NDP candidate gets into debate after initially pulling out

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on May 18, 2023.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

An election forum Wednesday had a full slate of candidates despite a statement by the New Democrat campaigns earlier this week that they would not take part.

One night earlier, the Brooks Chamber of Commerce made a similar “late entry” exemption, allowing Brooks-Medicine Hat NDP candidate Gwendoline Dirk to take part after other candidates agreed.

Danielle Smith (UCP) and Barry Morishita (Alberta Party) both agreed to a similar exemption for Wednesday’s riding debate in Medicine Hat.

For Thursday’s Cypress-Medicine Hat debate, however, it is unclear that NDP candidate Cathy Hogg would garner similar consideration from her opponents.

Other participants – Justin Wright (UCP) and Cody Ray Both (Alberta Independence) – were given the right to refuse her participation, as were the Chamber board chair Trevor Anhel and moderator Dan Reynish.

The lineup change comes after a statement to the media on Monday that NDP candidates would divert time and resources to door knocking efforts, rather than take part in the forums.

On Wednesday, officials said Dirk and Hogg had reconsidered after “finding time in their schedules,” said Malissa Dunphy, a spokesperson on behalf of both local NDP campaigns.

Local chamber official Alex Zabel said all candidates in both ridings were contacted with an agreement outlining the rules and terms of the event, with a Monday deadline to return a signed copy.

That passed without the participation of the NDP candidates, but the option was given later in the week to other registered candidates to allow late entry.

Tonight’s chamber forum is set to take place at the Crescent Heights High School theatre, beginning at 7 p.m. following a one-hour meet and greet.

As well, tonight, Smith will debate NDP Leader Rachel Notley in a televised provincial leader’s debate from Edmonton (6 p.m., various channels).