News Release

 

September 25, 2019

 

Chamber to host election candidates’ debate

TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a debate Oct. 2 for federal candidates in the Cumberland-Colchester.

“Hosting a candidates’ debate is an opportunity to bring important topics to the forefront during an election period, as well as to ask questions on issues identified by our members and to receive real-time answers,” said Chamber President Ron Smith.

The debate will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m. at Cumming Hall, 62 Cumming Drive, Dalhousie University Alumni Theatre, Bible Hill. It is open to the public and there is no cost to attend.

The chamber recognizes there may be eight or more candidates running in the riding, however, the debate will include Scott Armstrong, Conservative; Jason Blanch, Green Party; Larry Duchesne, NDP; Lenore Zann, Liberal; and William (Bill) Archer, People’s Party of Canada.

“While we acknowledge there are emerging parties and platforms, our debate will include candidates that meet the criteria of the Chamber’s Election Activities policy,” said Smith. “We are aware there are candidates in the Cumberland-Colchester riding that will not be represented on the panel as a result of the criteria.”

The Chamber’s Election Activities policy outlines the following criteria for participation in its federal election debate: have at least one MP elected under the party’s banner; and at least one of the two following items, intend to run candidates in at least 90 per cent of the country’s ridings or have captured at least four per cent of the votes in the previous election.

Smith said the Chamber is extending an invitation to meet with any candidate in the Cumberland-Colchester riding to discuss the Chamber’s advocacy priorities for the business community.

People may submit debate questions in advance of the event to the Chamber via email to [email protected]