FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 19, 2011

*HARPER’S VANCOUVER CENTRE CANDIDATE MISSING IN ACTION*
*Conservative Party candidate has skipped four debates in four days*

Vancouver, BC – Stephen Harper’s hand-picked candidate in Vancouver Centre
has skipped every all-candidate debate held to date during this federal
election.

“I’m disappointed to see that Ms. Clarke is skipping debates,” said Dr. Hedy
Fry, Liberal MP and candidate for re-election. “Debates and all-candidate
forums are an important part of the democratic process. They provide an
opportunity for voters to meet candidates, hear their ideas, and ask
important questions. That’s called accountability. How are citizens supposed
to know where she and Stephen Harper stand on the issues when she can’t be
bothered to attend debates?”

On Saturday April 16th, Jennifer Clarke skipped an all-candidate forum
hosted by two youth-run organizations, Check Your Head and Get Your Vote On.
On Sunday April 17th, she skipped the West End Community Centre’s
all-candidate forum, then reportedly told organizers she was “too busy” to
attend the West End Residents Association debate at the Empire Landmark
Hotel on Robson Street. Today, she missed the all-candidate meeting at
Vancouver Community College. Community-based organizations are growing
frustrated by Clarke’s refusal to attend debates, often choosing to leave
one empty chair on stage.

“Why are the Conservatives hiding from Vancouver residents?” asked Fry. “It
shouldn’t be a surprise that Harper’s candidate in Vancouver Centre is
taking her marching orders directly from the Conservative election machine.
Vancouver Centre deserves an MP who isn’t afraid to face tough questions
from constituents. This behavior shows a complete lack of respect for
Vancouverites.”

[30]

Media contact:
Paul Nixey – paulnixey@gmail.com