Along with cherry blossoms, magnolias and early leaves, election signs are emerging around the Sunshine Coast as the ballot fills out for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country. We, and our four sister papers in this riding (North Shore News, Bowen Island Undercurrent, Squamish Chief and Whistler Pique), are following along closely at coastreporter.net/2025-canada-votes.
Unless you’ve sworn off newspapers, TV, social media and social contact (which I assume you haven’t as you’re reading this), you’ll be hearing a lot about this election, no matter where you fall on the political spectrum. We’re here right alongside you sharing the issues relevant to Sunshine Coasters, right to April 28. On our website, once a week, we’ll have a roundup of riding candidates’ activities (courtesy of the Pique).
On the Coast, we’ve got three confirmed all-candidates forums:
Monday, April 7, (tonight) Sunshine Coast Labour Council is hosting a meeting at the Elphinstone Secondary School Library, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and introductions starting at 6 p.m. It runs to 8 p.m. and questions range across healthcare, affordability, jobs and economy and pensions.
Wednesday, April 9, Sunshine Coast Conservation Association is hosting an environment-themed forum at xwesam–Roberts Creek Community Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the forum runs 6:30 to 8 p.m. This event will be recorded and shared on SCCA platforms. Members of the public may submit questions in writing. As it has done in the past, the association has also sent candidates written Q&As regarding current environmental issues, which will be posted to the SCCA website (thescca.ca).
And finally, mark your calendars for Monday, April 14. Sunshine Coast Chamber of Commerce and Coast Reporter have partnered once again for a two-part candidates forum in the Chatelech Secondary School auditorium. The first half is exclusively for Chamber members and will include a meet and greet and business-focussed Q&A. The fully public portion starts at 7 p.m., with candidate introductions and Q&A. All of this is moderated by Michael Gurney and both Q&As will be livestreamed and available for viewing afterward. Email [email protected] with questions. (For Chamber-related questions email [email protected].)
Election edition: As we do for every election, we’ll bring you a “grid-style” election guide. Watch for the Q&As with each of the candidates in the April 18 edition of Coast Reporter.
Refresher: Candidates will be confirmed April 9, with advance polling taking place across the country from April 18 to 21. Election day is Monday, April 28.
Beach news: For those needing a calming dunk in the ocean to get away from the election madness, I’ve been informed bottom steps down to Pebbles Beach in Gibsons have been installed. A cause for celebration!
