A candidate showdown for Lac La Biche County residents interested in federal politics is looking like a non-event after three weeks of unsuccessful attempts to roundup the four contenders in the Fort McMurray-Athabasca riding.
The Post and the Lac La Biche and District Chamber of Commerce were intent on co-hosting a candidates’ debate for April 18 or 19, but repeated attempts to firm up attendance from the stars of the show produced little response. Chamber officials say incumbent MP Brian Jean was not available for those dates and preferred a date closer to the election, while Liberal contender, and Lac La Biche businesswoman Karen Young failed to return any of the messages left for her. There was an equally non-responsive result from NDP candidate Berend Wilting, who has not made any announcements, returned phone calls or even acknowledged his campaign since his declaration as a candidate a month ago. Only Green Party candidate Jule Asterisk was available for the suggested dates.
Chamber executive director Shirley Klyne was disappointed with the lack-lustre responses.
“We really tried to bring this to the people of the county. It’s an election. It’s important to be informed,” she said, adding that even a second attempt to host a forum at a later date suffered the same dismal response.
As of last Friday, attempts to bring in the candidates for an April 28 debate at the Lac La Biche Kinsmen Centre Chamber had not raised any responses from the candidates.
“It really is a shame,” said Klyne.
Area residents wanting to see the candidates under the same roof will have to go to Athabasca on April 27, where a forum with three of the four contenders has been scheduled.
Only the NDP candidate will be absent from that forum.