PC candidates missing debates ‘not healthy for democracy,’ says advocate [Video]

In what appears to be a continuing trend since Doug Ford first took the reins of Progressive Conservative party in 2018, several PC candidates have skipped local debates in their regions throughout the snap election campaign that began nearly a month ago.

The trend is one that John Beebe, director of the Democratic Engagement Exchange at Toronto Metropolitan University, said is “not healthy for democracy” as many in the province already demonstrate an apathy toward voting, after the 2022 election saw a record low for voter turnout in Ontario.

He said candidates are instead choosing to send out targeted messages through social media or paid advertising.

“But it’s those more informal back and forth takes that are critical to the health of our democracy,” Beebe said. “It’s particularly important for first [time] and infrequent voters who haven’t already made up their minds to hear from candidates directly.”

Hamilton PC candidates Sarah Bokhari, Monica Ciriello, Neil Lumsden (minister of …