Cornwall Ontario – The Cornwall Chamber of Commerce today announced it will host an all candidates debate leading to the June 12 provincial election. The debate will be held on Thursday, May 29 in Salon B of the Cornwall Civic Complex beginning at 7:00 p.m. The debate will be televised live on TV Cogeco.

There are a number of issues tied to the upcoming election, some of which have a local impact. “Arbitrated settlements have been a key local issue,” states Chamber President Kevin Hargreaves. “There have been a number of contract negotiations that have gone to arbitration with the arbiter awarding increases that can result in higher taxes for ratepayers.”

Provincial hydro electric costs are another issue and while the city is affected to a lessor degree, the residents of S.D. & G. are being saddled with ever increasing costs. Then there is the proposed  $29 billion transportation infrastructure plan, paid for by all Ontarians but largely benefitting the Toronto Hamilton regions.

“The debate will give people from across Cornwall and the Counties a chance to grill candidates and determine where they stand on these and other issues,” continued Hargreaves. “And when it is election day, the Chamber urges everyone to remember each candidates’ promises and then, get out and vote. A large turnout will send a strong message to whomever represents our constituency that we expect results.”

The debate begins with a moderator posing a series of questions to each of the candidates followed by a scrum. The public in attendance will also have an opportunity to ask questions of each of the candidates.