British Columbians will soon be heading to the polls. Candidates of every political stripe are cobbling together campaigns at a time when BC is facing two major public health crises. Only one-third of British Columbians say they are fully engaged with the campaigns – most are aware but not closely following developments. Voters are concerned with issues related to the pandemic, the worsening overdose crisis, affordable housing, climate change, indigenous rights, health care and the economy, among others. How do these issues square with party platforms? What does campaigning and voting look like in a pandemic? What will the BC legislature look like in the months to come?
Moderator: Gerald Baier, Associate Professor at Political Science, UBC; Acting Director, the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA)
Panelists:
George Hoberg: Dr. George Hoberg is a professor at SPPGA and has been teaching political science for thirteen years. He has written and edited several books on Canadian and US environmental policy, comparative Canada-US policies, and the influence of the US on Canada. His current research focuses on the clean energy transformation. Other research interests include environmental policy, and the design of policies and institutions to promote sustainability.
Priscilla Omulo: Priscilla Omulo is a Tsartlip First Nations consultant and facilitator for various organizations in Greater Vancouver. Priscilla is a writer and speaker on indigenous women’s rights and reconciliation and a program coordinator for Feminists Deliver. She is passionate about sharing her experiences and culture to support Truth & Reconciliation and Indigenous empowerment.
Justine Hunter: Justine Hunter is a reporter for The Globe and Mail. Based in the press gallery of the B.C. Legislature in Victoria, Justine has followed the ups and downs of B.C. premiers since 1988. She has also worked as a business reporter and on Parliament Hill covering national politics.
This event is hosted by the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs.
