New platform to assess Greater Victoria candidates ahead of civic election

A coalition of community groups is preparing an online resource intended to help Greater Victoria voters navigate October’s civic elections across the Capital Regional District.

Livable CRD is tracking candidates and their platforms in the region’s 13 municipalities, where more than 100 people typically seek council and school-board positions. The coalition, made up of volunteers from 10 community groups, is developing a survey on major issues.

Spokesperson Michael Bassili said the results, including candidates’ unedited responses and scorecards, are expected online by early September. He said the group will not endorse candidates, but aims to make information easier for voters to review.

Subject-matter experts from the coalition’s member organizations will assess responses. Those organizations work on issues including climate justice, health care and transit. Camosun College instructor and political scientist Daniel Reeve said the large number of candidates and issues can be overwhelming, and clearer information could help voter participation.

Reeve identified Saanich and Langford as municipalities to watch. Saanich will elect a new mayor because Dean Murdock is stepping down. In Langford, former mayor Stew Young is seeking to return after losing to Scott Goodmanson in 2022.