North Bay Pride is staging an all-candidates debate this month except all the candidates won't be attending.
PC candidate Vic Fedeli has already said he'll only attend one debate this campaign...and the Pride one isn't it.
Pride held a similar debate during the last federal election and when Conservative candidate Steve Trahan did not accept the invitation, he was rewarded with an empty chair on stage, which the camera frequently highlighted.
See: Trahan a no-show at Pride North Bay debate. Variety of issues discussed
This time, Communications for North Bay Pride Jason Maclennan promises an empty seat for Fedeli, with a yellow tie hanging from it.
Se: North Bay Pride's 'inclusive debate' excluded by incumbent
And: Vrebosch 'concerned' Fedeli will only attend one candidates debate
Moderator Geri Atrick will host the locals vying for the Nipissing riding's seat. The debate will be held on May 13 at 7:30 p.m. from the auditorium at Nipissing University and will be streamed live via the North Bay Pride Facebook page.
"It is free to watch or attend, how debates should be," says a Pride news release. "Its about the voter and their voice.Streaming this debate free is in line with MPP Vic Fedeli’s wishes as stated in a previous article. We took his suggestion to heart!"
Fedeli previously said he would attend the Cogeco Cable event because it is being streamed live.
“Politics needs to change. We have seen the same old politics for so long, you can predict what answers politicians will give. Maybe you can even provide the answer before they do. However, North Bay Pride is trying to change politics and debates. Making sure the voices of people are heard not just the wealthy, not just the corporations or organizations, not those who have regular access to politicians. It is about you. “said Maclennan.
"Unlike any other local debate, we have invited everyone that is on the local ballot, so you can see who wants to represent every member of Nipissing, and if someone does not show up, that should speak volumes to anyone that is voting," he added.
In the release, it says "During the last federal election, moderator Geri Atrick, the wine drinking Drag Queen from Pound Abby and Not So Str8 Talk, proved she knows her politics. Holding candidates to account, she is fun, engaging, and knowledgeable."
It hints at a possible mayoral run.
"Invitations have gone to MPP Vic Fedeli – Ontario Conservative Party, The New Blue Party candidate Taylor Russell, and Ontario Party candidate Joe Jobin," says Maclennan. "We have received confirmations from Erika Lougheed candidate for Ontario NDP, Tanya Vrebosch candidate for Ontario Liberal Party, Sean McClocklin candidate for Ontario Green Party, Michelle Lashbrook candidate for Libertarian, and regrets from Giacomo Vezina candidate for None Of The Above Party."
