Terrace Candidates Forum

Terrace, BC – April 11, 2025

The Terrace Sportsplex Banquet Room hosted an All Candidates Forum last night for the Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding ahead of the April 28 federal election. However, the anticipated moderated discussion was cancelled after three of the five candidates withdrew, leaving only NDP incumbent Taylor Bachrach and Christian Heritage Party candidate Rod Taylor to engage with voters. The event, organized by the Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce, shifted to an unmoderated debate format, allowing the two candidates to exchange views and field questions directly from the audience.The absence of Liberal candidate Inderpal Dhillon, Green Party candidate Adeana Young, and Conservative candidate Ellis Ross was a point of contention. Young cited family and prior travel commitments, while Ross prioritized door-knocking in other communities. Dhillon’s withdrawal was announced on April 10, though no specific reason was provided. Bachrach expressed disappointment over their absence, urging his opponents to “face the voters” and emphasizing the importance of public engagement in the democratic process.

Despite the smaller turnout, the evening was far from subdued. Bachrach and Taylor, both seasoned in their respective political spheres, tackled a range of pressing issues in an open and unfiltered exchange. The unmoderated format allowed for candid dialogue, with the candidates responding directly to each other and to audience inquiries. Two topics—assisted suicide in Canada and the conflict in Gaza—emerged as focal points, reflecting the diverse concerns of Terrace residents.On the topic of assisted suicide, or Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), Bachrach advocated for a balanced approach, stressing the need to respect individual autonomy while ensuring robust safeguards to protect vulnerable populations. He highlighted the NDP’s push for improved mental health supports, arguing that access to care could reduce the demand for MAID in cases of psychological suffering. Taylor, representing the Christian Heritage Party’s socially conservative stance, expressed strong opposition to the expansion of MAID, particularly for minors or those with mental health challenges. He called for a renewed focus on palliative care and spiritual support, framing life as a sacred value.The discussion on Gaza revealed further contrasts. Bachrach condemned the violence and loss of civilian lives, calling for Canada to play a stronger role in advocating for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. He emphasized diplomacy and multilateral cooperation to address the root causes of the conflict. Taylor, while acknowledging the tragedy, focused on the complexities of the region’s history and urged caution in Canada’s foreign policy, advocating for neutrality to avoid inflaming tensions.

Audience members seized the opportunity to engage directly with the candidates during the Q&A session, which ran from 5:30 p.m. until just after 7:00 p.m. Questions ranged from local concerns—such as economic development and healthcare access—to broader national and international issues. Residents appreciated the chance to hear unscripted responses, with one attendee noting, “It felt like a real conversation, not just rehearsed talking points.”The Terrace and District Chamber of Commerce encouraged attendees to make the most of the event despite the cancellations. As the federal election draws near, the forum underscored both the engagement and the challenges of political participation in Skeena-Bulkley Valley. Bachrach, a former mayor of Smithers and MP since 2019, remains a familiar figure in the riding, while Taylor, a long-time Christian Heritage Party candidate, continues to champion his party’s values.

Kitimat Area recorded the entire debate and we are including it in it's entirety in the video here below.