Newmarket Today’s Joseph Quigley reports that a group of local Christians of multiple denominations is organising an all-candidates forum at the Newmarket Legion, 707 Srigley Street from 7 to 9 p.m. The doors open at 6.30pm. 

“All candidates in the riding have been invited and will be asked a range of questions, along with some questions submitted by the audience at the event.”

This is excellent news and the organisers deserve a hearty round of applause. Our democracy thrives when there is open debate and candidates’ views and opinions can be tested and challenged.

My advice to Sandra Cobena and Jennifer McLachlan is for them both to say what they mean and mean what they say. 

Think of it as an interview for a job with a base salary of $210,000 a year.

I hope there is a good turnout.

Palestine

Newmarket Today also reports on Shameela Shakeel’s efforts to get Palestine on the agenda in this election:

“Shakeel and other locals are asking for pledges to the https://votepalestine.ca/">Vote Palestine platform for both Newmarket-Aurora and Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill candidates. The platform is a grassroots campaign aimed at getting the issue to the forefront in the election. The platform, being circulated to candidates across the country, asks candidates to support five points: 

• • A two-ways arms embargo on Israel;
  • Ending Canadian involvement in illegal Israeli settlements under international law;
  • Recognize the state of Palestine;
  • Address anti-Palestinian racism and freedom of expression on the topic; 
  • Fund relief efforts in Gaza, including the UNRWA.”

Consultation

Joseph Quigley writes: 

While some NDP, Green and Liberal candidates have endorsed the platform, including former Liberal minister of housing Nate Erskine-Smith, local candidates have not yet done so.

Liberal candidate Jennifer McLachlan said, “I am a clear advocate for human rights,” but did not wish to expand further before further consulting with fellow local Liberal Leah Taylor Roy.

My heart sank when I read the response from Jennifer McLachlan who only last Thursday hosted a meeting here in Town with Nate Erskine-Smith on Liberal housing policy. She is on record saying she wants to be Prime Minister one day.

She will not be able to get away with those evasions in a two-hour meeting on Tuesday – especially if there are only two candidates on stage.

NDP no-show

I don’t believe the NDP’s invisible Anna Gollen will turn up. 

How are the organisers supposed to contact her with no website, no contact number and with her name missing from the NDP’s official list of candidates?

But if I'm wrong I shall dance in the street.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Update at 8pm on 13 April 2025: Anna Gollen has now appeared on the NDP official list of candidates. No website.