September 22nd, 6:45 - 7:00 at Beban Social Centre

Moderator: Brandi Klee Chairperson, VIU Students’ Union

Moderator: David Quigg Organizer at Sierra Club BC

In 2019, the City of Nanaimo declared a climate emergency in Nanaimo. Since then, the effects of climate change have worsened as predicted — globally, as well as here in BC, and indeed on Vancouver Island. The cause of climate change is known, and is agreed-upon by climate scientists around the globe: human activity — particularly the burning of fossil fuels.

It is once again time to vote in Nanaimo’s next mayor and council. Join us on Tuesday, September 22nd 6:45 - 9:15 for what is sure to be a lively discussion on how candidates, if elected, would advocate for climate solutions. This will not be a debate. Rather, it will take the form of a moderated Q&A.

Our commitment:

  • To citizens: ensure your concerned voices of Nanaimo are heard regarding steps being taken toward local climate change mitigation and adaptation

  • To candidates: a safe and respectful environment in which you have equal opportunity to respond to key questions related to the climate emergency

  • To both: provide an accessible space - please let us know if you have accessibility needs we can support by emailing sharon@nanaimoclimateaction.org by Thursday, Sept. 17th.

This forum is 100% dedicated to issues related the climate emergency. If seeking a forum where candidates are asked to address a broader set of issues, you should consider going to the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Candidate Civic Engagement Forum, which takes place on Sept. 29th.

Questions are prepared in advance and reflect input we’ve been receiving on the key issues you want to put before the candidates (thank you to those who submitted topics/questions — input welcome via info@nanaimoclimateaction.org until 5:00 pm, Friday, September 18th).

We will NOT be taking questions from the floor during the forum.

NOTE TO CANDIDATES: as of Tuesday, Sept. 15th we have reached candidate participant capacity for this event; if you have not received a confirmation email from us, unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate you at this Climate Emergency-focused forum. If you would like to join our waitlist, email at us at info@nanaimoclimateaction.org and we’ll notify you in the event we receive cancellations.