With less than two weeks until Sooke residents elect their new member of Parliament to represent them in Ottawa for the next four years, there’s still an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates.
The Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce and the Sooke Multi-Belief Initiative are hosting a Conversations with Candidates on Friday (Oct. 11) at the Edward Milne Community School theatre. The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m.
Conversations with Candidates will use a unique format that is not commonly seen at all-candidates debates. Instead of engaging in a political debate, the candidates will be asked to explain their visions for the future in a non-confrontational way.
ALSO READ: Group seeks compassionate recognition for Sooke
“Federal election politics has become a battleground of antagonism and personal attacks rather than a clear conversation on issues and opportunities that matter locally and nationally,” said Don Brown of the Sooke Multi-Belief Initiative.
“The presentation format that we will be using will enable the candidates to share their personal visions for the future of our riding and our country. We want to hear substantive answers to important issues from each candidate, not campaign slogans or attacks on each other’s party platforms.”
The candidates will be asked to respond to questions on the following issues: Social inequality, affordability and taxes, climate change, and willingness to work with the other parties in government. The discussion will be moderated by Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
After the formal presentations, there will be an opportunity for the members in the audience to meet and talk informally with the candidates.
Candidates for the Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke riding are Tyson Strandlund, Communist; Randall Pewarchuk, Conservative; David Merner, Green; Louis Lesosky, Independent; Philip Ney, Independent; Fidelia Godron, Independent; Jamie Hammond, Liberal; Josh Steffler, Libertarian; Randall Garrison, NDP; and Jeremy Gustafson, People’s Party.
Election day is Oct. 21.
editor@sookenewsmirror.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
