MLA, Chamber of Commerce provide clarity after former uninvited from PR debate

MISSION (NEWS 1130) – The referendum on proportional representation is just a couple of weeks away, but tempers are already flaring.

NDP MLA Ravi Kahlon says he was originally invited by the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce to take part in a debate on the issue, facing off against B.C. Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson, who has been vocal about his opposition to proportional representation.

However, he was suddenly uninvited earlier this week. According to the Chamber, it was due to an issue with scheduling and advertising.

The Chamber says it reached out to its local MLA’s office numerous times, as early as Aug. 16th.

“But we were unsuccessful in having a speaker provided to balance the event,” which was scheduled for Oct. 11, it adds.

“After having tried for over a month and receiving no confirmation of a speaker, we finally concluded that we would adjust the event to a presentation with opportunity for questions and answers following, with the leader of the Opposition, Andrew Wilkinson,” a release reads. “The advertising was approved and the venue was booked.”

After the event was advertised and following the event deadline on Sept. 28, the Chamber says the Government Caucus Outreach manager offered Kahlon up to attend.

At that point, the Chamber says it needed to confirm whether it was possible to change the event format to what was originally proposed back from the new format, which had been set with a speaker — Wilkinson — and sponsor.

“We asked if they would be interested in co-sponsoring the event and they did not wish to do,” the release continues. “We emailed the Government Caucus Outreach manager on Oct 3rd to confirm Mr. Kahlons attendance. But due to the fact that we already had the format set and advertising had been running for 2 weeks, it was decided to provide better clarity and an opportunity for our members to hear from both parties to create a 2nd event.”

Kahlon says the Chamber did, in fact, email his office to confirm he was welcome to attend the debate with Wilkinson. “Days later, we were told that unfortunately that was not available.”

The Chamber says the following email was sent to Kahlon’s office on Oct. 4.

“After speaking in length with our Govt Affairs committee today they have requested that we hold a separate event and invite Ravi to come out to speak. I have left you a message on your office and cell and spoke with Raj at Ravi’s office and let her know so that Mr. Kahlon’s schedule could be adjusted. We will need to know what he has available to attend a meeting with our members at the same time 11:30-1pm on the week of Oct 22-25th. We would like to advertise this to our members right away and provide details at our other event on the 11th, If you can send me the bio for Mr. Kahlon as well that would be helpful. The format of the event will change and simply be an opportunity for him to do a presentation 30-40mins with Q&A afterwards for 20-25mins. Does this work for you?”

The debate is now slated to move forward with Wilkinson as the sole debatee, something Kahlon take’s issue with.

“Andrew Wilkinson isn’t clear,” he tells NEWS 1130. “The public wants to hear this debate and they want more information. He said he’s willing to debate people anytime, anywhere.”

He believes people want to hear two sides of the debate on Proportional Representation, and says it isn’t fair that Wilkinson will be doing so on his own. “What not better than having both those sides of views brought in one place?”

The North Delta has since been offered a spot at another debate at the end of this month, but it’s unclear if he will attend.