Western Standard cancels CPC leadership debate
The debate, scheduled for July 9 in Calgary had not yet been publicly announced.
The Western Standard is canceling its planned CPC leadership debate for July 9 in Calgary. 5 of 6 candidates had confirmed, but without the 6th, we do not believe it would be financially viable to go forward. #cpc #cdnpoli #ableg #abpoli
— Derek Fildebrandt (@Dfildebrandt) June 14, 2022
Speculation is swirling, though Western Standard has not yet confirmed, that the candidate that refused to participate was front runner Pierre Poilievre.
We had not publicly announced the debate as we were waiting on the 6th candidate, which was key to ticket sales.
— Derek Fildebrandt (@Dfildebrandt) June 14, 2022
This debate would have focused on Western issues, and — I believe — have been of great importance to Westerners in general, and conservatives more broadly.
Previously, Poilievre, a Calgary native who represents the Ontario riding of Carleton, sat down with Canadian thought leader, Dr. Jordan B Peterson for a long-form interview which touched on the importance of independent media outlets, like Western Standard.
Days ago @PierrePoilievre told @jordanbpeterson that he "finds the independent media gives him a fair shake" but then told the @IndependentPG he wouldn't participate in their debate. Is Poilievre serious when he says he will defund the CBC or is it more of the same from the CPC? pic.twitter.com/TzfOvN1XqO
— Eitan Gilboord (@rebel_eitan) May 20, 2022
Another debate, organized by the Independent Press Gallery was cancelled due to a failure to secure Poilievre's participation.
Regretfully, the IPG has had to cancel its planned Conservative leadership debate due to an insufficient number of candidates participating. [1/4]https://t.co/XFGG5RmXr0
— Independent Press Gallery (@IndependentPG) May 20, 2022
The timing of the WS debate coincided with the annual pilgrimage of the Conservative party of Canada to the right-wing Mecca for the Calgary Stampede.
ICYMI: Legendary actor, producer, director and musician Kevin Costner (@modernwest) will lead the Parade as this year’s Parade Marshal!
— Calgary Stampede (@calgarystampede) June 9, 2022
Follow the @Yellowstone star on July 8 from the Parade to Stampede Park and get FREE entry from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
🔗 https://t.co/BOFKfF4mOz pic.twitter.com/yi7THytQaw
The Western Standard event may be resurrected in another format, with lower overhead.
We will explore an alternative format that is more financially viable without ticket sales to offset heavy costs.
— Derek Fildebrandt (@Dfildebrandt) June 14, 2022
Thank you to the candidates that agreed to participate. We will be reaching out soon.
The number two candidate, Jean Charest, weighed in.
Two debates have been canceled due to one #cpcldr candidate who won't show up.
— Jean Charest (@JeanCharest_) June 14, 2022
Our leader must have the courage to stand up and defend the interests of Western Canadians.
I'm proud to champion our Conservative values and Western issues at every opportunity.#cdnpoli https://t.co/FdrBaeyhSQ
Check out LeadershipReports.ca for all of Rebel News' coverage of the Conservative Party of Canada's upcoming leadership election
Sheila Gunn Reid
Chief Reporter
Sheila Gunn Reid is the Editor-in-Chief, Alberta Bureau Chief, member of the board of directors, and host of The Gunn Show at Rebel News. Sheila also serves as President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada. A mother of three and longtime conservative activist, Sheila is the author of bestselling books, including her most recent release, Independence Blueprint: What Alberta Can Learn From Quebec.
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