British Columbians deserve to hear from all five political leaders: CentreBC

CENTREBC has in a message to its members noted that the Wednesday, October 14 televised leaders’ debate is set to include only the NDP, Conservatives, and Greens, excluding CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko and OneBC Leader Dallas Brodie.

“Both Elenore Sturko (CentreBC) and Dallas Brodie (OneBC) are elected MLAs, yet neither has been invited to participate. Meanwhile, the Green Party’s leader does not hold a seat in the Legislature,” says CentreBC.

“This is about more than CentreBC. It is about fairness, democracy, and the right of every British Columbian to make an informed decision.

“We are asking our members to take a few minutes today to email the news consortium and request that all five leaders be included.”

It asks its members to:

1. Copy the email addresses below into a new email.
2. Use the suggested message below, or write your own.
3. Personalize your message and send it today.

After listing the emails, Centre BC suggests the following letter be sent:

Subject: Include All Five Leaders — Let British Columbians Decide

Dear Members of the B.C. Election Debate Consortium,

I am writing as a concerned British Columbian to urge you to reconsider the exclusion of CentreBC Leader Elenore Sturko and OneBC Leader Dallas Brodie from the October 14 provincial leaders’ debate.

Both are elected MLAs leading registered political parties. Yet the consortium has chosen to include only the NDP, Conservatives, and Greens, despite the Green Party’s leader not holding a seat in the Legislature.

The consortium’s participation criteria may be established, but that does not necessarily make them fair.

British Columbians deserve to hear from all five leaders on the critical issues facing our province, including healthcare, affordability, housing, public safety, and government spending.

The role of the media is to inform voters, not determine which political voices deserve to be heard.

A televised leaders’ debate is one of the most important opportunities voters have to compare policies, assess leadership, and hear candidates respond to difficult questions.

Excluding political alternatives disadvantages voters and raises legitimate concerns about fairness and equal opportunity.

Every leader seeking the support of British Columbians should be prepared to defend their policies, answer difficult questions, and explain their vision for our province.

Let all five leaders debate. Let journalists challenge them equally. Let British Columbians decide.

I respectfully request that the consortium reconsider its decision and invite both Elenore Sturko and Dallas Brodie to participate.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Community], B.C.