Latest Conservative leadership debate in Vancouver

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It was a very West Coast start to the federal Conservative leadership debate at the Vogue Theatre in downtown Vancouver.

Moderator Kirk LaPoint opened by welcoming everyone who cycled in in the rain, before lobbing questions at the nine Candidates attending.

The locals

Andrew Saxton from North Vancouver and Vancouver’s and Rick Peterson are happy to have the debate in their neck of the woods.

 

Peterson says his 15 per cent flat tax plan, 0 per cent corporate tax, and defense of incite, will resonate on the West Coast.

“I think those of us who are here, are demonstrating a commitment to the party, respect for the members and a desire to see Vancouver back on the map. As the next leader of the party who is from Vancouver, I’m looking forward to a strong voice as prime minister in 2019. I think it’s time we had a Vancouver voice at Sussex drive.”

Saxon is reminding us he was part of finance team that balanced the federal budget 2 years ago, saying BC wants someone who can grow the economy and create jobs.

“We can’t spend our way to prosperity. Trudeau tried that in the 1970’s and it took us decades to recover. I’m the only candidate who has significant financial experience, both in the private sector and in government. I’ve worked for two of the world’s largest banks in five countries, I’ve worked with Jim Flaherty.”

The youth

A line forms outside the doors of the Vogue Theater hours before the 2017 Conservative Leadership Debate in Vancouver.

The Conservative party is hoping to attract support in the younger demographic before the next election. There were several young supporters who lined up for the debate even before the doors of the Vogue theater opened, although not all would classify themselves as a supporter.

“Personally I’m here for a policy discussion but most of my friends are more left leaning,” one young person in line tells NEWS 1130.

“None of the names really matter to me. Whoever is in charge offers me no real hope or anxiety,” says another attendee.

The entrance to the debate was also flanked by UBC and SFU Conservative clubs.

The absentees

There were nine of the 14 leadership hopefuls participating in the Vancouver’s debate with five notable candidates missing. Kevin O’Leary, Kellie Leitch, Deepak Obhrai, Maxime Bernier, and Pierre Lemieux, we’re not be in attendance.

Kevin O’Leary, Kellie Leitch, Deepak Obhrai, Maxime Bernier, and Pierre Lemieux, we’re not in attendance.

The smaller roster didn’t seem to bother ticket holders.

I’m not too worried about it. I don’t think they have a lot to add to the debate,” says one ticket holder

“Obviously the polls right now show that Kevin O’Leary is ahead, I’m personally not a fan, but a week is a long time in politics and there are a couple of months before the vote is cast,” says another attendee.

The Conservative Party leadership election will happen on May 27th. You have to be a conservative member to vote.

 

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