North Cowichan councilors face criticism for climate denial ahead of election

Letters published on July 31, 2026 in the Ladysmith Chronicle, Chemainus Valley Courier, Lake Cowichan Gazette and Cowichan Valley Citizen criticize three North Cowichan municipal councillors—Bruce Findlay, Tek Manhas and Mike Caljouw—for denying that recent global warming is caused by human activity. The writers argue that the councillors' positions endanger residents of the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD), citing a recent wildfire near Mount Prevost and the arid Cowichan River as evidence of climate impacts.

The letters call on voters to consider climate science when they vote in the municipal election scheduled for October 17, urging the councillors to educate themselves and support evidence‑based policies. They note that Findlay voted against a climate‑adaptation motion, while Manhas and Caljouw have taken differing stances on related biodiversity and development proposals.