Local candidates square off in debates tonight
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/04/2016 (3773 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Two back-to-back debates tonight will give Wheat City voters a more in-depth look at the local candidates vying to represent Brandon in the Manitoba legislature.
With only a few days left before the provincial election, residents are encouraged to attend the free event at the Keystone Centre Amphitheatre.
The Brandon West debate will kick off the evening at 6 p.m., with Progressive Conservative incumbent Reg Helwer and NDP candidate Linda Ross squaring off. Liberal candidate Billy Moore has been invited, but has not confirmed his attendance.
“I look forward … to hearing some specifics from Reg Helwer, the sitting Progressive Conservative MLA, about what his and his party’s plans would be if they form government, which appears to be a fairly good likelihood of that taking place,” said Brandon Sun political columnist Kerry Auriat, who will serve as moderator.
“I also look forward to hearing from Linda Ross … What she has to offer after 17 years of the NDP in government and asking for a continuation of their mandate. That’s going to be challenging to defend.”
Immediately following Brandon West will be the Brandon East debate at 7:35 p.m. All three candidates are confirmed: NDP incumbent Drew Caldwell, Tory candidate Len Isleifson and Liberal candidate Vanessa Hamilton.
“Brandon East to me is a much more intriguing debate,” Auriat said. “You have a cabinet minister and a member of the caucus who has been there from Day 1 of this NDP government. So I’m looking forward to … a spirited debate between he and Len Isleifson as well as Vanessa Hamilton, in regards to defending his record and the record of his government.”
Auriat said he’s looking forward to seeing how both Isleifson and Hamilton handle themselves in a debate with a cabinet minister.
“You’ve got three pretty formidable people on stage,” Auriat said.
The debates are presented by The Brandon Sun, Westman Communications Group, CKLQ radio and the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
They will be broadcast live on CKLQ as well as WCGtv. The debates will feature four panellists: Brandon Sun reporter Charles Tweed, CKLQ news director Clay Young, Brandon University political scientist Kelly Saunders and Brandon Chamber of Commerce vice-president Terry Burgess.
Audience members will have a chance to write down questions prior to the debate. Questions can also be sent in advance to Brandon Sun editor Matt Goerzen via email by 4 p.m. to mgoerzen@brandonsun.com.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @jillianaustin