Hi readers,

First, a massive thank you to everyone who responded to our reader surveys for both the byelection and federal election! We'll share your questions and the results in the coming weeks. I'll also be putting out a federal election guide for the Cowichan Valley, chock full of details on the candidates, party platforms, and details about casting your ballot. So stay tuned for that!

This week, I got to speak with the candidates running in the North Cowichan byelection on April 12. I asked for their thoughts on affordability, housing, taxes, and transportation. 

I hope after reading this week's story, you'll have a better idea of who you might want to vote for. But if you want to learn more about the candidates, be sure to check out the all-candidates meeting happening from 2-4 p.m. this Saturday at the Duncan Curling Club. I'll be there, so if you see me come say hi! Read more about the candidates in the story linked below.

Also next Monday, people worldwide will observe International Transgender Day of Visibility, and I wanted to highlight one event happening in the Cowichan Valley. PFLAG Cowichan Valley will host a discussion panel of specialists to discuss the biological, cultural, and legal realities of being transgender. 

One panellist is Adrienne Smith, a transgender human rights activist and social justice lawyer. They have argued before the Supreme Court of Canada about the harmful effects of mandatory minimum sentences for women, Indigenous people, and drug users.

For a complete list of speakers and to purchase tickets, check out Eventbrite.

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Survey: What federal election issues are important to you?

🗣️ The federal election takes place on April 28, and advance polls open on April 18.

At The Discourse, we believe that you, the community, should guide the federal election conversation. We want to know what’s important to you and offer coverage that responds to your questions and concerns.

Tell us what you think and we’ll do our best to dig into the issues that matter to you, and pose your questions to local candidates. Your participation in this survey will help inform our work and contribute to local dialogue about this election. Thanks for being part of it!

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Meet the five candidates running in North Cowichan’s April 12 civic byelection