Local Conservative candidates for upcoming provincial election declining or ignoring media requests
Bill Steele, the Conservative party candidate for Niagara Centre is facing criticism from his competitors for skipping a local tv debate.
NDP incumbent Jeff Burch calls the move disrespectful, while Liberal Damien O'Brien said it shows how little the Conservatives care about the issues facing Ontarians.
The Niagara Falls Review reported earlier this week that St. Catharines candidate Sal Sorrento has also declined to participate in the local tv stations debate and that Niagara Falls candidate Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg did not respond to the broadcaster's request.
The move is becoming common practice for Niagara area PC candidates who are declining invites or not returning messages from other media outlets.
Morgan Mattern who is employed as the Director of Communications at the Ministry of Rural Affairs responded to a media request for Nieuwesteeg to appear on a local talk show.
Mattern confirmed the Niagara Falls candidate won't do any media until after the election.
She added most candidates are choosing instead to put an emphasis on door knocking with community members as a way to reach voters.
It's not a new strategy for the PC Party, the same rationale was used in the 2022 campaign in response to media questions about local candidate absences from debates and other media requests.
Niagara voters head to the polls February 27th.
To find out more information about where to vote and advance voting options click here.
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