Chamber of Commerce Annouces Federal Candidates Debate Date

Someone asked on Twitter Thursday if a date had been set for a debate of the local candidates, and today I discovered the answer. On September 29, 2015 at 7 pm, the Guelph Chamber of Commerce will host a debate between the four major party candidates.

First of all, limiting the debate stage to the major party candidates is a not uncommon move for the Chamber debate, although its sure to upset candidates from smaller parties, their supporters, and those that want a vigorous and complete debate amongst all candidates. Second, it's worth noting that this is new Chamber President Kithio Mwanzia's first time moderating a debate in Guelph, and it's former Chamber President - and current Liberal candidate - Lloyd Longfield's first time taking part as a debate participant.

Below is the full details in the form of a press release from the Guelph Chamber of Commerce.

Guelph, July 31, 2015: On September 29, 2015 at 7 pm, the Guelph Chamber of Commerce will partner with the Guelph & District Association of Realtors (GDAR), Rogers TV and Cutten Fields to host a federal candidates’ debate – to be held at Cutten Fields and broadcast live on Rogers TV.

“As our community’s definitive non-partisan voice of business representing almost 900 businesses and over 30,000 employees, it’s important that the Guelph Chamber provides our membership and the broader community with an opportunity to hear local federal candidates’ vision for economic prosperity,” notes Guelph Chamber President & CEO, Kithio Mwanzia. “At the same time, this debate will provide a platform for the Chamber to delve deeper into each candidates’ positions on behalf of our membership and the community. Guelph is poised to continue on its trajectory as an economic powerhouse – both provincially and nationally. Federal issues and decisions will impact the long-term competitiveness of our community, so it’s vital that we see how diverse political platforms will relate to Guelph’s future prosperity.”

As the Chamber continues to build robust community partnerships, the debate will be presented in partnership with the Guelph & District Association of Realtors (GDAR). As GDAR President Jeff Morley remarks: “The Guelph & District Association of Realtors is pleased to support the Chamber’s efforts in providing a voice for the local business community through the organization and execution of this federal election candidates’ debate. It’s important for our association that diverse political platforms are presented and tested through the process of debate. This event will effectively work toward this end.”

The following candidates will be participating in the debate:

Gloria Kovach, Conservative Party of Canada

Lloyd Longfield, Liberal Party of Canada

Gord Miller, Green Party of Canada

Andrew Seagram, New Democratic Party of Canada

The Chamber’s Kithio Mwanzia will moderate the debate.

By organizing this federal election candidates’ debate, the Guelph Chamber continues to mobilize its core strategic goals as outlined in the Chamber’s recently released Strategic Plan 2015-18, which states that the Chamber “will engage with stakeholders in government and beyond to advocate pro-business public policy as well as facilitate discussions with government in response to Member needs.”

The Federal Candidates’ Debate on September 29, 2015 will begin at 7 pm and conclude at 9 pm