After an all-candidates debate was abruptly cancelled before it began, the host, Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce, offered a vague explanation Wednesday.
The debate was scheduled for Tuesday, April 22.
“The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors wish to extend our deepest apologies and regret to our community for the cancellation of the All Candidate Debate originally scheduled for April 6, 2025,” the Chamber said.
“After a special board meeting held today April 23, 2025 to review recent events, it is the board’s position that the actions taken by specific board director(s) over the past several weeks that have resulted in the election debate being rescheduled and ultimately cancelled, were not decisions of the remaining board directors or officially known to the board.”
The Wednesday press release did not mention any safety concerns, which the candidates themselves were told was the reason for the cancellation in an email they received late Tuesday morning:
Hi All,
The Campbell River & District Chamber of Commercehas cancelled today’s all-candidates’ debateat the Tidemark Theatre.
This decision was not made lightly, as we deeply value providing a platform for open and respectful dialogue among candidates and our community.
Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of all attendees, candidates, staff, and volunteers.
Recent community tensions, including a planned rally and counter-rally near the venue, have raised concerns about our ability to ensure a secure environment for everyone involved.
After careful consultation with local authorities and event organizers, we have concluded that it is impossible to guarantee the event’s safety and orderly conduct under these circumstances.
We are committed to fostering constructive and inclusive discussions that strengthen our community.
Cancelling the debate is the most responsible course of action to prevent any potential escalation of tensions and prioritize public safety.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank the candidates for their understanding.
The Chamber remains dedicated to supporting informed civic engagement and will explore alternative ways to facilitate meaningful dialogue ahead of the April 28 federal election.
We will share updates on our website and social media channels.
The author of that email was Philip Kountouris, Chamber president.
CHEK News has learned Kountouris then resigned from the Chamber on Tuesday afternoon.
Campbell River RCMP said there “were no direct concerns” when asked if there were any concerns regarding public safety at the debate.
Watch the report below:
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The all-candidates forum for those running in the North Island-Powell River riding was supposed to begin at 4:30 p.m., and a crowd of people showed up at the Tidemark Theatre, unaware that it had been cancelled.
“Super disappointed. Wanted to hear what everyone had to say,” said one person.
“I’m very frustrated. I feel like it was a setup. It doesn’t make any sense to me at all,” said a second woman.
Three of the four main party candidates remained outside the Tidemark Theatre to speak with community members.
“I think the community of Campbell River wants to hear all the different candidates’ views and be able to make an informed choice, so I think it was really a disservice to the community, and it’s really, really unfortunate,” said Liberal Party candidate Jennifer Lash.
“Speaking for myself, I hadn’t had any safety concerns. We hadn’t received any word that there was going to be anything to be worried about,” added Green Party candidate Jessica Wegg.
“So I think people were really happy that we tried to take a step to really facilitate an all candidates (debate), give the candidates an opportunity to introduce themselves and then stick around and answer questions but it’s not what it would have been if we were in the Tidemark,” said NDP candidate Tanille Johnston.
Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn said he was preparing for the debate and was disappointed it had to be cancelled.
EDIT: On Thursday the former president of the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce Philip Kountouris, who resigned Tuesday, defended his decision to cancel the debate. In a statement to CHEK News Kountouris said he originally suggested cancelling it on Monday but was rebuked by other members of the Chamber.
“On the morning of Monday April 21, in my role of Chair of the Board of the Campbell River Chamber of Commerce, I made the decision to cancel the Campbell River All-Candidates Debate. It was a difficult decision, but the right one. With confirmed protests and an inadequate safety plan for the debate, there was genuine concern about how the situation could unfold inside the venue.
I took action. I gave clear direction, and I stood ready to take full responsibility.
That direction was ignored.
This, unfortunately, resulted in a last-minute cancellation, confusion for attendees, and damage to public trust. This could have been avoided had the decision been respected when it was made.
The Chamber’s subsequent public statement failed to acknowledge its role and the consequences of its delay. That’s not accountability; that’s deflection.
As for claims that this decision was politically motivated, nothing could be further from the truth. My decision was about protecting people, not playing politics. As a risk management professional, I assessed the risk and made the appropriate decision in the best interests of attendees, the candidates and the community as a whole.”
READ ALSO: Could NDP-held North Island-Powell River riding see a change this election?
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