Following in Stephen Harper’s footsteps of being too afraid to debate his opponents are a whole slew of Conservative candidates who are choosing to hide from debating the issues in an open, democratic forum.
What do these Conservative candidates have to hide?
- Vaughan Conservative candidate Julian Fantino was a no-show for a debate hosted by the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) – even though he is Minister for Seniors. Mr. Fantino refused to take part in all-candidate debates in last November’s by-election, “and has indicated he’s unlikely to do so now.” (Globe and Mail, April 8, 2011)
- Calgary East Conservative candidate Deepak Obhrai refused to debate his opponents at an all-candidates forum on April 12. He said he was too busy meeting with constituents in his riding – but was actually in Ottawa for a press conference with John Baird yesterday.
- Calgary-Nose Hill Conservative candidate Diane Ablonczy has also indicated she may not participate in any all-candidates forums, claiming “a local debate in a city like this I’m not always sure is a true reaching out to voters.” (Rutherford Show, April 8, 2011)
- London West Conservative candidate Ed Holder refused to join a debate on health care hosted by the London Health Coalition, citing as his excuse that “health care is not a federal issue” (Ontario Health Coalition, April 7, 2011) and that “it’s his policy not to attend single issue debates.” (Canadian Press, April 7, 2011)
- Ottawa-Orleans Conservative candidate Royal Galipeau has refused to join a debate at Rogers TV and one hosted jointly by two local community associations.
- Sault Ste. Marie Conservative candidate Bryan Hayes has been accused by his constituents of blocking their efforts to follow him on Twitter. (Canadian Press, April 8, 2011)
- Ottawa Centre Conservative candidate Damian Konstantinakos was the only candidate in his riding not to show up for a CBC radio interview. (Canadian Press, April 8, 2011)
