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Burnaby meet-and-greet gets you up close to candidates in 3 ridings

A special all-riding, non-partisan event has been set up to allow people to meet candidates in all three Burnaby federal election ridings.
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A special all-riding, non-partisan event has been set up to allow people to meet candidates in all three Burnaby federal election ridings.

Organized by the Burnaby Board of Trade, the event aims to provide Burnaby businesses, residents and the community at large with an opportunity to meet federal candidates from across Burnaby. 

The event is on Oct. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Firefighter’s Banquet Hall, 6515 Bonsor Ave.

Each party will have a booth/station in the room for people to meet and converse with attendees.
Each riding will be introduced by event emcee and each candidate in that riding will be invited to introduce themselves, their party and their positions publicly to all of the attendees.
Following the introductions, candidates will be invited to return to their party booth and attendees will be able to meet the candidates, ask questions, and discuss any pertinent issues on a personal level.

All candidates representing the major parties in each Burnaby riding (New Westminster –Burnaby, Burnaby North-Seymour, Burnaby South) will be invited to attend. Independent candidates and those representing minor parties will also be invited based on internal criteria, said the BBOT.

Here are some other opportunities to hear the candidates: 

Burnaby North-Seymour

  • Pipeline debate

What: BROKE (Burnaby Residents Opposing Kinder Morgan Expansion) will host a debate, moderated by SFU professor Tim Takaro, on “pipelines, climate change and our future.” 

When: Friday, Oct. 4. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the debate running from 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Confederation Seniors Centre at 4585 Albert St. 

Who: Liberal Terry Beech, New Democrat Svend Robinson, Green Amita Kuttner and the People’s Party’s Rocky Dong have all confirmed their attendance. Conservative Heather Leung has not responded to organizers or the NOW.

  • Student issues debate

What: Simon Fraser University’s student societies are hosting a student-focused debate. The event will be free, but attendees must RSVP online.

When: Thursday, Oct. 3. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Lecture hall C9001 at SFU’s Burnaby Mountain campus.

Who: Liberal Terry Beech, New Democrat Svend Robinson, Green Amita Kuttner have all confirmed attendance. The People’s Party has not been invited (organizers said they only invited party’s polling above five per cent). Conservative Heather Leung has not responded to organizers or the NOW.  

Burnaby South

  • Climate crisis debate

What: A debate on the climate crisis organized by an unaffiliated group of citizens. “Candidates will be grilled on how they’ll create bold, comprehensive visions for a sustainable and just future for Canadians,” organizers say. The second half of the event will open the floor for people to ask questions from the floor.

When: Thursday, Sept. 26. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., debate from 7 to 8:30 p.m., followed by a meet and greet from 8:30 to 9 p.m.

Where: Burnaby Neighbourhood House Community Hall, 5024 Rumble St.

Who: Green Brennan Wauters, Liberal Neelam Brar and Al Rawdah of the People’s Party have confirmed their attendance. New Westminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian will represent Burnaby South incumbent MP and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who will be unable to attend while running a national campaign. Conservative Jay Shin has yet to confirm his attendance, saying he is reviewing his schedule. 

Burnaby-New Westminster

The New Westminster Chamber of Commerce is holding an all-candidates’ debate. It’s on Wednesday, Sept.  25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Justice Institute, 715 McBride Blvd.

In an effort to spotlight environmental issues, New Westminster Environmental Partners, Tenth to the Fraser and Babies for Climate Action are hosting a climate change debate. It’s on Wednesday, Oct 2 at 7 p.m. in Massey Theatre’s Plaskett Gallery, 735 Eighth Ave.

The Massey Heights Residents' Association is planning an all-candidates Oct. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 930 Cumberland St. The first hour is a chance for folks to mingle and talk to the candidates, followed by a one-hour roundtable discussion.

Anyone wanting to check if they’re registered, to register to vote or to update their address information can go to www.electionscanada.ca/register or visit the Elections Canada office at 10-620 Royal Ave. or call 1-800-463-6868.