THUNDER BAY — “I think unless a candidate happens to show up at your door, you probably don't really have a chance to see them in person, know who they are, and ask them your questions specifically,” said library CEO Richard Togman.
Nearly 100 people attended a federal candidates’ forum to meet the people vying for their votes at the Waverley library, Wednesday evening.
Hosting the forum allows the library to fulfill its democratic mandate by providing public access to "accurate information" during the federal election, said Togman.
“We wanted to create an event that really wasn't about us, you know, it wasn't about us moderating or asking our questions. It was about giving access to the community, to the candidates themselves."
All eight candidates in attendance appreciated the opportunity to meet voters and hear from them, but several also pointed out the format does not allow for accountability like a debate would.
The event drew the most candidates of any forum or debate in the region this election.
All but two candidates in both Thunder Bay ridings participated, only the Green Party was absent. One NDP candidate attended virtually.
Thunder Bay—Superior North Riding
Private conversations between voters and candidates can't replace a traditional debate, said Liberal incumbent Patty Hajdu.
“Candidates can say whatever they want, and there's no one there to challenge them on the record and to challenge them on what they're saying versus what their platform says," said Hajdu.
"It's sad to see the decline of debate.”
“I think what's really important is an open debate where actually candidates can be challenged. What they're saying to constituents and whether or not what they're saying has any relevance to what their party is promising," she said.
At recent candidates forum on food security, candidates sometimes said "things that were completely opposite to the record of their party or the plans of their party," said Hajdu.
"I believe, as candidates, we should all be held accountable for an honest, authentic answer to any voter.”
Compared to a debate, PPC candidate Amos Bradley said the library forum was “a lot less stressful."
"And you get to hear from real people. It's not just talking heads and talking points. It's a more genuine, honest approach.”
“It’s unfortunate (they're) not having a debate this year,” said PC candidate Bob Herman, adding that he values the personal interactions with the public.
While the debates format with a set number of questions, typically draws party supporters said Herman, he finds the meet and greet format is important for the undecided voter.
“They're really important for the undecided voters. The people who don't know how they're going to vote, so they want to be able to listen to people from all parties, what they have to offer, so they can make their decision,” said Herman.
NDP candidate Joy Wakefield, likened the library’s forum to door knocking, where candidates gather feedback on what people are supporting in this election. In a debate, candidates are tested on their platforms.
“People can say whatever they want in these sorts of forums, and there's no testing of that," said Wakefield. "There’s no 'Here's what the voting record is, here's what your leader said, here's what this is.' So, there's less accountability, I would say."
Thunder Bay—Rainy River Riding
Incumbent Liberal candidate, Marcus Powlowski, said the library’s forum is a “fundamental part of the democratic process.”
“People can come to you with a different opinion as to what we should be doing, and that's part of the political process. Giving (candidates) the time to be able to listen to their concerns and to respond to them. It's part of the democratic process,” said Powlowski.
PC candidate Brandan Hyatt said the difference between participating in a debate versus a meet and greet forum provides the public with the opportunity to “interact with the candidates one on one.”
A debate, on the other hand, does not allow every member of the public to ask a candidate a specific question.
“They can give us their concerns, and we can take that back to the party and share what Canadians on the ground level are thinking. I really think that's important. So, these kinds of events to me are great,” said Hyatt.
NDP candidate Yuk-Som-Won couldn’t physically be at the candidates' forum, but she did attend via Zoom.
She said, “I think what matters is that you're able to build a connection one-on-one and really answer the questions that the people have, instead of just kind of like the big questions, answering the party platform. This is a chance for people to meet the candidate, to meet the person that they want to that has a chance to be the representative.”
“It's unfortunate. We did have a discussion event with the farmers, we did have a discussion event with roots, but it is unfortunate that we haven't had a real debate this election.”
PPC candidate Sabrina Ree said she is “old school.” All she needs is a “firm handshake and eye contact” to form a relationship with the public.
“I have a lot I've met a lot of people here of different political stripes, and it doesn't matter if what political stripe you are black, blue, pink, purple, it is what matters is if you have respect and a mutual respect for that person you can move forward with a great conversation,” said Ree.
