Debate organizers await word from Tories

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This article was published 12/02/2016 (3848 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two provincial leaders’ debates being organized in Brandon are in limbo as they await word from the Progressive Conservative party.

Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari and NDP Leader Greg Selinger have confirmed they will attend the Brandon Chamber of Commerce debate, as well as a debate hosted by The Brandon Sun and Westman Communications Group. Both events are scheduled for April 7.

“The Liberal party has confirmed, the NDP is confirmed and we’ve invited the PCs, and we hope to see them,” said Brandon Chamber of Commerce president Jordan Ludwig.

As in previous elections, the chamber debate would be held over the noon hour. The second debate that day would be held in the evening.

“Brandon and the southwestern region of Manitoba is an important part of the province,” Ludwig said. “I think it’s important to have leaders here discussing issues and their party platforms so the electorate can better understand how the parties are going to tackle some of the issues that our region has.”

A Liberal party spokesperson said Bokhari is in, as long as the other leaders participate.

“We’re in if they are. If one or more leader isn’t there we will decide from there. Not a definite ‘no’, but less excited about it,” stated Mike Brown, director of communications for the Manitoba Liberal Party, via email.

Several forums are being organized in Winnipeg, including a debate hosted by the Winnipeg Free Press and the University of Winnipeg on April 4, Manitoba School Boards Association on March 18, a virtual town hall sponsored by Manitoba Teachers’ Society on April 6, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on April 13 and Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce on April 14.

On Thursday, a Manitoba Progressive Conservative party spokesperson said Tory Leader Brian Pallister will attend four debates, on top of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities debate that took place in Brandon last November.

“We have not committed to which four debates we are attending, but we will make those decisions very soon,” Ross Romaniuk stated.

CKLQ/Star FM general manager Cam Clark said the April 7 debate is an “ideal time” for leaders to reach voters, a week and a half before they head to the polls.

“We are pleased to have confirmation from the premier, and feel that this is an excellent opportunity for each of the parties to speak to the largest gathering of voters outside Winnipeg at one venue, live over the air, and with in-depth follow-up in print,” Clark said.

Brandon Sun publisher Eric Lawson is hopeful all three leaders will participate.

“Debates hosted by interest groups are valuable, certainly,” he said. “But our debate will be aimed at the full public, both for those who wish to attend in person and those who will experience the debate via broadcast and Brandon Sun reporting. We will cover the full range of issues that are important to all voters. That scope is important to the democratic process.”

Brandon University political scientist Kelly Saunders found it surprising and “a little troubling” that Pallister hasn’t committed to any debates yet, especially since the federal Conservatives took a lot of heat for avoiding forums in the last election.

“One of the cornerstones of democracy is the fact that voters should have a chance to hear directly what the leaders have to say and what their positions are on various issues,” Saunders said. “You need that direct interaction, and when leaders aren’t making themselves available like that, then it really calls into question their commitment to stand before the voters and justify their positions.”

Saunders said the Liberal and NDP candidates have more to lose in a forum, compared to Pallister.

With Bokhari being a rookie leader, Saunders said there is a greater opportunity to make a misstep.

“On the one hand, voters don’t have a sense of who she is, and so debates are a good chance to show people her personality and what she has to offer,” Saunders said. “But there’s a real big downside in the sense that as an inexperienced leader, she can make a comment that might not fly well.”

As for Selinger, he’s going to be on the hot seat no matter what.

“He’s going to be the brunt of the opposition parties as the incumbent and someone with a record that a lot of people can find some fault with,” Saunders said. “He’s got a lot to lose by going out and sort of putting everything on the table … but again, as the incumbent, obviously he has to be there and justify his record.”

Pallister’s considered more of a seasoned leader, and Saunders pointed out he was comfortable in the AMM forum.

“He seemed to handle himself well and be able to speak to the issues well,” she said. “Granted, it was a particular audience, but still, he’s not an inexperienced politician.”

Not joining in debates would make him come across as “unapproachable and undemocratic.”

“Then people start saying, ‘well, what are they trying to hide?’, and that just provides fodder for the opposition parties,” Saunders said.

» jaustin@brandonsun.om

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