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MLA candidates clash on affordability, budgets and future of Abbotsford-Mission
Candidates clashed over the proposed PST expansion, with Findley saying it would hit small businesses and Alexis defending it as needed to fund services.
- On Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, NDP candidate Pam Alexis and Conservative candidate Kerry-Lynne Findley clashed over the proposed PST expansion during an Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce debate for the Abbotsford-Mission byelection.
- Findley opposed the tax expansion set for Oct. 1, arguing it harms small businesses; Alexis defended the measure as necessary revenue replacement after the NDP eliminated the carbon tax.
- During the debate, Alexis pressed Findley on nine Conservative members' recent departures, including Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman. Findley countered by criticizing Alexis for vowing to voice budgetary concerns privately rather than publicly.
- Green Party candidate Stephen Fowler and CentreBC's Lakhwinder Jhaj participated in the 90-minute debate moderated by Hamish Telford. All four candidates agreed on the need for federal aid to manage flood risks and improve highway transit.
- The byelection, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, was triggered after former MLA Reann Gasper resigned to allow Findley to seek the nomination. Advance voting opens Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left12Leaning Right1Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution92% Left
Bias Distribution
- 92% of the sources lean Left
92% Left
L 92%
Factuality
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