No-show PC replacement steals show at Calgary Fort debate
Posted Apr 14, 2015 11:52 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Calgary Fort candidates squared off in one of the city’s first debates on Tuesday night, but it was a stuffed moose that ended up stealing the show.
Progressive Conservative candidate Andy Nguyen was a no-show at the debate, and his empty seat was filled in by a stuffed moose, supplied by an audience member just before it started.
Candidates discussed a wide range of issues, including the shutdown of the Calgary young offenders centre being shut down and moved to Edmonton.
For NDP candidate Joe Ceci, the topic that stood out most was gay-straight alliances. He said the night was filled with great questions, answers and debate.
“I was impressed by the intelligence of all the questions and some of the question and answer debates of my competitors,” Ceci said. “The moose was silent, so I don’t know what he thinks.”
This was Alberta Party candidate Vic Goosen’s first debate, and he said he thought he did a good job.
He added that he wants to win the riding, which is usually Conservative, and thinks it could happen because voters want to see a change.
“I think it might be a tough sell at the doors, but the more I meet people, the more I know that they’re ready for a change, and they kind of want a local boy to represent them,” Goosen said. “I want to be that voice for the people around me.”
Wildrose candidate Jeevan Mangat said his party has completely changed, thanks to party leader Brian Jean. He addressed Albertans’ concerns with party policies, and said they are no longer an issue. He believes the “new” Wildrose party is what Albertans want.
“They feel somebody that’s ruled for 43 years should be leaving,” Mangat said. “The voters want new blood, new ideas, a fresher face.”
Albertans will head to the polls on May 5th.
