With the federal election just a few short weeks away, residents have the chance to get informed about their options before they head to the polls.
The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting an all-candidates forum for the Lakeland riding at Dr. Bernard Brosseau School on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
“We believe people have the right to know what the candidates for the Lakeland region have to say about issues that affect our communities,” explained acting executive director for the local chamber Megan Wakefield. “We provide the forums as a public service, and we’re privileged and proud to play a role in the democratic process.”
Incumbent Conservative Party of Canada candidate Shannon Stubbs and People’s Party of Canada candidate Alain Houle will be on-hand at the forum.
On Monday, Sept. 30, four new candidates were announced for the Lakeland riding: Green Party of Canada candidate Kira Brunner, Roberta Graham with the Veterans Coalition Party of Canada, Jeffrey Swanson from the New Democratic Party, and Liberal Party of Canada candidate Mark Watson.
The Libertarian Party of Canada representative, Robert McFadzean, won’t be in attendance after he declined the chamber’s invitation.
McFadzean told the Nouvelle he won’t be attending any forums in the riding due to a lack of funds and his experience with the previous events.
“It seemed the vast majority of people there were there just to support their candidate… Their campaign people seemed to be the majority of the people there for who you were talking to… I kind of hoped that when I went to these forums there would be a whole slew of the general public there, but I didn’t see that happening and it just didn’t seem useful,” he explained.
Along with learning who could be representing the area at the federal-level, the chamber also wants to give residents the chance to get informed before casting their ballots on Oct. 21.
“As a non-partisan organization, whose mission is to advocate for business, we have a keen interest in knowing what’s happening in government. But, it goes deeper. The chamber is made-up of citizens who live and work in the area. This is our home. Our members want to know who their elected officials are, and where they stand on issues that affect us all,” Wakefield said.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. on the day of the forum, with the event kicking off at 7 p.m. The candidates will begin with opening remarks, and will answer questions provided by the chamber. Attendees will then have the chance to ask questions about their concerns in written form, before closing statements are made.
“A candidate forum allows candidates to express their views only so community members can understand their positions and make informed voting choices,” detailed Wakefield.
The election period officially kicked-off on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Canadians will head to the polls on Monday, Oct. 21.
Wakefield stressed how essential it is to learn about a candidate’s platform before making your choice.
“It’s important to educate yourself on each candidate and their platforms, and to get out and vote. If you don’t vote, someone else will make that decision for you. Your power is in your vote. Make sure your voice is heard,” she exclaimed.
For more information, or to register to vote, visit elections.ca.
