All candidates from both Prince George ridings will fight for their riding's top spot in one of the final local debates before the federal election.
On Thursday, The Citizen is teaming up with CKPG, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce and the University of Northern B.C. for a debate covering both ridings beginning at 7 p.m. in UNBC's Canfor Theatre.
By randomly selected draw, candidates will receive a question from one of six topics. They will then have one minute to answer without interruption before the floor is opened to the group to discuss and debate.
There will be no questions from the audience.
The stage will be packed as all but two of the candidates have confirmed their attendance
For Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies incumbent Conservative Bob Zimmer will face NDP Kathi Dickie, Liberal Matt Shaw, Barry Blackman of the Progressive Canadian Party and the Green's Elizabeth Biggar.
Cariboo-Prince George will see Liberal Tracy Calogheros, independent Sheldon Clare, Conservative Todd Doherty, Green Richard Jaques, NDP Trent Derrick and the Christian Heritage Party's Adam De Kroon duke it out, debate-style.
Only Libertarian Todd Keller and independent Gordon Campbell will be absent.
Each riding will have between 50-60 minutes to touch on the issues, with no questions from the audience.
People will have the opportunity to talk to the candidates during a 15-minute break for coffee and snacks, sponsored by the B.C. Northern Real Estate Board.
The debate will be moderated by UNBC political science professor and Citizen columnist Tracy Summerville.
