The provincial New Democrats issued a news release today saying the Progressive Conservative candidate in the byelection in The Straits-White Bay North is refusing to take part in a public debate.
According to the release, the St. Anthony Chamber of Commerce was to host the debate but Rick Pelley won’t take part.
“I am very disappointed Mr. Pelley refused a public debate of the issues,” said NDP Leader Lorraine Michael.
Michael says the debate would provide a welcome opportunity to discuss the many issues facing residents in the district.
“One major reason for a debate is to hold the candidate for the incumbent party accountable for its record. The voting public will not get that chance now since Mr. Pelley has refused to participate,” she said.
NDP candidate Dale Colbourne said a debate would not make sense unless all three parties are present.
“Personally, I am hearing that residents are feeling ignored by the present Williams government and abandoned by the Liberals,” she said in the release.
The Liberal party says its candidate Marshall Dean was also in favour of a debate.