By Alan-Michael Steele [1]
BELLEVILLE – Candidates from the five parties participating in the federal election in the Bay of Quinte riding have officially confirmed they will be participating in a debate at Picton’s Regent Theatre on Sept. 25.
The event is being held by the Prince Edward County Chamber of Commerce [2]. Doors to the event open at 6 p.m., though the auditorium will remain closed until 6:30 p.m. The debate will begin at 7 p.m.
The candidates from the Liberal , Conservative, New Democratic, Green and People’s parties have all agreed to attend. The Liberal candidate is Neil Ellis. Running for the Conservatives is Tim Durkin. Stephanie Bell is running for the New Democratic Party. Danny Celovsky is the Green Party candidate. The People’s Party candidate is Paul Bordonaro.
The chamber of commerce and the Prince Edward Federation of Agriculture [3] have prepared questions for the candidates, and there will also be an opportunity for members of the audience to ask questions. The prepared questions cover topics including rural infrastructure, climate change and agriculture. Questions from the audience are limited to one minute to ask, and each candidate is given two minutes to answer. The order candidates will speak in will be determined by a draw before the event starts.
Closing statements will be made by the candidates at 8:30 p.m.
Limited numbers of hearing-assistive devices are available for those with a hearing difficulty, and a mobile microphone can be brought to those with mobility challenges who want to ask a question.
The Regent Theatre is located at 224 Picton Main St.