APRIL 19, 2011
BY JASON HEWLETT
DAILY NEWS STAFF REPORTER
Conservative MP Cathy McLeod will boycott an all-candidates’ forum on CFJC-TV’s Midday show after organizers refused to allow the Green and Christian Heritage party candidates to take part.
“If it’s a forum recognized as a media debate or a public debate, all five candidates should be recognized,” said McLeod.
Green candidate Donovan Cavers and Chris Kempling of the Christian Heritage Party weren’t invited to participate in the April 29 debate.
The reasoning, according to CFJC news director Doug Collins, is the station wants to follow the same format as last week’s national televised debates, which only included parties with a seat in the House of Commons.
“We feel we’re giving him (Cavers) more than equitable coverage,” said Collins, adding candidate profiles on Cavers and Kempling will be televised.
“We covered Ms. (Green Party leader Elizabeth) May’s visit to Kamloops yesterday. We’re not shutting the Green Party out of coverage.”
Cavers believes the move is undemocratic, and challenged other candidates to voice their disproval while on a local radio show Tuesday morning.
He then asked the candidates via Twitter to boycott the debate. McLeod, New Democrat Michael Crawford and Liberal Murray Todd asked Collins to relent, but only McLeod was willing to decline taking part.
Collins stuck to his guns, saying the forum will go ahead without McLeod.
“Those two candidates (Crawford and Todd) have said they’d like to have the issues debated,” he said. “We’re going to stand by the decision.”
If McLeod changes her mind, she will be allowed to attend, said Collins.
Kempling agreed with Cavers, saying Collins’ position is a disservice to democracy.
“I think the public is entitled to hear the views and positions of all the parties represented in the election. I think it’s a truly unfortunate decision,” he said.
Cavers appreciates McLeod’s support, but would rather have everyone take part in the forum.
“Any forum for public engagement is positive,” he said.
Nice to have the media making these decisions for us! Surely they could have cancelled one of their Dr. Phil Episodes (or similar fluff) to allow more time!
