Winnipeg mayoral candidates upset with exclusion from downtown debate

Fillion has voiced his concerns over an upcoming Winnipeg mayoral debate only including five out of the eight candidates.

Mayoral candidate Michel Fillion said he’s disappointed with the Downtown Biz.

The Biz is hosting a debate to discuss Winnipeg’s downtown on Sept. 10, 2014 titled “Mayoral Candidates Debate our Downtown.”

Included in the debate are five of the candidates in the 2014 Winnipeg mayoral race: Brian Bowman, Gord Steeves, Judy Wasylycia-Leis, Paula Havixbeck and Robert-Falcon Ouellette.

Not included are Michel Fillion, David Sanders and Michael Vogiatzakis.

Fillion voiced his concerns in an email statement.

“In the day that government is trying to implement transparency and honesty towards its citizens, this invitation is certainly not an example of this. Voters should be able to see the whole spectrum of the election, not just a partial view. Is this an example of corruption, of favoritism?” He asked.

Fillion went on to say, "I see corruption and favouritism. I am the only candidate who lives downtown. I know all the issues by heart. I’ve been living here for eight years, and, so funny, the candidate that lives downtown is not invited to this forum."

“It's biased, politically incorrect. For people's sake, shouldn't they hear everybody's voice and then decide for themselves who should become the next mayor of Winnipeg?" asked Vogiatzakis.

The Downtown Biz said it’s not closing the door on the excluded candidates-they are just dealing with a time frame of two hours.

"It was our board and our business community who said these five candidates have been more vocal about downtown currently, but I mean we're open. The forum is open for all other candidates to come and share their platform," said Jason Syvixay, Downtown Biz managing director.

All eight candidates will get the questions in advance, and all questions and answers will be posted online, whether the candidate is part of the debate or not.

Havixbeck said the debate’s format is up to organizers, the Downtown Biz.

“We are happy to be involved in debates and forums involving all candidates. However, we respect the decisions of individual organizations to decide how they conduct their events and who they invite,” said Wasylycia-Leis.

Sanders said he’s surprised by the lack of inclusion.

“I registered as a candidate on August 7, two weeks ago, so there is no excuse for the Biz not inviting me to an event which will not take place until more than two weeks from now,” he said.

Robert-Falcon Ouellette said he looks forward to the debate, but the issue of candidates selected for it is a question for the Downtown Biz organizers to answer.

Brian Bowman also weighed in.

"I'm appreciative of any organization that hosts and invites me to join in a mayoral debate. Of course I'd welcome the participation by all candidates for mayor," said Bowman.

CTV had not received a response from Gord Steeves, as of late Thursday afternoon.