The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting an all-candidates debate next month for the North Island-Powell River federal riding.
The debate, scheduled for Sunday, April 6 at the Tidemark Theatre from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., will be an opportunity for North Island constituents to hear from the candidates and ask them questions.
Moderated by Campbell River journalist Grant Warkentin, the debate will begin with opening statements from each candidate. In the first part of the debate, candidates will be given 90 seconds to answer questions from the moderator. In part two, candidates will be able to ask one question of another candidate, who will then provide an answer. In the last 45 minutes, there will also be an opportunity for the audience members to ask questions.
An informal Q&A session will take place after the debate.
Incumbent Rachel Blaney of the New Democratic Party, who has held the seat since 2015, is not seeking re-election. Five new candidates will be vying for the seat, including New Democratic Party candidate Tanille Johnston, Liberal Party candidate Jennifer Lash, Conservative Party candidate Aaron Gunn, Green Party candidate Jessica Wegg, and People's Party of Canada candidate Paul Macknight.
Doors open at the Tidemark Theatre at 6 p.m. and seating will be on a first come first serve basis. The debate will be live streamed on the Tidemark Theatre website. It will also be aired on Rogers Community TV, with the dates to be announced next week.
A recording of the debate will be available on the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce YouTube Channel on April 7.
The public is invited to submit questions to chair@campbellriverchamber.ca. The chamber is also accepting monetary donations to be given to the SPCA.
