Questions from the audience will be paramount on Tuesday, April 25 during an all-candidates meeting for the Cowichan Valley riding at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre.
Six candidates will be on hand. Confirmed are: James Anderson (BC Libertarian Party), Sonia Furstenau (Green Party), Eden Haythornthwaite (Independent Socialist), Steve Housser (BC Liberals), Lori Iannidinardo, (NDP), and Ian Morrison (Independent).
The event, hosted by the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and Island Savings, is being supported by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Cowichan Valley Citizen.
“We hold forums for provincial and federal elections to encourage an informed vote,” chamber president Julie Scurr said.
The format has been tried and tested as previous meetings. Most of the night will be dedicated to answering written questions submitted by folks from the audience. Two microphones will be set up for those who would rather ask their questions aloud.
The evening will be moderated by Wade Simmons of Amber Education, a seasoned veteran at such duties.
The goal is to answer as many questions as possible and to hear equally from all of the candidates.
“People can expect a lively evening with insights into what’s important to Cowichan and how the candidates plan to serve our community,” said the chamber’s Elizabeth Croft. “We encourage everyone to make their vote an informed vote on election day.”
The doors to the free public event open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start.
For those who can’t make it to the meeting, Shaw TV will be taping the event and running it in the days leading up to the May 9 election. Check your listings for dates and times.