Conservative Party leader and Battle River–Crowfoot candidate Pierre Poilievre has declined an invitation to attend the Talk Truth By-Election Candidate Forum, scheduled for Thursday, at 6:30 p.m. in Tofield, Alberta.The decision has drawn sharp criticism from organizers, who see the forum as a critical opportunity for candidates to engage with voters ahead of the by-election.Poilievre’s campaign issued a brief statement: “Thank you for the invitation. Unfortunately, Mr. Poilievre won’t be able to attend the forum on the 31st.”No specific reason for his absence was provided, prompting frustration from Talk Truth organizers..Elections Canada announces change to Battle River–Crowfoot byelection ballot as number of candidates surpasses 200.Sarah Watson, communications director for Talk Truth, called the decision “odd,” noting that Poilievre is actively campaigning across the riding.“He’s touring the riding nonstop,” Watson told the Western Standard.“There’s a forum tonight in Camrose with a capacity of 500. Our forum also has a 500-person capacity and will be broadcast nationally on our television show before voting day. We’re giving him a platform.”She questioned whether Poilievre’s absence stems from a desire to avoid tough questions. “If he can’t control the narrative, it seems he doesn’t want to attend. These are hard questions that people want answers to.”Talk Truth co-host Corri Hunsperger echoed Watson’s sentiments, emphasizing the forum’s fairness and transparency.“We’ve invited all candidates from registered parties to ensure voters hear directly from those seeking to represent them,” she said.“Every time we reach out to Poilievre’s office, we get crickets. If you want the seat, it’s worth showing up.”.WATCH LIVE: Battle River–Crowfoot by-election candidate forum.Hunsperger also speculated whether Poilievre’s decision was influenced by the presence of moderator Leighton Grey, a prominent constitutional lawyer named one of Canada’s Top 50 Lawyers in 2024.Grey, a member of the Carry The Kettle First Nation and host of the Grey Matter podcast, is known for his incisive questioning and ongoing work in high-profile civil liberties cases, including a large-scale COVID-related lawsuit.Organizers stressed the importance of the forum, stating, “Leadership means showing up—especially when voters are deciding who will speak for them in Ottawa. The people of Battle River–Crowfoot deserve nothing less.”Despite Poilievre’s absence, organizers say a seat will be reserved for him should he reconsider.Confirmed attendees include Grant Abraham (United Party of Canada), Jeff Willerton (Christian Heritage Party of Canada), and Michael Harris (Libertarian Party of Canada)..Tory MP to step aside, paving way for Poilievre to run in Battle River—Crowfoot byelection.Independent candidate Bonnie Critchley and Jonathan Bridges (People’s Party of Canada) also declined, but sent messages to Talk Truth, citing prior campaign commitments.Talk Truth, hosted by Allan and Corri Hunsperger, is a nationally broadcast program that aims to foster honest conversations rooted in faith and biblical values.The show has invited all candidates for one-on-one interviews the week of August 11 to further engage voters before the election.“We’re doing our best to be fair and transparent, giving candidates a chance to connect with the public,” Hunsperger said. “Not giving a reason for skipping the forum feels flat to me.”With a heavily crowded ballot featuring over 200 candidates, the forum aims to provide clarity for Battle River–Crowfoot voters as they choose their next representative.The Western Standard reached out to Poilievre’s team for comment.
