Liberal, NDP candidates unhappy about Conservative skipping debates
Some Saskatoon — University candidates say it's disrespectful for Conservative Corey Tochor to miss public debates.
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Several candidates in a riding on Saskatoon’s east side are questioning their Conservative opponent’s decision to skip public debates during the election campaign, which they say is disrespectful to voters.
Corey Tochor, who is regarded as the clear front-runner in the Conservative stronghold of Saskatoon — University, has chosen not to attend at least two such events since the election was called last month.
They included a forum put on by the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union on Sept. 30 and a debate on environmental issues and climate change hosted by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society three days later.
That doesn’t sit well with at least three candidates vying for the seat. NDP candidate Claire Card went so far as to issue a news release blasting Tochor’s “sense of entitlement and a complete disregard for the voters.”
“We believe that voters have a right to ask their candidates questions. When one of the candidates doesn’t come to either of the two public (debates), it’s a problem,” Card said Tuesday in an interview.
Susan Hayton, who is representing the Liberals in the riding, echoed that view, calling it disappointing, disrespectful and a sign of overconfidence for a Conservative to skip debates in a stronghold for the party.
“It’s a job we’re applying for. We’re being employed by the general public to represent them. It’s like not showing up for a job interview and just assuming you’re going to get the job. Nobody does that,” she said.
Tochor called his opponents’ comments “a little petty.” He said scheduling conflicts kept him from the USSU debate and that the organizers of the environment debate had endorsed candidates, making it a “foregone conclusion.”
GreenPAC, which is behind the 100 Debates Across Canada series, has endorsed multiple candidates, including Conservatives.
“You can’t be at every event that’s out there,” Tochor said, adding that other candidates have missed events in the riding and that he attended one at a local seniors’ home alongside his five opponents on Tuesday.
Conservative Party spokesman Cory Hann said while candidates are encouraged to attend debates, the party recognizes the “significant” resources required for such events and recommends they maximize time with voters on the doorsteps.
Both Card and Hayton praised People’s Party of Canada candidate Guto Penteado and Christian Heritage Party candidate Jeff Willerton for attending the environmental debate in front of a generally unfriendly audience.
Brad Trost, who held the riding for 15 years before losing the nomination to Tochor, was also known for not fearing hostile crowds.
Penteado, who shares his party’s view that climate change is not caused by human activity, said he attended both events in the constituency because he wanted to share his opinions with potential voters.
“As a voter, I would not vote for a guy who doesn’t live in the riding or show up to debates,” Penteado said.
Tochor acknowledged that he does not live in the constituency but said he used to reside in Saskatoon — University, he still attends church there, and that it “still feels like home.” He also dismissed claims of overconfidence.
“We’re campaigning like we’re 10 points behind,” he said.
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