Three out of four candidates made it out to the final debate in Timmins. Noticeably absent was Conservative candidate John Curley, who committed to being there weeks ago. The media was notified at about 2:00pm yesterday afternoon that Curley would instead be at a community rally in Elk Lake. NDP Candidate Charlie Angus says this is sending a message to the people of Timmins.
He says not showing up to explain why he deserves to be the representative for Timmins-James Bay tells people you won’t be able to count on him after the election.
Liberal candidate Todd Lever says he’s avoiding the people. He says if you’re running for MP, you have to be accountable, and debates are one of the best ways to do that. He says it’s disappointing Curley wasn’t there.
Green Party candidate Max Kennedy says it’s indicative of the divisive and bickering nature that politics has become.
Curley wasn’t available for comment, but in an email his Campaign Manager Dennis Butler said that seven regional leaders were going to announce their support at the last-minute rally. Butler says their ongoing campaign is taking precedence with little time left before Election Day.