Liberal nomination candidates discuss issues

NEWS/ POLITICS — About 120 people listened Thursday night as three would-be Liberal candidates in the next federal election talked about why they’d be the best choice for the nomination and why the Liberals should be picked to form the next government.

Teacher Steve Powrie, marketing consultant Niki Remesz and child development centre CEO Peter Mutrie fielded a series of prepared questions and questions from the audience ranging from what would make them a good MP to how long they’ve been involved with the party to the Ajax mine proposal.

None of the three came out definitely for or against the mine, though all expressed some concerns. Powrie said there should have been a panel review while Mutrie said an open mind must be kept as the approval process continues. “It must be done right,” he said.

Remesz said the Mount Polley tailings-pond disaster had raised concerns but “we can get there.”

While most of those in attendance were Liberals, some, such as former NDP candidate Michael Crawford, were from other political stripes as well. The Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo Liberals will choose their candidate in later September.

Disclosure: The author of this article is Mel Rothenburger, who was the moderator at the event.