For citizens in the neighbourhood who are undecided in the upcoming federal election….there will be a candidates’ debate in the Jeanne-le-Ber Riding this week.
Location: Maison Saint-Columba, 2365 Grand Trunk avenue, Pointe-St-Charles
Date/Time: Thursday October 9th, 7:00 PM
Sponsoring Organizations: Action-Gardien, la Table de concertation communautaire de Pointe-Saint-Charles, le Comité des sans emploi and the Welfare Rights Committee.
Each candidate will have several minutes to present their positions. After that, citizens and community representatives will ask questions that concern them: housing, development projects in our neighbourhoods, health, economy, essential services etc.
To date the following candidates will be participating: Daniel Beaudin (Conservative Pary) , Daniel Breton (NDP), Thierry St-Cyr (Bloc québécois), Véronik Sansoucy (Green Party). Absent will be Christian Feuillette (Liberal Party) and Darryl Gray (Independent).
The proceedings will be in English and in French. There will be a childcare service available on site.
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UPDATE (October 9): According to Darryl Gray’s campaign website, Mr. Gray will be attending the debate.
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UPDATE #2 (October 10): As expected, Christian Feuillette didn’t come to the debate. In addition, Daniel Beaudin (Conservative Pary) cancelled and was a no-show. Those who attended were: Daniel Breton (NDP), Thierry St-Cyr (Bloc québécois), Véronik Sansoucy (Green Party), and Darryl Gray (Independent).
Is there a reason that Feuillette won’t be there? The vote was very close between the Liberals and the BQ last time and its disappointing that Feuillette won’t be able to speak for his party.
I phoned his headquarters yesterday, and they told me he won’t be attending the debate. Today I phoned again and asked why. The campaign worker told me the that M. Feullette will be canvassing door-to-door this evening, and will not be attending the debate.
The reasoning was a bit vague. There was mention that he has gone to many events in the riding: bingos, senior centres, etc., and he is unable to attend all of them. The campaign worker told me their preferred strategy was to go door to door.
I agree with Jim (see last comment), since the vote was so close last time, it would would nice to see Feuillette speak about issues.
In my opinion, a town forum/debate format helps the voter understand a candidates/party position, especially on local issues. It will give the audience an idea if a candidate would make an effective member of parliament, particularly when placed under pressure.
I saw Rev. Gray at an event last night and he told me about the debate tonight (Oct. 9th), and he seemed to imply that he’d be at the debate. Is that the word now?
Thank you for letting me know. Yesterday there wasn’t any information on Rev. Gray’s website about the debate. Today there is.
Hope to see you there!