Moderator Cheryl Halsted (second from left) introduces the federal election candidates in South Okanagan-West Kootenay at a recent candidates forum at the Osoyoos Seniors Centre. From left are Richard Cannings, NDP; Halsted; Connie Denesiuk, Liberal; and Brian Gray, independent. Conservative Marshall Neufeld did not attend. The meeting was sponsored by the Wine Country Retired Teachers Association. (Richard McGuire photo)
Despite missing several local candidate forums last week, federal Conservative candidate Marshall Neufeld said he plans to attend an Oliver forum slated for Wednesday, Sept. 30.
Neufeld sent out a news release last week saying he has accepted invitations to attend six forums throughout South Okanagan-West Kootenay.
The Oliver forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Frank Venables Theatre. NDP candidate Richard Cannings, Liberal Connie Denesiuk and Green Party candidate Samantha Troy are also expected to attend.
Independent candidates Brian Gray and Doug Pederson are not mentioned in a news release from the Oliver Community Theatre Society, one of the hosts.
Neufeld was criticized for not appearing at forums last week organized by the Wine Country Retired Teachers’ Association in Osoyoos and Oliver.
“Neufeld’s priority is to connect with as many constituents as possible across this large riding,” the Conservatives said in their news release. “He will be attending an equal number of forums in both the South Okanagan and the West Kootenay/Boundary.”
The priority is on community-driven forums hosted by non-partisan organizations such as chambers of commerce and local newspapers, the release said.
The Oliver forum is also hosted by the South Okanagan Real Estate Board and the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce.
Neufeld attended a forum in Penticton Monday night sponsored by the Penticton Herald, with local media, including the Osoyoos Times/Oliver Chronicle represented on the media panel.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
