It's back on, folks. .The Western Standard's (Western) Conservative Party of Canada Leadership debate is on for July 8, 2022..Tickets are on sale now, but it's a limited number, so be sure to get them now. .We'd originally planned the debate for July 9 at a massive venue, but without the confirmed participation of all candidates, it would not have been financially viable. .Since then, there has been incredible demand from readers and the public to find an alternative. Well, we've caved to pressure and done just that. .At 3 p.m. on the first Friday of the Calgary Stampede, at least five of the six federal Conservative leadership candidates will come together for a spirited debate of Western issues. .Confirmed thus far are: Jean Charest, Patrick Brown, Roman Baber, and Scott Aitchison. Leslyn Lewis had confirmed for the original debate, but was unable to change her schedule for the new date. Pierre Poilievre's invitation will remain open and a podium will be on the stage for him should he choose to join. He is obviously an important figure in the race, and I think he'd add a lot to a debate focused on Western issues. .Thus far, there have been only two sanctioned and one unsanctioned debate in the CPC's leadership race. The French language debate — as happens in general election campaigns — inevitably becomes a Quebec-issues debate. By contrast, the English debates tend to be the Rest of Canada (ROC) debate, without much focus on specific regions. .That's why we felt it important to hold a debate focusing on issues of importance to Westerners. We will put the candidates head-to-head on: equalization, carbon taxes, media bailouts, pipelines and energy, gun rights, civil liberties, provincial autonomy, and much more. .While Canadians and conservatives across will be watching, the candidates will be facing an Alberta crowd that is looking for answers to the issues they care about. .This debate will use a format that encourages candidates to mix it up and actually debate..It won't be a boring all-candidates forum. And it certainly won't include sad trombones. .We hope to see you there..Tickets are available here.
