New Democrat laments Pasloski’s absence from Dawson City forum

Ken Bolton, the New Democratic Party candidate for the Yukon riding for the Oct. 14 federal election, says he is "extremely disappointed" by the Conservative candidate's decision not to attend an all-candidates' forum tomorrow evening in Dawson City.

Ken Bolton, the New Democratic Party candidate for the Yukon riding for the Oct. 14 federal election, says he is “extremely disappointed” by the Conservative candidate’s decision not to attend an all-candidates’ forum tomorrow evening in Dawson City.

“Yukoners and their families have a lot at stake in this election, and the people of Dawson are no exception,“ Bolton said this morning.

“Thursday’s forum will be the only chance before the election for people in that area to meet all the candidates on an equal footing and hear where they stand on different issues.

“Stephen Harper’s candidate (Darrell Pasloski) has a particular responsibility to explain his positions and those of his party, so I strongly urge him to reconsider,“ Bolton added.

“People in the Klondike have a right to hear how all the candidates and all the parties would address their concerns about such things as the skyrocketing costs of gasoline and home heating fuel, for example.“

The two-hour forum, sponsored by the local chamber of commerce, will start at 7 p.m. Thursday in the ballroom of the Klondike Institute of Art and Culture.

Candidates will have an equal opportunity to present their views and answer the same questions from a neutral moderator.

“The Conservative camp says its candidate can’t make it because of short notice and scheduling conflicts,“ said Bolton.

“All of us received the same notice and all of us have commitments to juggle. It’s a matter of setting priorities.“

Warren Holland, the co-manager of Pasloski’s campaign, told the Star this morning the invitation was conveyed to the Conservatives a few days ago.

“We just didn’t have time, we had Darrell committed to a few things,“ Holland said.

“Darrell will be present at all other candidates’ debates, (but) the timing of the invitation to Dawson and the commitments that he already had just didn’t fit with his schedule. We would’ve liked to attend.“

Pasloski will participate in the CBC North radio candidates’ forum and the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce forum, Holland added.

“We’re just waiting for details on the debate to be held at the (Yukon) college, and we’re hopeful Darrell can attend that one as well.“

Bolton said he looks forward to a vigorous exchange of ideas about the economy, the future of health care, growing threats to the global environment, the need to improve first nations living conditions and many other issues in Dawson.

“I intend to bring a positive message to the people of Dawson, that they can help choose a new government that really does put Canadian families first.“