B.C. Liberal leadership candidate Kevin Falcon wants to change the format of the next leadership debate, opening it up to more debate.
Previous debates, including in Prince George last week, have been tightly scripted and included little debate. The next debate is scheduled for Saturday in Vancouver.
"Frankly, if I was sitting in the audience during those first debates, I'd think all of the candidates were pretty much the same," said Falcon, who stepped down as health minister to run for the leadership.
"Personally, I don't want to know what the questions or themes are in advance. Instead, I want people to see how each of us handles the odd curve ball," said Falcon. "Part of being premier is being familiar with every major file in government, and being able to stand up under tough questions from the media and opposition."
Falcon said he wants more opportunities in the Saturday debate for leadership candidates to discuss issues directly with one another.
In Prince George, in front of an audience of about 150, each of the Liberal candidates was allowed a timed opening and closing statement, and one-minute responses to questions. The candidates were not allowed an opportunity for rebuttal.
At times, they appeared to be speaking off the same page, with almost all saying they would build Northern B.C.'s natural resource economy in forestry, mining, oil and gas and energy, paying particular attention to building transportation infrastructure that links the region to Asia's growing economy.
Training engineers in Prince George was also on the priority list for the leadership candidates, who also include former Liberal cabinet ministers George Abbott, Mike de Jong and Moira Stilwell. Also in the campaign is former Liberal MLA-turned radio talk show host Christy Clark and Parksville mayor Ed Mayne.
The leadership vote takes place on Feb. 26.
Falcon has said he has signed up 17,500 new members, while de Jong has said he has signed up 10,000.
The Liberal leadership opened up when Premier Gordon Campbell said suddenly he was stepping down half way through his third term. Campbell's popularity had plummeted with the introduction of the harmonized sales tax.
The NDP, which also has a leadership race underway, has scheduled a number of debates through the province including in Prince George on April 4 at the Coast Inn of the North.
Unlike the Liberal debates, which are only open to party members, the NDP are opening the debates up to the public.
