Candidates in the June 7 general election for the riding of Don Valley West have been invited to an all-candidates debate on Wednesday, May 23 in the William Lea Room at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens. Don Valley West is the long-time seat of Premier Kathleen Wynne. She is challenged this year by Progressive Conservative candidate Jon W. Kieran. All parties have been invited, including the NDP, Green Party and Libertarian Party. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the debate is set to begin at 7.30 p.m. This debate is sponsored by the Leaside Property Owners Association.
MODERATOR BRIAN ATHEY
The moderator will be Brian Athey, past president of the LPOA. Each candidate will give a three-minute opening statement after which attendees ask questions directed to one or more candidate. Each candidate has the opportunity to make a one-minute response to any question. The Q&A session lasts approximately 75 minutes, after which each candidate makes a closing statement (in reverse order from the opening statements). Candidates’ order of speaking is decided by their drawing a number from a hat just before the meeting begins, and, as noted above, the speaking order will reverse for closing statements. Questions will be provided by the attendees only and in writing so that Mr. Athey can sort or combine them to avoid repetition. There will be index cards — and pencils, as needed —- for people as they enter the William Lea Room.
