Kamloops Centre member of the legislative assembly and Conservative leadership candidate Peter Milobar is in Port Alberni on April 7, 2026, to host a community town hall focused on healthcare and public safety. The meeting will take place from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Best Western Plus Barclay Hotel, located at 4277 Stamp Avenue.
The event is being co-hosted by local resident Joshua Dahling. In addition to the evening session, a meet and greet event is taking place earlier in the day at the SteamPunk Cafe. The public is invited to attend both events to discuss issues impacting the community.
Healthcare access remains a primary concern for residents, as West Coast General Hospital has faced ongoing staffing shortages and indefinite closures of its intensive care unit. Island Health has also previously limited some hospital admissions due to a hospitalist shortage. These challenges have prompted local discussions about the need for more healthcare providers and improved patient care.
Public safety is another key focus of the discussion, as Port Alberni currently deals with a crime rate that is more than double the provincial average. Local police report that the city’s detachment of 45 officers handles approximately 14,000 calls per year, with individual officers often managing caseloads nearly double the provincial average.
Milobar, who is currently the opposition finance critic, is one of six candidates competing to lead the Conservative Party. The winner of the leadership race will be announced on May 30, 2026. His stated platform includes improving accountability within health authorities, addressing public safety, and protecting property rights.
The leadership race remains competitive as the party approaches its decision date. Recent polling data indicates a tight contest between Milobar and candidate Caroline Elliott, with both candidates polling near 20 to 21 percent among party members and a large portion of the membership still undecided.
