In the leadup to the Manitoba provincial election scheduled for Oct. 3, the public is invited to join us for a series of three candidates debates at Brandon University’s Lorne Watson Recital Hall.

Brandon University has partnered with the Brandon Sun and Westman Communications Group, as well as the Brandon Teachers Association and CUPE Local 737, to host election debates for candidates in Brandon East, Brandon West and Spruce Woods.

Both Brandon East and Brandon West debates will take place on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 19, starting at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively. Each debate will last 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Our panel of questioners for both of these debates will consist of Brandon Sun political reporter Colin Slark; Brandon University Associate political science professor Kelly Saunders; Brandon Teachers’ Association president Tammy Tutkaluk; and Assiniboine Community College media instructor Murray Oliver.

The Tuesday evening debates will be officiated by longtime emcee Kerry Auriat.

The third debate for Spruce Woods candidates will take place the following evening on Sept. 20, starting at 7 p.m.

Our panel of questioners for the Spruce Woods debate will include Slark, Saunders and Tutkaluk. Oliver has agreed to act as the evening’s host.

For anyone who can’t make it in person, all three debates — which are free and open to the public — will be livestreamed on the WCGtv website from our location at Brandon University, and also be rebroadcast at later dates before election day. The Brandon Sun will provide news coverage and commentary.

With heightened awareness around the vulnerability of open campuses, Brandon University is taking additional safety measures for these debates that will help model future best practices to ensure a safe environment for all at every event.

We hope you will join us for what promises to be an interesting and informative series of debates.