Last month, The Discourse asked community members what issues they were most concerned about and wanted local candidates to address before casting their vote in the B.C. election on Oct. 19, 2024.
We received 170 responses to our survey from Cowichan Valley community members between Sept. 6 and Sept. 27, 2024. Out of the 11 topic options we provided, survey respondents indicated that housing, the environment, health care and homelessness/social supports are of most concern this election cycle.
Nearly 70 per cent of respondents said housing was top of mind for them, with 64 per cent saying environment and 63 per cent saying health care and homelessness/social supports. Respondents were able to select more than one answer for this question. Here’s the breakdown of topics from most to least votes:
- Housing (118/170)
- Environment (110/170)
- Health care (108/170)
- Homelessness/social supports (108/170)
- Affordability (81/170)
- Food security (68/170)
- Reconciliation (56/170)
- Crime/social disorder (55/170)
- Public transportation (43/170)
- Recovery supports (42/170)
- Economy (34/170)
Many respondents chose more than one option, and shared questions they have for candidates that address the intersectionality of these issues.
“How would you increase economic development and affordable housing while ensuring residents are experiencing less risks due to natural disasters?” one respondent asked.
Questions about housing focused on plans to increase housing density, provide supports for different forms of housing (such as non-profit housing and tiny homes) and reduce the cost of purchasing and renting homes.
Environment-related questions looked at several different issues, including old growth logging, the fossil fuel industry, climate change adaptation and environmental stewardship.
Accessibility and affordability were top of mind when it came to questions about health care, with respondents asking how candidates will respond to the doctor shortage and ensure people can access timely health care, particularly for major concerns and surgeries.
When it came to questions about homelessness and social supports, most respondents pointed to the intertwined toxic drug, mental health and housing crises. There were questions about how much-needed social programs will be implemented, candidates’ stances on involuntary care and what solutions to these crises could look like.
“Given there are no easy answers to our problems today, could you tell me how you would approach crime and social disorder in the context of our mental health crises and homelessness issues?” one respondent asked.
What’s next?
The provincial election is on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. The Cowichan Valley is split into three ridings — Cowichan Valley, Juan de Fuca – Malahat and Ladysmith-Oceanside.
The Discourse is reaching out to candidates for responses to your questions on housing, the environment, health care and homelessness/social supports. Stay tuned for their responses.
To learn about the B.C. election, including where and how to vote, where the riding boundaries are, who your local candidates are and more, check out the Cowichan Valley’s guide to the B.C. election.
