BY BILL PHILLIPS
It’s hard to call it an all-candidates forum when only half of the candidates show up.
That’s what happened this morning as only three of the six Prince George candidates showed up for the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association/Northern Regional Construction Association forum focusing on construction and development issues.
New Democrats Bobby Deepak (Prince George-Mackenzie) and Natalie Fisher (Prince George-Valemount) along with Prince George-Valemount Green candidate Nan Kendy were no-shows for the event, which drew a crowd of about 40.
Mike Davis, regional vice-president for the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association said all candidates were approached early on in the campaign and were advised of the theme of the event.
“We are very disappointed that all candidates are not here,” said Davis.
Deepak later tweeted that he had a prior commitment and was on his way to Mackenzie. He added he won’t miss any more forums.
@jwmox I am on way to Mackenzie – prior commitments. I did not confirm attendance. The organizers were informed.
— Bobby Deepak (@BobbyDeepak1) April 25, 2017
And, it appears a forum set for Thursday evening will be the exact opposite of this morning’s forum.
The forum focusing on social issues, hosted by AiMHi, will be missing Liberal candidates Shirley Bond (Prince George-Valemount) and Mike Morris (Prince George-Mackenzie) and Prince George-Mackenzie Green Party candidate Hilary Crowley.
Organizer of the AiMHi forum Fred McLeod told 250 News that the Liberal candidates were given four dates to choose from, but none were satisfactory.
Bond said this morning she will be campaigning in the eastern part of the riding Wednesday and Thursday, attending a forum in McBride Wednesday night and campaigning in Valemount on Thursday.
The AiMHi forum is set for Thursday, April 27, from 7-9:30 p.m. in the AiMHi gymnasium at 950 Kerry Street.
