While Canadians across the country were watching the English leaders' debate Thursday evening, many in Vernon were at the Performing Arts Centre watching their local Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee candidates discuss the issues that matter most to the riding ahead of the April 28 federal election.
Conservative candidate Scott Anderson, NDP candidate Leah Main, Green candidate Blair Visscher and Liberal candidate Anna Warwick Sears all took part in an all-candidates forum hosted by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce April 17. The forum was a chance for candidates to discuss where they stand on a wide range of issues, including growing Canada's economy, addressing the housing crisis, supporting businesses and helping seniors make ends meet.
Thursday's forum was the first in the riding to be attended by all four candidates. Anderson did not take part in last week's environmental forum hosted by the Sustainable Environment Network Society due to a scheduling conflict.
The chamber has released a video of Thursday's entire forum, which can be watched below.
The forum was free to attend. Audience-submitted questions shaped the forum's discussion when time permitted.
“This forum provides a vital space for community dialogue and civic engagement,” Dan Proulx, Chamber general manager who served as moderator for the evening, said before the event. “We’re excited to offer voters the opportunity to hear directly from each candidate on the issues that matter most to our region.”
