Municipal election

Prince George Chamber, UNBC hosting mayoral candidates forum

Oct 5, 2026 | 12:05 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George residents will have an opportunity to hear directly from mayoral candidates at an all-candidates forum Tuesday evening at the University of Northern British Columbia.

The event is being hosted jointly by the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and UNBC and will take place at the Canfor Winter Garden beginning at 7 p.m.

Unlike a traditional candidates’ debate, organizers have chosen a one-on-one interview format. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Neil Godbout says each candidate will have approximately 10 minutes with moderator Dr. Ronald Camp, Dean of UNBC’s Faculty of Business and Economics and a Chamber board director.

Godbout says the unique format is intended to give voters a clearer understanding of each candidate’s ideas and leadership style.

“Rather than a group of people sitting on stage getting asked the same question and answering it nine different ways, let’s have them one-on-one with our moderator for 10 minutes and see where the conversation goes,” he said.

As of Monday, all nine candidates were expected to attend.

The forum runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Organizers say the event will also be livestreamed for residents who cannot attend in person.

Godbout says the Chamber’s involvement reflects the importance municipal government plays in issues affecting local businesses, including taxation, permitting and licensing. However, he stressed the forum is intended for the entire community.

The Prince George Chamber of Commerce says it remains non-partisan and does not endorse candidates.