boost revenue but also lead to a massive increase in Canadian employment,” Beckham said.
Later in the evening, candidates were asked how they would spend a hypothetical $10 million in federal funding for the riding. All three leaned on community consultation.
“I’d want to ask all of you,” May said. “I’d go straight to the North Saanich Residents Association, the mayor and council. That’s how we work in the Green Party – no whipped votes. We believe MPs should represent their communities.”
Plant echoed the approach, citing his background in local government.
“I’d talk to community associations and First Nations about what’s needed. Housing and transportation always rise to the top,” Plant said. He proposed using the funds to partner with other levels of government on projects like seniors’ housing, and floated an ambitious idea: “If I had $100 million, light rail transit from downtown Victoria to the ferry.”
Beckham took a pragmatic stance.
“I would go to the mayors and council members and ask, ‘What shovel-ready projects do you have that need funding?’” Beckham said. “Let’s not spend it on vanity projects. Let’s close the gaps that matter most.”
Climate change and environmental policy – key issues for many in the riding – also drew passionate responses. Plant criticized oil subsidies directly.
“Subsidies are for people who need help. Oil companies don’t,” Plant said, noting that NDP policy would redirect those funds into home energy retrofits.
Beckham emphasized the Liberal's plan to replace the Carbon Tax.
“Understanding the Liberal platform, I know there’s a new slate of measures – emissions caps and carbon trading – that will replace the carbon tax,” Beckham said.
May, who has worked on climate policy since the 1980s, reflected on the origins of British Columbia’s carbon tax and criticized its politicization.
“When Gordon Campbell created the BC carbon tax, it was the gold standard. It was revenue-neutral. Every cent went back to British Columbians,” May said.
On Indigenous rights and resource development, all three candidates highlighted the need to balance economic opportunity with environmental responsibility.
Beckham said he would support development on First Nations land if done within a clear regulatory framework and with thorough environmental assessments.
“We would need to ensure that these projects are harmonized with everyone involved,” Beckham said. "It's crucial for us to be thorough with our communication and plans, and ensure that we have proper confirmation of the developments."
May was firm in her opposition to further pipeline projects.
“No more pipelines,” May said. “It’s profoundly disrespectful and shameful that the government of Canada bought the Kinder Morgan pipeline and forced it through Indigenous lands where people clearly said they didn’t want it.”
Plant emphasized collaboration.
“We have to walk hand in hand with First Nations,” Plant said. “It’s the only way we’ll get sustainable energy projects off the ground.”
As the forum concluded, voters were left with distinct visions for the future, but a shared sense of urgency. Whether through environmental leadership, fiscal responsibility, or community-driven policymaking, all three candidates stressed their commitment to local voices and long-term solutions.
Advance voting wrapped up on April 21. Voters head to the polls on Monday, April 28.
