Here’s what The Wren’s readers want to know ahead of the 2026 provincial election

Ahead of the Oct. 24 provincial election, The Wren asked readers what they want to know from candidates running to represent the Kamloops Centre and Kamloops-North Thompson ridings as a member of the legislative assembly.

To learn when and how to vote, and to see the full list of candidates, scroll to the bottom of this story.

Healthcare was the most common topic, chosen by 79 per cent of respondents. Readers asked about finding a family doctor and how candidates would fix staff shortages outside of the major cities.

Homelessness and social supports came next, at 64 per cent, followed by crime and social disorder at 56 per cent and affordability at 46 per cent. 

In The Wren’s municipal election survey last month, homelessness was the top issue.

“What are your long term plans to address homelessness while making sure that there are services and supports available where they are housed, to reduce crime and increase safety,” one reader asked.

“What can be done to make it safe to walk downtown again?” asked another.

Ahead of the election, check out The Wren’s explainers on local homelessness and crime.

Thirty-six per cent of respondents want candidates to talk about education. Readers asked about classroom support for students with disabilities and about changes to autism funding for families.

“What happened to the promise to have a certified education assistant in every primary classroom?” one reader asked.

A third of respondents chose recovery supports. Several asked about mental health and addiction care that follows people once they are housed.

“There has been a lot of focus on safe housing for homeless; while housing is an important piece of the puzzle, it seems that wraparound services like consistent mental health services are not contiguous or reliable,” one reader wrote. “What is your plan for moving forward with wraparound services for struggling populations?”

The Wren has reported in depth on recovery in Kamloops through the Roadmap to Recovery series. Read the fact-checks and listen to the series’ podcast.

A few readers also asked how candidates would manage the provincial deficit or balance the budget.

“How will you balance meeting election promises that require spending and ‘tightening our belts’?” one reader asked.

Another asked: “How would you improve healthcare without new funding?”

Readers also raised questions about AI data centres, wildfire prevention, Kamloops’ role as an emergency response hub for the region, housing costs for seniors, gas prices, SOGI 123 and the rights of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and relationships with First Nations. 

“How can we protect the city against more hate groups like Second Sons moving forward?” one reader asked.

Another reader questioned the timing of the election itself: “Do you think it’s justified to hold the snap provincial election this close to the municipal elections?”

To learn more about AI data centres in the region, read our article: Will Kamloops be an AI hub?

The Wren can’t bring all of your questions to candidates, but we’ve chosen five to best reflect your concerns. Stay tuned for those.

Meantime, as we approach both local and provincial voting days, check out our explainers on what level of government does what.

When and where to vote

Provincial general voting day is Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advance voting runs Oct. 16 to 21, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your voting place at wheretovote.elections.bc.ca. You can also vote by mail. Request a package from Elections BC by Oct. 18. Completed ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on Oct. 24.

The candidates in Kamloops Centre are Annelise Beach (BC Green Party), Rocky McAfee (OneBC), Peter Milobar (Conservative Party, incumbent), Thaelo Proctor (Independent) and Mike Wisla (BC NDP).

The candidates in Kamloops-North Thompson are Kory Clark (BC NDP), Deborah Friesen (OneBC) and Ward Stamer (Conservative Party, incumbent).

The municipal election is a week earlier, on Oct. 17. To learn more, visit our voting guide: Where to go and what to know: Voting in Kamloops’ 2026 general election.