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2026 BC Provincial Election

Defend the watersheds BC depends on

Safe drinking water, the food we grow and wild salmon all depend on healthy watersheds. This election, ask your candidates to help defend the water we all depend on.

Provincial Election Day: October 24
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What Needs to Change

Four commitments to defend BC’s water

Industrial overuse, pollution and damage to rivers, forests and wetlands put our water sources at risk. We’re asking every candidate to support four practical steps to defend them.

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1

Make big industrial water users pay fair rates

Raise the water rental rates paid by BC’s largest industrial users, including fracking companies, mines and AI data centres. Dedicate the revenue to the independently managed Watershed Security Fund to support work that defends and restores our water sources.

2

Give communities a stronger say in their water

Establish and fund local watershed boards so people who depend on a watershed have a stronger say in decisions about it. Support shared decision-making between First Nations and local governments, and fund local work to monitor water supplies, restore rivers and prepare for water shortages.

3

Invest in the water we depend on

Invest in the watersheds that supply our drinking water, support growing food and sustain fish and wildlife. Grow the Watershed Security Fund, restore natural defences against floods, drought and wildfire, and fully fund and implement the BC Flood Strategy, including fish-friendly flood infrastructure.

4

Hold water wasters and polluters accountable

Give provincial regulators the staff and resources to monitor industrial water use and pollution, enforce the rules and respond to toxic spills. Make sure companies face meaningful fines and penalties for wasting water or damaging our water sources.

Province-Wide Polling

British Columbians want action on water

Support for defending our water crosses party lines. British Columbians want stronger accountability and fair rates for big industrial users.

90%

say defending Canada’s freshwater is vital to our national sovereignty and security.

This support crosses party lines, with large majorities of BC NDP, Conservative and Green voters agreeing.

92% say the provincial government must be held accountable for responsible freshwater management.
83% support raising water rates for BC’s biggest industrial users after seeing a comparison of BC and Quebec rates.
71% are concerned about a major water crisis in their community—up from 57% in 2018.

About the polling: Province-wide survey of 2,005 BC adults conducted by McAllister Opinion Research for the BC Watershed Security Coalition, August 27–September 1, 2026. The industrial-rate question included a comparison between rates in BC and Quebec. Subgroup results carry wider credible intervals.

Make Your Voice Heard

Tell your candidates water matters

Candidates are asking for your vote. Let them know that safe drinking water, food and healthy salmon runs matter to you.

Email your candidates and tell them why water matters to you. Ask them to support fair industrial water rates, funded local watershed work, investment in healthy watersheds and stronger action on water waste and pollution.

Email Your Candidates
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Show Up and Ask

All-Candidates Meetings

Hear from the people asking for your vote and bring a water question to an all-candidates meeting in your community.

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Next Meeting

Check the calendar for upcoming meetings

Meeting details and question submission deadlines will be updated as organizers announce them.

Find a Meeting Near You

Find meeting dates, locations and details about attending or submitting a question. Check the organizer’s instructions—some events require questions in advance.

View the Meeting Calendar
Start a Conversation

Questions to ask your candidates

You don’t need to be a water expert to ask a good question. Choose one below for a conversation at the door, on the phone or at an all-candidates meeting.

  • Would you support raising water rates for BC’s largest industrial users, like frackers, AI data centres and mining operations, to help keep our water sources healthy?
  • Would you support funding local watershed boards so communities have more say in how their freshwater is managed?
  • Would you support more funding to keep our drinking water safe, help farmers grow food and restore natural defences against floods and drought?
  • Would you support stronger monitoring and enforcement to hold companies accountable for wasting or polluting our water?

Keep the conversation going: If a candidate agrees, ask, “How could you help move that forward?” If they want more information, share the four priorities above or the full Question Kit.

Explore the Question Kit Email Your Candidates
Stay Informed

Water in the Election

Follow party announcements, news coverage and CodeBlue BC updates about drinking water, industrial water use, floods, drought and healthy watersheds.

Links are included for information. CodeBlue BC does not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

View Party Commitments and News
Useful Links

Election Resources

Find official information on registering and voting.

Elections BC Official voting information, registration details and election updates. Register to Vote Register to vote or update your voter information before election day.

CodeBlue BC is a non-partisan campaign. We do not support or oppose any political party or candidate.

Authorized by Watershed Watch Salmon Society, registered sponsor under the Election Act, [email protected]