All-candidates debate cancelled in North Island-Powell River riding [Video]

Organizers cancelled an all-candidates debate in Campbell River, B.C. with little notice on Tuesday due to planned protest rallies at the venue.

The debate was supposed to feature Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn, Green candidate Jessica Wegg, NDP candidate Tanille Johnston, Liberal candidate Jennifer Lash, People’s Party candidate Paul MacKnight and an Independent candidate, Glen Staples.

But an hour and a half before the event at Tidemark Theatre in Campbell River in northern Vancouver Island, the event’s organizer — the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce — sent out a media release saying the event was cancelled.

While the chamber has not responded to interview requests from CBC News, candidates told CBC News that they were informed the cancellation was due to safety concerns and planned protests and counter-protests at the venue.

WATCH | Candidates say North Island-Powell River debate called off due to safety concerns: An all-candidates debate in the city …