Three MP hopefuls come together for riding’s first virtual candidates debate in 2025

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — For the third time this month, candidates for the local MP riding gathered for an all-candidates forum addressing local topics and concerns. 

On April 24th, candidates in the 2025 Canadian federal election MP seat race for the Prince George, Peace River and Northern Rockies federal electoral district gathered online for the riding’s first ever virtual all-candidates forum streamed to YouTube. 

The virtual event was hosted by the chambers of commerce for Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Mackenzie, Tumbler Ridge, Fort St. John and the Northern Rockies.

David Watson of the People’s Party of Canada, Mary Forbes of the Green Party of Canada and incumbent MP Bob Zimmer of the Conservative Party of Canada were all present. Cory Longley of the New Democratic Party was not in attendance. 

These four candidates also attended forums in Fort St. John on April 15th at the Lido Theatre and in Prince George on April 23rd at the University of Northern British Columbia campus.

Peter Njenga, the candidate for the Liberal Party of Canada, was invited to the Fort St. John, Prince George and virtual forums, but declined to attend all three. 

At the virtual event, the candidates were asked questions on topics from support for businesses, communication and housing to rural healthcare, air travel affordability and the regional economy. 

Other questions included how the candidate’s party platforms would create direct and tangible benefits for the riding, rural transportation infrastructure and seniors housing and independence.

Forbes focused her answers on green energy, immigration, affordability, free education and public engagement and communication.

“Affordability is more than just making hopes,” Forbes said. 

“There isn’t going to be a barrier to anybody who wants to be a doctor…it’s not a limit to how much gold you have in your pockets but how much gold you have between your ears.” 

Forbes added: “Your political identity should not outweigh your membership to the human species.” 

Watson specifically prioritized legislative change, reductions of “climate alarmism,” and immigration and less governmental involvement in provincial affairs. 

“Massive immigration has put us in the hole by a long shot, we intend to work on the cause of that,” Watson said. 

“We want to have a moratorium on immigration completely for a period of at least two years…that will give us a chance to work on the problem.” 

Zimmer described the various plans announced by the Conservative Party, focusing on “governmental overspending,” eliminating the carbon tax completely and reducing “red tape” across the country.  

“You can’t do everything overnight, we’d love to but it’s going to take some time once we get there,” Zimmer said. 

Zimmer also highlighted his history as a member of parliament for the riding, and his previous position as shadow cabinet minister of northern affairs and arctic sovereignty. 

As of publication time, this was the last all-candidates forum scheduled for the Prince George, Peace River and Northern Rockies riding before final voting day on April 28th.

To register to vote, prospective voters will need to provide information on their driver’s licence, be a resident of Canada and confirm they will be 18 years of age or older by April 28th. The deadline to register to vote by mail was April 22nd.

On voting day, all voters must identify themselves in one of a variety of ways at the polls.

They can present one piece of government-issued identification with a photograph, name and current address, such as a driver’s licence issued by any Canadian government – be it a provincial, federal or territory government.

If you do not have photo identification, voters can declare their identity and address in writing, and have someone who knows them or who is assigned to their polling station vouch for them.

Check out Energeticcity.ca’s new digital Election Guide, which includes everything voters need to know to make an informed choice ahead of voting day on April 28th.