On April 9th, the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association (SCCA) and Seniors for Climate hosted a dynamic and engaging Federal Candidates Meeting, highlighting key environmental issues that will shape the 2025 federal election.
The event brought together candidates from the Liberal, Green, New Democratic, and People’s Parties. The candidates presented their visions for environmental protection, sustainability, and community resilience. Approximately 100 community members attended, and the candidates answered 10 questions during the event.
SCCA moderator, Jef Keighley, opened the event by emphasizing the historic importance of this election, framing it as a pivotal moment in Canadian sovereignty, environmental protection, and climate action. Candidates delivered passionate opening statements, outlining their personal commitments and party policies.
Patrick Weiler (Liberal) highlighted his work in strengthening environmental laws, introducing anti-greenwashing legislation, and championing significant conservation investments.
Peyman Askari (People’s Party) focused on individual freedoms and responsibilities, emphasizing his belief that public lands should be privatized and utilized for rural housing development.
Jäger Rosenberg (NDP) underscored the urgency of climate action, critiqued current policies as insufficient, and called for stronger accountability for polluters and fossil fuel subsidies.
Lauren Greenlaw (Green Party) emphasized the systemic changes required to address biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, advocating for a shift away from consumerism and toward more sustainable, community-focused solutions.
Keith Roy (Conservative Party) did not attend the forum nor provide a reason for his absence.
The candidates addressed critical questions posed by the community, covering topics such as carbon pricing, biodiversity protection, renewable energy transitions, Indigenous land stewardship, and species at risk. All candidates agreed on the necessity of more substantial conservation efforts. However, they differed significantly in their approaches to energy policies, economic transitions, and the role of government versus individual responsibility.
The forum concluded with all candidates urging voters to participate actively in this decisive election. PLEASE VOTE!
The SCCA expresses appreciation to all attendees, candidates, volunteers, and local supporters, emphasizing the essential role of community involvement in the electoral process and critical conservation efforts to ensure a livable future for all life on Earth.
Summary of Questions and Candidate Responses