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DONNELLY CALLS ON CONSERVATIVE OPPONENT TO ATTEND DEBATES

For immediate release
Nov. 2, 2009

DONNELLY CALLS ON CONSERVATIVE OPPONENT TO ATTEND DEBATES

“Voters deserve to know more about Dilworth’s views on HST and private health care,” says NDP candidate

New Democrat Fin Donnelly is urging his Conservative opponent in the New Westminster-Coquitlam and Port Moody by-election to attend the local candidate debates scheduled for later this week.

“Voters deserve to know more about Diana Dilworth’s position on the HST and health care privatization,” said Donnelly. “Unfortunately, she has not yet confirmed her attendance at a single public debate before an audience here in the riding.”

The only debate Dilworth has agreed to participate in so far took place on CKNW last week. In the debate she reluctantly admitted she would vote for the HST if elected, and she also said she is willing to open the Canada Health Act to enable more private health care.

“These are very important issues and they deserve more scrutiny,” said Donnelly. “It’s a key part of the democratic process for candidates to stand before the voters and outline their positions. That’s what accountability is all about.”

Donnelly urged Dilworth to immediately respond to requests for debates from the three community organizations that have requested them.

The Douglas Students’ Union and the Burquitlam Community Association have organized debates for Wednesday and Thursday evening this week. The groups have long requested Dilworth’s participation but she has not confirmed her attendance.

The community blog “Tenth to the Fraser.ca” has also been trying to organize a candidate debate. All parties expressed interest except for the Dilworth campaign, and the group says it may not have a debate.

“I urge Diana to attend these all candidate meetings,” said Donnelly. “I look forward to debating with her about key issues like the HST, health care, rapid transit and wild salmon.”

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Media contact: Brynn Bourke at 604.526.3346
www.FinDonnelly.ca