We invite you to attend the York South Weston All-Candidates Debate taking place on Wednesday, May 23 at the York Civic Centre at 2700 Eglinton Ave W. Doors open at 6:30PM. The candidates invited are Grad Murray (Green), Laura Albanese (Liberal), Mark De Montis (Progressive Conservative), and Faisal Hassan (NDP).
This event is organized by (FYI) For Youth Initiative, Greenhills Community Association, Mount Dennis Community Association, Rockcliffe Smythe Community Association, Stockyards Residents Association, and Weston Village Residents’ Association.
No refreshments will be available but you can take water into the chamber (water fountains available). The building is wheelchair accessible and features step-free washrooms. Audience members will be able to submit their question in writing to organizers, and will then be given the chance to ask that question to the candidates. In the case of a large volume of questions submitted there will not be time to answer them all. The Debate and Q&A session will run exactly between 7PM and 9PM. Audience members are invited to leave the building at 9PM sharp and continue the conversation with candidates outside of the building.
Everyone in York South Weston is invited. If you are eligible to vote this is a chance to learn more about the candidates and make an informed choice on June 7. If you are not eligible to vote, because you’re under 18 or have an immigrant status or any other reason we still invite you to attend and ask questions and influence the debate; or simply come out to meet your neighbours. We encourage everyone to arrive early to have a chance to engage in discussion with other attendees and learn about the work of the various associations that are organizing this event.
Strictly no signs or placards are allowed in the building, and no loud heckling will be permitted during the debate. Attendees are free to display their political affiliation using colours or branded t-shirts, but we remind people who have already made up their mind on who they’re going to vote for, to respect those who are attending to genuinely listen to the candidates. This event is meant as a chance to shine a light on local concerns, and as a platform to the local candidates, and as a tool in the hand of the informed voter.
The maximum capacity of the venue is 270 people and the organizers are not permitted to admit any more than that number. Video recording may occur during the evening (media and individuals are allowed to record the proceedings). If you want to attend but are not comfortable being filmed, we will do our best to accommodate.
The 27-page document has already been reviewed by senior staff in the City’s Transportation Services. PSCC members have also had the chance to sit face to face twice with Barbara Gray (General Manager) and Shawn Dillon (Manager, Cycling Infrastructure) to provide City staff with a detailed picture of the local challenges.
