An all-candidates meeting for those running in the provincial election in Simcoe North will take place virtually in Midland Wednesday.
A Zoom link available here will help those interested in registering for the event, which begins at 7 p.m.
The following week (May 19), a live event will be hosted by the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce. That event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the Orillia City Centre and will also be televised on Rogers TV.
Candidates of registered parties running in this riding are being invited to the meeting, which will be moderated by local attorney and chamber member Fay McFarlane.
Members of the public are invited to attend.
The chamber stated in a news release it will “ensure a format that is fair to all concerned by maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for any behaviour or commentary that is not in compliance with the rules of the debate.”
Each candidate will provide a brief introduction before responding to questions prepared by the chamber based on input from its members. Members of the media and the public will then have a chance to ask questions.
Candidates will also be given space in the foyer to set up with campaign material.
The chamber is holding the event “primarily as an opportunity for local candidates to address the concerns of the business community and issues related to the (chamber’s) advocacy work.”
Recent advocacy work includes a focus on a new hospital, infrastructure, internet, and highways.
“Specific issues related to these four key priorities include planning for a new hospital in Orillia, highway improvements to better connect our region with southwest Ontario and the U.S.A. border as well as reduce congestion along routes to the GTA, and reviewing provincial legislation to support local economic development and housing strategies,” the release stated.
Simcoe North candidates of registered parties are asked to email [email protected] or call the chamber at 705-326-4424 to provide their contact information. They will then be given more details about the event.
-with files from Andrew Philips
