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Economy focus of Oct. 7 candidates’ forum
The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce is hosting an All-Candidates’ Forum on Wednesday, October 7.
The focus for the Chamber of Commerce for Election 2015 is the economy, said Chamber Executive Director David D. Hull in a letter to the four participating candidates.
“The Canadian economy is at a crucial point as we look to a changing and challenging time going forward. A strong, stable, and sustainable economy is seen as paramount to ensure a Canada that wins,” he said.
The chamber’s All-Candidates’ Forum is at the Heritage Inn and Conference Centre, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Each candidate will be asked seven of the 35 questions provided to them. The questions will be randomly selected for each candidate in a double random manner. Every candidate is being strongly encouraged to review the materials in advance of the forum, Hull said, adding, “Seating order will be determined by lot at the candidates’ briefing. The seating order will determine the speaking order for opening remarks and the reverse for closing remarks.”
The order of the questions asked will be randomly drawn prior to the event. This, combined with the random draw of seating order, ensures no question is ‘targeted’ to a particular candidate.
“Each candidate will be provided six 30 second ‘rebuttal cards.’ These one use only cards can be used to rebut another candidate’s statement or used to extend an allotted speaking time to finish a statement. Judicious use of these cards is being recommended,” Hull said.
Each segment will be timed by an appointed person who will sit in a direct sightline of the candidates.
Written questions from the audience will be vetted by a panel of three chamber members for relativeness to federal politics and appropriateness to the theme of the night. The questions from the audience may be directed to a particular candidate; however, that does not necessarily ensure that candidate will be chosen to answer the question. Any questions addressed to “all candidates” will be directed to a singular candidate. There will be no ‘open microphone’ provisions for this forum.
“The chamber is committed to keep this forum focused, fair, and balanced. In the recognition of the significance of this election to Canada going forward and in respect of the democracy that Canadians enjoy we ask that the candidates join the chamber in making this forum an integral and significant portion of Election 2015,” Hull concluded.
Taking part in the forum will be incumbent Conservative Party candidate David Wilks, Green Party candidate Bill Green, NDP candidate Wayne Stetski and Liberal candidate Don Johnston.
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