Editor:
I attended the all candidates forum at Thompson Rivers University last night and was shocked to see an empty chair that should have been occupied by the Conservative candidate.
I have been told that is part of the Conservative Party’s election strategy and has happened in other locations.
It appears to be a desperate attempt to cling to power at any cost and shows a lack of respect for the democratic process.
I realized that the incumbent is always a target at any public forum and it could be uncomfortable but that goes with the job.
Conservative candidates should be able to stand up in public and defend their government’s record.
It is hard to respect a party that is not prepared to engage with the public and debate issues with other candidates.
I guess they are confident their core supporters will continue to vote Conservative out of habit and/or fear of change and, due to that, due to our flawed electoral system, this will result in another false minority government leading the country.
It will be disappointing if they are proven right and we are subjected to an extension of what I refer to as the tyranny of the largest minority.
Keith Monroe
Williams Lake
