People who have been hoping to hear for themselves what the Red Deer-Mountain View federal riding’s candidates have to offer will have a chance to do just that tomorrow evening.
Courtesy of an organizational effort by Sundre and District Chamber of Commerce director Jim Eklund, four of the five major federal parties’ declared candidates have confirmed their intent to participate in an election forum at the Sundre Royal Canadian Legion Branch #223.
The local legion has been booked for the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 2, Chris Newton, also a chamber director, said last week, adding the event is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
The Liberal Party of Canada was the only major party that had not yet fielded a candidate in this riding when the chamber was organizing the forum. The deadline for nominations was Sept. 30, and Newton said an invitation would be extended to a Liberal candidate if one were declared.
Before the end of last week, the Liberals announced Gary Tremblay as the riding's candidate. Tremblay told the Round Up Monday morning that due to tight scheduling and poor road conditions, he did not anticipate being able to participate.
Those who have committed to attending the forum are Earl Dreeshen, the incumbent Conservative Party of Canada candidate who is seeking re-election; Conner Borle, who is running for the Green Party of Canada; Logan Garbanewski, who will be carrying the NDP banner; and Paul Mitchell, who will be representing the People’s Party of Canada.
Sundre councillor Richard Warnock will be moderating the forum, which in largely traditional debate format will offer each candidate a chance to speak followed by an opportunity for questions and answers.
We applaud the chamber’s effort to make these arrangements.
Election forums are a crucial part of the democratic process, offering voters a chance to hear for themselves uncensored or sanitized, pre-prepared talking point statements or carefully edited video clips of politicians.
People not only get a chance to listen to what each candidate brings to the table, but they also get a glimpse of their character and composure under the pressure of questioning from the public.
Newton encourages people to come out and get informed on the parties’ platforms before casting their vote on Oct. 21, and said he — from a small business owner’s perspective — looks forward to hearing what the candidates have to say.
We agree with Newton’s sentiment, and hope that local voters capitalize on this important opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
— Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
