The Terrace All Candidates Forum on April 11 for the Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding had a sparse turnout, with only NDP incumbent Taylor Bachrach and Christian Heritage Party candidate Rod Taylor attending on time. The event had to shift to an unmoderated debate after the Conservative, Liberal, and Green Party candidates withdrew. Bachrach and Taylor engaged in a lively discussion on several issues, with the topic of assisted death drawing significant attention. Bachrach defended Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), emphasizing its importance for those suffering from terminal illnesses, while Taylor opposed its expansion, calling for more focus on palliative care and spiritual support.
Another key issue discussed was the Israel-Palestine conflict. Bachrach called for stronger Canadian action to support peace and humanitarian aid, while Taylor urged caution and a neutral stance in foreign policy. Local issues also dominated the conversation, including concerns about rail safety, the Highway of Tears, and the region’s economic future. Despite the event’s smaller format, the forum provided voters with a direct opportunity to hear from the candidates ahead of the April 28 federal election. Many residents voiced their frustration over the absence of other candidates, stressing the importance of public debates in the democratic process.
