Image Credit: Elections B.C.

There are electoral forums are being planned and scheduled throughout Kamloops and the Okanagan regions ahead of the provincial election on Oct. 19.

Here's a list of forums organizers have reached out to iNFOnews.ca about so far.

Kelowna

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has organized three forums for all registered candidates in three ridings with a question and answer format where the audience can put the screws to their candidates.

The Kelowna-Mission forum is taking place at the Coast Capri Hotel on Oct. 8. BC NDP candidate Harpreet Badohal, BC Conservative candidate Gavin Dew, and BC United turned Independent candidate Ashley Ramsay are set to attend.

Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream voters can attend a forum in the hotel’s Horizon Meeting Room at the same time on Oct. 9. The candidates are BC Conservative Tara Armstrong, BC United turned Independent Pavneet Singh and the BC New Democrat's Anna Warwick Sears.

Kelowna-Centre candidates will be in the hotel’s Banquet Room at the same time on Oct. 10. The candidates invited are BC United turned Independent candidate Michael Humer, BC Conservative Kristina Loewen, and the BC NDP's Loyal Wooldridge.

Each forum starts at 8:10 a.m. preceded by a buffet breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

Kelowna CBC morning show host Chris Walker is moderating the first two forums while Kelowna CBC afternoon host Sarah Penton is moderating the Kelowna Centre forum. Click here to register to attend.

West Kelowna

The Greater Westside Board of Trade has invited candidates to its forum from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Church on Oct. 2. 

The invited candidates are BC NDP Krystal Smith, BC Conservative Macklin McCall and former BC United turned Independent Stephen Johnston. 

The forum is open to everyone, but seating is limited so the board recommends attendees come early, according to a press release.  

"This forum is a critical platform for community engagement," president of the board Bryan Fitzpatrick said in the release. "We encourage all residents and business owners to attend and gain a deeper understanding of the candidates' positions on the issues that matter most to our region."

For more information email executivedirector@gwboardoftrade.com. 

Penticton

Former BC United turned Independent candidate Tracy St. Claire is heading up a forum on election issues in healthcare in Penticton.

The event features healthcare experts who will answer questions on issues like family doctor availability, hospital wait times and future healthcare services, according to a press release.

"This forum is a chance for voters to hear directly from the healthcare professionals who work on the front lines every day. Healthcare is one of the most pressing issues facing our region, and it's vital that voters make informed decisions at the polls," St. Claire said in the release.

The forum will be at the Penticton Seniors Centre from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 1. Click here to register.

A Penticton all candidates forum organized by the Penticton Chamber of Commerce will take place at the city's Okanagan College campus at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 3.

Penticton-Summerland’s candidates invited to attend are BC Conservative Amelia Boultbee, the BC NDP’s Tina Lee, Independent Tracy St. Claire and Independents Roger Harrington and Anna Paddon. Click here for more information and registration.

The Summerland Society for Civil Engagement has also invited all five candidates to a debate at the Centre Stage Theatre at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7. The goal is give people a chance to hear from candidates on the issues voters care about. Questions for the debate can be submitted to the society's social media page. 

Vernon

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce has organized a forum for the registered candidates in the Vernon-Lumby riding.

The BC NDP's incumbant Harwinder Sandhu, BC Conservative Dennis Giesbrecht and Independent former BC United candidate Kevin Acton will be answering questions that are submitted ahead of time at the forum, according to a press release. 

“It is important voters have the opportunity to hear from all the candidates, before making a decision and the Greater Vernon Chamber is pleased to facilitate the democratic process,” chamber president Kirndeep Nahal said in the release.

The forum is taking place at the Vernon District Performing Arts Centre from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 5. There will be a live stream available for those who can’t make it in person. Click here for more information.

Kamloops

The Kamloops and District Chamber of Commerce has organized two virtual election forums, one for Kamloops-North Thompson, and one for Kamloops Centre.

The Kamloops North-Thompson livestream will be from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the Kamloops Centre forum will go from 6:30 p.m. to  8 p.m.

Kamloops North-Thompson’s candidates are the BC NDP’s Maddi Genn and BC Conservative Ward Stamer. Kamloops Centre’s candidates are the BC NDP’s Kamal Grewal, BC Conservative and former BC United MLA Peter Milobar and the BC Green Party's Randy Sunderman.

Click here for more information and to register.

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society has invited the five candidates in Kamloops-North Thompson and Kamloops-Centre to a forum on the environment at the Alumni Clock Tower Theatre at Thompson Rivers University at 6 p.m. on Oct. 2.

Kamloops CBC Radio news anchor Doug Herbet will be moderating the forum. Some of the questions will come from the society's BC Young Leaders in Conservation Program, but voters can submit questions in advance.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve a seat online since there will be a limited number of seats. 

The Kamloops Thompson School District has invited candidates to discuss education issues at the Henry Grube Education Centre from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 8. 

Attendees will have an opportunity to casually connect with candidates before a formal question period. There will be a Zoom livestream, and people who want to attend can send their RSVP to SD73DPAC@gmail.com before Sept. 30.

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