Stewart disappointed at prospect of provincial election

Holding a provincial election this fall fails to respect municipal governments and B.C. voters, according to retiring Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart.

A day before B.C. Premier David Eby officially called a snap election, Stewart spoke in council chambers about both the importance of voting and what he viewed as the repercussions of simultaneous election campaigns.

Municipal governments are mandated to hold an election on a set date every 48 months, Stewart noted.

“The other 47 months are available for the province,” he said. “We are disappointed that there is now the possibility that they could decide to run their election during that 48th month.”

Having run municipally and provincially, Stewart emphasized the importance of local politics.

“From my perspective, the local level is more important, but at least as important, as the provincial level,” he said, noting the city’s role in development, traffic, parks, and rec centres. “Our work is really vital to the day-to-day services voters receive.”

Municipal candidates deserve to have their ideas heard by voters, Stewart said, noting elections are already scheduled in cities, towns, villages, and school districts across B.C.

Stewart concluded his remarks with an inaccurate prediction.

“I believe the province will respect that they have ordered us to have an election now, and they could have one later,” he said. “I truly hope they respect local governments and the voters of this province.”

In addition to his remarks in council chambers, Stewart also penned a letter urging residents to vote.

“In Coquitlam, preparations for this year’s municipal election have been underway for months,” he wrote. “Our election team has been preparing voting locations, recruiting and training hundreds of election workers, developing voting materials and putting the systems in place to deliver an accessible, transparent and secure election.”

Coquitlam is set to hold six advance voting dates beginning Oct. 5 and to offer a vote-by-mail option to all eligible voters. The city is also planning to provide 23 polling places across the city for Oct. 17 Election Day.

“For Coquitlam voters, one thing remains clear: our election is proceeding as planned and we are ready for you,” he wrote.

“Local democracy happens close to home. Every four years, residents have the opportunity to choose the people who will help shape the future of their community.

“We have been preparing for this election for months. We are ready to welcome voters, and we look forward to seeing Coquitlam residents participate. Please make a plan to vote,” he concluded.

For more information about voting in Coquitlam, click here.