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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Election debate silenced voices

Forum at Beban Park should have included all candidates, says letter writer
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The candidates’ forum at Beban Park should have included all candidates, says letter writer. (NEWS BULLETIN photo)

To the editor,

Re: Candidates contrast their platforms on debate stage, Oct. 15.

I am writing to express my disappointment and frustration with the recent Nanaimo chamber-hosted candidates’ meeting which excluded four of the nine registered candidates in our riding. I believe the purpose of such public meetings is to give the electorate an opportunity to hear from the candidates and make an informed decision on election day. However, in Nanaimo, the chamber made the decision which candidates the electorate could hear, and your newspaper (the alleged protector of freedom of expression in our democracy) continued to sponsor this event. I wonder if the same decision would have been made if the independents in Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding were Jody Wilson-Raybould or Jane Philpott?

Joan Perry, Nanaimo


The views and opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the writer and do not reflect the views of Black Press or the Nanaimo News Bulletin. If you have a different view, we encourage you to write to us or contribute to the discussion below.