Abbotsford – With British Columbians preparing to head to the polls on October 24th, the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the University of the Fraser Valley Student Union Society will bring provincial candidates together on Monday, October 19th for a debate focused on the issues shaping Abbotsford, the Fraser Valley and the Province.
The event will give business leaders, community stakeholders and residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to represent Abbotsford’s three provincial ridings.
“The Abbotsford Chamber works every day to make sure the voice of local business is heard in Victoria. An election is an opportunity to find out who is best positioned to deliver for our community,” said Alex Mitchell, CEO of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. “Together with UFV’s Student Union Society and our business association partners, we’re bringing the next generation of leaders and our business community into the same conversation. We want candidates on the record about how they’ll tackle the challenges holding our economy back, support local businesses, and deliver results for Abbotsford.”
“Decisions made at the provincial level have a direct impact on students and their ability to access and succeed in post-secondary education,” said Tanvir Hundal, UFV Student Union Society, President. “As students continue to navigate rising costs of living, financial pressures, and challenges accessing education, it is important that candidates speak to how they intend to address affordability, sustainable post-secondary funding, and opportunities for students. This debate provides an opportunity for students to hear directly from those seeking to represent them and better understand their priorities for the future of post-secondary education in British Columbia”
The debate will cover a range of issues relevant to the province and our region, including affordability and the cost of living, housing, healthcare, public safety, transportation and infrastructure, and other key provincial priorities. Given the partnership with the Chamber and the University, there will be a focus on business and economic issues, while also including topics such as post-secondary education and other issues affecting students and young people.
Participating Candidates:
All candidates with official party status in the legislature have been invited to participate.
Abbotsford South
- Bruce Banman – Conservative Party of British Columbia
- Leah Ballantyne – BC NDP
Abbotsford West
- Korky Neufeld – Conservative Party of British Columbia
- Jules Côté – BC NDP
Abbotsford-Mission
- Darryl Kropp – Conservative Party of British Columbia
- Pam Alexis – BC NDP
The debate will be moderated by Hamish Telford, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Event Details
Provincial All-Candidates Debate
Monday, October 19, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
UFV – Evered Hall, Student Union Building, 33844 King Road, Abbotsford
Attendance is free and open to the public.
Event Partners
This event is hosted by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce and the UFV Student Union Association with support from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, Abbotsford Downtown Business Association, Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Fraser Valley, and Fraser Valley Indo Canadian Business Association.
With Voting Day on October 24, the Chamber encourages businesses, students and residents to attend, hear directly from the candidates and get informed before casting their ballot.
