VIDEO: Cariboo-Prince George candidates tackle tough questions at Trinity United forum

With moments of yelling and a call for a return to respectful debate, it was definitely a full house at the first all-candidates forum for the Cariboo-Prince George riding held at Trinity United Church. 

The audience, both in the building and online, had the opportunity to hear first-hand from the five candidates on a variety of issues. 

Conservative candidate and incumbent MP Todd Doherty, Liberal candidate Tracy Calogheros, NDP candidate Heather Sapergia, Green candidate MacKenzie Kerr and PPC candidate Jing Lan Yang all sat together on stage to tackle both prepared and spontaneous questions from the crowd. 

Moderator Rev. Dr. Bob K. Fillier, with a horn at the ready, in case anyone overstepped the time limit, asked the candidates three questions, for which they all had a few days to prepare a response. 

Those questions touched on the challenges facing the province's forestry industry, programs and incentives to meet carbon reduction goals, and reducing wait times in the healthcare system. 

Once the questions were turned over to the crowd, the passion and emotions in the room became apparent. 

“Is abortion murder?”, asked one audience member. 

Sapergia gave a quick ‘no’ response, while Kerr and Calogheros said they believe in a woman’s right to choose.

Doherty said it was an unfair question and we “should not punish those who are in crisis or are hurting,” while Yang said she does not support abortion. 

Shortly after, another member of the audience asked: “Where do you stand on Freedom of speech and will you designate Antifa a terrorist organization?” 

ANTIFA is the term given to a movement composed of left-wing, autonomous, militant anti-fascist groups and individuals. 

While the candidates gave thoughtful answers on freedom of speech and terrorism within Canada, Doherty, in particular, was visibly upset at the nature of the question. 

“All five of the people up here have come forward and have been respectful, ask your audience to be respectful,” said Doherty to the moderator, after some shouting from the audience.

“I don’t even know what Antifa is - we have this B.S. type of rhetoric that wants to divide Canadians. We all come from different political backgrounds and we have people who want to divide us and ask these types of questions?” 

The following questions from the audience centred on political policy, reconciliation and how the candidates will bring meaningful change to their riding. 

With an audience member sneaking in one last question about forestry, the forum ended just before 9 p.m. 

An informal meet-and-greet between the candidates and the audience followed.

Moderator Rev. Filler also gave one last message to the audience about the importance of voting. 

“You must, must, must vote. To not do so is not an act of rebellion,” said Filler. “Make sure you vote.”