Provincial Elections//

Candidates spar at Vancouver-Point Grey debate

Ahead of the final voting day, Vancouver-Point Grey candidates gathered in the Life Building's Norm Theatre for a debate hosted by the AMS and moderated by The Ubyssey.

BC Green Party candidate Dr. Devyani Singh and BC NDP Vancouver-Hastings candidate Niki Sharma attended the debate. Sharma was a proxy for Vancouver-Point Grey candidate David Eby. Vancouver-Point Grey BC Conservative candidate Paul Ratchford was invited to the debate by the AMS, but did not attend.

The candidates debated key policy issues including housing affordability, the toxic drug crisis and the climate crisis.

Candidates mostly agree on affordability, sexual violence prevention and the SkyTrain to UBC

Both candidates largely agreed that the expansion of affordable child care at UBC is necessary.

Singh said the BC Greens hope to see $10-a-day child care fully implemented by 2025. Both candidates said the lack of child care spaces on campus pose a significant challenge to graduate students with families and they are committed to building more. Child care spaces at UBC are expected to be filled by November.

“Grad students and other students with families, they should be able to focus on their studies and not have to worry about how to look after [their children],” said Singh.

On housing affordability, Sharma said the NDP has a track record of investing in rentals and the construction of more housing units, noting the government investing $300 million into creating more student beds on campus.

“Housing is not a commodity or an investment. It should be on the market for long-term rentals," said Sharma.

Singh agreed rent controls must be retained, but said vacancy control should also be included. To ensure units remain affordable and tenants are protected, Singh said restrictions need to be tied to the unit and not the person.

“We do believe in more supply, but we also believe in putting strict controls on that so that it's actually affordable for people,” said Singh.

On sexual violence prevention and education, both candidates agreed there should be systems in place to ensure survivors are protected and receive necessary care.

Singh said the BC Green Party plans to implement all 11 standards made by Students for Consent Culture.

Drawing from her experience as Attorney General, Sharma said she hopes to continue advocating for survivors and ensuring they are “treated fairly and respected.”

On transit and the SkyTrain to UBC, both candidates largely agreed that efficient and accessible public transit is an essential service.

Singh said the Greens wants “free transit for all.” She said when there is “good, efficient and reliable transit, people will use it.”

Similarly, Sharma said the NDP is committed to supporting affordable transit and the expansion of the SkyTrain to UBC.

Candidates disagree on climate and toxic drug crises

On the climate crisis, Singh said the NDP government continuously provides subsidies and exemptions for BC’s largest polluters.

“Let's face it, we're in a climate emergency … we need every tool in our arsenal right now to deal with this climate emergency,” said Singh.

Singh also said the BC Greens will continue to support the carbon tax, which will “put more money back into [low income earners’] pockets” and stimulate economic growth.

Sharma said a price on carbon is necessary, however the onus should be placed on BC’s large polluters and not consumers. She also said the NDP government will push larger industries to move away from fossil fuels or become “less fossil-intensive.”

On the toxic drug crisis and involuntary care, Sharma said currently those in need of medical care or mental health interventions are often managed by the criminal justice system. She said the criminal justice system does not provide the compassionate care needed in these situations.

"When we're talking about secure care and involuntary care … we're talking about using the Mental Health Act as it exists today that says there are times when physicians can say to somebody that ‘You are a risk yourself or with your community,'" said Sharma.

In contrast, Singh said the BC Greens oppose involuntary care.

“We have to remember these are people, families, brothers, sisters, children, their parents. You need to look at [them with] compassion,” said Singh.

Singh also said the “decades old” Mental Health Act must be updated for a post-pandemic BC.

“We really need to be looking at this more holistically … and working with science and experts, rather than [doing] what the public wants to hear,” said Singh.

Candidates emphasize voting importance in closing remarks

Sharma said the NDP is committed to progress, reconciliation and solving BC’s challenges.

“I’m really proud of our record at the NDP,” said Sharma. “There is a stark choice. We are very different from the Conservative Party. We’re finally making progress on so many of the challenges we all face.”

Singh said that the best government for BC is a minority government led by the Greens.

“Just start voting for who you want. Stop compromising. Vote for your values. Vote for the future you want.”

This article is part of The Ubyssey's 2024 provincial elections coverage.

Saumya Kamra photographer