A number of all-candidate events in the Saanich Peninsula have been cancelled after organizers say the format and intent became its own political issue for the group.
In a release today from the Saanich Peninusla Chamber of Commerce, executive director Denny Warner said they’ve decided to cancel events in Sidney, Central Saanich and North Saanich ahead of the 2018 municipal election as these had become a distraction.
“We want to ensure the focus remains squarely on the candidates and their positions on issues of interest to the business community,” the release stated.
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Refunds will be issued to those that had already registered for the events and the Chamber said they would consider alternatives in order to still provide members with the opportunity to make informed decisions about the candidates.
The forums would have included a networking component and a moderated question and answer period.
The Chamber is “considering alternatives to an all-candidate event” for their members.