A number of all-candidate events in the Saanich Peninsula have been cancelled after organizers say the format and intent became a political issue for the group.
In a press release from the Saanich Peninsula 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 controversy surrounding the $35 entry fee and the cash bar 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.
The forums, tailored to the business community, would have included a networking component and a moderated question and answer period.
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 Sidney Community Association is hosting another all-candidates event on Oct. 2 at 6 p.m. the Mary Winspear Centre, free but with donations welcome.
For additional reporting on the issue, visit peninsulanewsreview.com