TORONTO – Adam Vaughan, Liberal candidate in the upcoming Trinity–Spadina by-election, has backed out of an all-candidates debate on climate change scheduled to take place tonight, leaving only Green Party candidate Camille Labchuk and Joe Cressy of the NDP to participate in the discussion.
Vaughan had previously confirmed his attendance at the debate, but announced at the last minute that he would instead be joining Liberal MP Scott Brison for a pizza party at the Liberal candidate’s campaign office.
“This decision just goes to show that the global climate crisis isn’t a priority for the Liberals,” said Labchuk, a Toronto criminal defence lawyer and environmental activist. “While I’m glad that the NDP are allowing their candidate to participate in this debate, their party has so far failed to show any real leadership on climate policy. The Greens are the only party that has consistently stood for meaningful action to cut Canada’s emissions by making polluters pay.”
Added Labchuk: “I would be more than willing to take part in a debate on Canada’s role in the climate crisis any time it fits with Adam Vaughan’s schedule.”
Organized by the Toronto branch of the climate activism group 350.org, “Trinity-Spadina Candidates Debate: Canada and the Climate Crisis” will take place tonight at 7:00 PM at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
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Contact:
Nicholas Gall
Communications Coordinator
Green Party of Canada
(613) 614 4916
nicholas.gall@greenparty.ca