Local chambers of commerce host Bay of Quinte by-election virtual debate

The Belleville, Prince Edward County and Quinte West chambers of commerce are consolidating their usual independent candidate debates into a single virtual event Tuesday highlighting candidates for the Sept. 19 provincial by-election to replace Bay of Quinte MP Todd Smith who retired to enter the public sector last month.

UP’DATE: Click below to watch the event  on the Belleville Chamber of Commerce YouTube channel.

It is accessible to anyone with a computer or phone connected to the internet.

Residents eligible to vote in the Bay of Quinte riding are welcome to click here to submit questions .

Jill Raycroft, CEO Belleville Chamber of Commerce, notes the questions may not be quoted directly and may be combined to reflect the issues generally presented by the community.

“The format will follow our traditional approach with opening statements, two question periods – a round of questions where each candidate has a chance to comment on answers and a second series where each will have a one minute answer (these are taken from the submitted questions we’ve received) and then a closing statement.”

The debate is to be moderated by Chris Auger, President of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce – and supported by the three chamber executives where needed.

As of noon Monday, candidates Tyler Allsopp (PC), Lori Borthwick (Green), Sean Kelly (Liberal) and Amanda Robertson (NDP) have confirmed attendance. The other three candidates are Margaret Schuler (New Blue Party), Mark Snow (Libertarian) and John Turmel (as an Independent).