BC Premier, Mr. David Eby, called a snap election, for October 24th. British Columbians are headed to the polls next month – twice.
Alameen
9-23-2026
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Our community often goes into an overdrive mode during the federal and provincial elections, and we should. However, during the local municipal elections, we remain in our hibernate mode. Municipal elections have the lowest voters turnout. In the past, our community has had abysmal record in voter participation. During Municipal elections the record dwindles even further.
Democracy is not a spectator sport. In democratic societies, the most important elections are local municipal elections. We must recognize the importance of local municipal elections. Federal and provincial elections affect us on broader spectrum. It is the local government affects every part of our life.
It is refreshing to see that in the upcoming municipal and school board elections our community is witnessing the highest number of candidates in BC history, at all levels, from seeking mayoral and councillor positions to school trustees, park board commissioners to regional directors.
We must realize that it is the municipal elections have the single largest impact on our daily lives, the welfare of the neighbourhoods we reside and the future of our children.
It is the municipal lawmakers that decide what kind of community we will have for the next four years. They decide on the safety and security of our neighbourhoods. One of the largest portions of our property taxes are allocated on policing our neighbourhoods. With crime rates on rise, gang violence, drug trafficking and unfair targeting of minority communities. This should be our single most important motivator for us to actively participate in the municipal elections seriously.
The second most important motivator is our children’s education. The parallel elections next month include the local school board elections. It is the municipal school districts that is funded through our taxes are responsible for the elementary and secondary education, the number of schools within the municipality, the staffing. The curriculum is established by the province. However, the local school board trustees oversee the implantation and administering the programs board offers to our children. This should matter most!
After policing and education, local lawmakers are responsible for every aspect of our daily lives, the infrastructure of our neighbourhoods, roads constructions and maintenance, bike paths, parking, parks, cultural and recreation centers, zoning, public transit, fire and emergency response, sewage, waste management, affordable housing, etc.
A recent online survey by Discourse, highlighted key issues on voters’ care about most for next month’s local elections are, “affordable housing, climate change adaptation, environmental conservation, local development, support for vulnerable community members, reconciliation, inclusivity and emergency preparedness.”
The municipal lawmakers are responsible for zoning changes that can result in development of affordable housing, which has become central issue across all municipalities this election. We have an opportunity to meet the candidates and highlight these issues and make sure those candidates are committed to facilitate zoning changes by eliminating red tape to create more affordable housing.
This year BC Muslim community is witnessing the highest number of candidates seeking to serve on local municipal bodies throughout BC. In total, across the province, four Muslim candidates seeking Mayoral positions. Meanwhile, 26 seeking Councillors positions, ten for school board trustees, and three directors’ position.
In City of Vancouver alone, two candidates aspiring to clinch the mayoral position, Muhammad Ahmed, Bright Future Vancouver, (BFV) and Kareem Allam, Liberal Party. At least one candidate for the school board Trustee and one for the parks board position.
Surrey has the largest slate of Muslim candidates, seeking to serve the community. In total, eleven seeking Councillors position and two for the school board trustee.
The second largest slate of Muslim candidates after Surrey is Richmond, with five candidates seeking councillors’ position and one for the school board trustee.
Other municipalities, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Coquitlam, Kelowna, Kootenay, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Revelstoke, and Wells have considerable numbers of Muslim candidates on the ballot papers.
It is imperative that our community participates in municipal elections with just as much interests as they demonstrate for the federal and provincial elections and try electing our local lawmakers.
As for the provincial elections, many view it as a political “opportunism” given the fact the total disarray amongst the rank and file within the official opposition, and Mr. Eby’s NDP trying to catch them off-guard, and hoping to secure another four-year majority mandate.
“Speaking in front of Government House in Victoria, Eby presented the election as British Columbians' chance to choose which government will meet the threat posed by the trade dispute between Canada and the United States.”
"For British Columbians and for Canadians, this is an existential moment," he said, standing with his wife, Dr. Cailey Lynch. "Donald Trump is attacking our workers, he's targeting our businesses, he's threatening our ability to make decisions for ourselves."
Political parties, often in third term, seeking re-election, often face headwinds with voters. BCNDP is no different. By calling a snap election, BCNDP has taken an enormous risk, where voters may hand over the opposition what they have been wishing.
However, Mr. Eby along with Ontario’s Premier, Mr. Doug Ford, and Manitoba’s Premier, Mr. Wab Kinew have become the most vocal face of Canada’s fight against Trump’s Tariff war against Canada.
It’s too early to gauge what BC voters are thinking. Considering Trump’s tariff war against Canada. The BC voters, on October 24th will decide whether they want to continue with the status quo by re-electing Mr. Eby and his BCNDP and have an experienced premier to continue its fight against Trump’s tariff war, or they wish to change the government and bring in a new face who might be able to address the fight better.
Whether its provincial or municipal elections. Our community’s participation is imperative, and we encourage all our community members to take part in their civic duty and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Every vote count, every vote matters.
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