16 City Council Candidates Participate in Food Security Forum
Archway Community Services’ Food Security team and the University of the Fraser Valley’s Food and Agriculture Institute welcomed approximately 175 community members to an All-Candidates Meeting focused on food security priorities in Abbotsford on October 5th, 2026, at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium.
Sixteen City Council candidates participated in the event, sharing their perspectives on food security and the role municipal government can play in supporting a more accessible, equitable, and resilient local food system.
The evening began with a keynote address from Dr. Alesandros Glaros of the University of the Fraser Valley’s Food and Agriculture Institute and was moderated by Archway CEO Rod Santiago.
Prior to the discussion portion of the event, attendees had an opportunity to meet and engage with candidates. The discussion forum then featured three rounds of questions to explore candidate perspectives on food security issues affecting Abbotsford residents.
Candidates were first invited to introduce themselves and answer the question,
“Why does food security matter in Abbotsford?”
During the second round, candidates selected one of four topic areas to address: affordability, poverty and equity, food access and distribution, food recovery and waste reduction, and food security priorities. Responses highlighted a range of perspectives on improving access to affordable food, supporting local agriculture, reducing food waste, and strengthening community food initiatives.
The evening concluded with a final question asking candidates to identify one idea shared by another candidate that they agreed with, encouraging reflection on areas of common ground.
“Food security touches all of us. It affects the health and well-being of our neighbours, the strength of our local economy, the sustainability of our food system, and our community’s resilience in times of challenge” said Rod Santiago, Archway CEO. “We appreciate the willingness of candidates to discuss these important issues and share their ideas for Abbotsford’s future.”
A recording of the event is available here:
“Food security touches all of us. It affects the health and well-being of our neighbours, the strength of our local economy, the sustainability of our food system, and our community’s resilience in times of challenge” said Rod Santiago, Archway CEO.
Written responses on food security questions from candidates will be shared on the Food Justice Webpage as we receive them.
Click here for More responses from Candidates
Important voting dates:
- Advance voting: October 7th, 10th, and 11th
- General: October 17th
Learn more about voter eligibility and identification, candidates, and voting opportunities at www.abbotsford.ca/elections.
Archway Community Services does not endorse any candidate or political party. All confirmed City Council candidates were invited to participate and were provided with the same information, speaking opportunities, booth space, and participation guidelines. The absence of candidates should not be interpreted as a position on food security or any issues discussed at the event.
Participating Candidates (in Alphabetical Order)
Amrik Narang, Carmen Fast Hollett, Dao Tran, Dave Sidhu, Doris Woodman-McMillan, Jasmit Phulka, Jeremy Klix, Joel Madsen, Mark Warkentin, Patricia Driessen, Patricia Ross, Preet Rai, Rick Thiessen, Rupi Kanda-Rajwan, Shirley Wilson, and Simon Gibson.