York students expecting their elected representatives to debate on campus Tuesday afternoon were disappointed as incumbent Liberal MP Judy Sgro failed to attend.
Greg McClinchey, campaign manager for Sgro, says the Liberal candidate could not attend due to personal reasons. Conservative candidate Kerry Vandenberg was also a no-show and the debate was subsequently cancelled.
Hosted by the York University Faculty Association, Sgro was expected to take on NDP candidate and York student Darnel Harris.
Vandenberg says the debate was scheduled too close to the election for him to attend.
“We received the email a few weeks ago but we said, right off the bat, that it was too close to the election,” he says.
Vandenberg adds, it’s important for his campaign to be out and talking with people, especially volunteers who are taking time off work.
Harris says he is disappointed at Sgro’s dropping out. “I was really looking forward to come and debate today,” he says.
“As it will not be a debate without Judy, I will use the time to continue meeting constituents in the riding, as I was due to canvass in the Jane and Finch area today,” he adds.
YUFA could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.
With advance polling over and all debates behind, the York community now awaits election day on October 19.
Student were prompted to discuss federal policies such as reducing the funding to major granting agencies, cutting support to research-based institutions, and restricting government scientists.
Alex Kvaskov, Assistant News Editor
Photos courtesy of Alexander Desouza
