North Cowichan council candidate Becky Hogg is coming under fire for failing to attend the first three all-candidates meetings in the lead-up to the pivotal October 17 municipal election.

On her Facebook page, Hogg seeks to explain her decision:

“I know how important these meetings are,” she wrote. “They give residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates, ask questions, and learn more about where we each stand on the issues facing North Cowichan.

“Unfortunately, I’ve had to decline three of the scheduled meetings. After taking this past week away from my small business to attend UBCM I’ve had to rearrange my schedule and work through the weekend. (Hogg is co-owner of a hair salon.)

“I will also be unable to attend the meetings on September 22 and September 24, as I will be out of the country for a commitment that was planned more than a year ago.

"I genuinely wish I could attend every meeting, and I appreciate the time and effort our community organizations put into hosting them.”

Based on comments on the same Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/beckyhoggnc/ ), the public isn’t sold on it.

— “I would have thought that a year ago when planning to be out of the country you might have realized that there was going to be an election at this time.”

— “Do you realize how important this election is? You won by 67 votes. 67.”

— "For many voters, all-candidate forums are the only chance to see politicians answer unscripted questions in person."

— “Missing most candidate debates that will give voters information but going to UBCM on taxpayers dime.”

— “Voters notice these things as well as how an incumbent voted in the last 4 years”

The only person who posted in support of Hogg on the Facebook page is Adrienne Richards, a failed candidate from the 2022 municipal election who championed Hogg’s byelection victory by 67 votes in April 2025 and is now the face of Citizens Oversight & Accountability Project (COAP).

Richards is also listed as a nominator for Joyce Behnsen's run at a council position.

(Hogg says she will attend the next three all-candidates meeting, including the COAP-sponsored meeting October 4 at Duncan United Church, starting at 2:30 pm.)

Richards posted wrong information on Hogg's web page, saying: “They have to go to the UBCM.”

Attendance at the Union of BC Municipalities convention earlier this month in Vancouver was optional for council members.

Councillor Christopher Justice opted not to attend, although Mayor Rob Douglas and councillors Chris Istace, Bruce Findlay, Tek Manhas, and Mike Caljouw did.