Queen Elizabeth Secondary hosts all-candidates mayoral forum ahead of municipal election

Students at Queen Elizabeth Secondary got a firsthand look at Surrey’s mayoral candidates on Wednesday as the school hosted an engaging all-candidates mayoral forum for the upcoming municipal election.

While QE has hosted forums for most provincial and federal elections since 2000, social studies teacher Mike Driscoll said this is the first time the school has held a forum for municipal politicians. Approximately 400 students from Grades 8-12 attended, with seven of the eight mayoral candidates on hand to field questions and comments from students.

“As a social studies teacher, I wanted there to be exposure to politics as you would see it live and participate and ask questions,” said Driscoll. “We have a pretty informed student body, and seeing it is much better than reading articles and watching videos.”

Driscoll said the students asked thoughtful questions about homelessness, crime and gang activity, public transit and the environment, among other issues. Students also inquired about the possibility of a UBC campus in Surrey.

“The students are always interested. It was very respectful and very engaged, and that was nice to see,” he said. “My priority is that the kids hear multiple viewpoints.”

Grade 11 students Parneet Chandi and Simrat Matharu MCed the event and guided questions from the audience. They said the forum was very informative and well-received by fellow students.

“It was very exciting, we really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about local politics and the issues in Surrey,” said Chandi.

“Everyone liked it because they were able to ask questions and get a better understanding of what they're going to be voting for in the future,” said Matharu.