British Columbians, what personal experience will shape how you vote in the next federal election?

Sometime in 2025, Canada will have a federal election. It could be as early as this spring. 

We all vote for different reasons. And sometimes we choose not to vote. CBC B.C. wants to make sure your voice is heard.

What's the one issue that matters the most to you? Do you have a specific personal story that illustrates your experience?

We're looking for several people from across British Columbia to publish their perspectives on CBC. Not the same political talking heads, but real people with real stakes.

To express your interest, please fill out this Google form. 

For example, if you're a millennial and unable to afford a place to live in B.C., what message do you want to send politicians? If you work in forestry or LNG, who do you think will stand up best for your interests and why? Perhaps you've lost a loved one to the toxic drug crisis or work as a first responder, and want to write about safe injection sites.

If you're a business owner, how do rising costs and labour shortages impact you? If you work in Canada's biggest industries — such as in hospitals, restaurants, grocery stores, factories or on construction sites — what's the biggest concern driving your vote?

If you feel like your perspective isn't represented or heard on a national stage, here's your chance to help change that. Democracy is stronger when we hear perspectives from across all of our communities. 

This is a paid writing opportunity and you don't have to be a professional writer. You'll be invited to an optional half-day online writing workshop with me — CBC's First Person producer Tamara Baluja — and other editors from across the country. Then you'll work one-on-one with a CBC editor to produce your piece.

Want to see previous First Person columns we've published? Check out our website and FAQ here. 

Questions? Email me at tamara.baluja@cbc.ca.