Tag: pc party of ontario leadership race

I received news this evening that the PC Party had moved to prohibit recording devices from a leaders debate to occur today in London. I’ve verified with a reporter covering the race that this indeed was the case. The Elliott and Hudak campaigns were quick to protest the decision. Here are their emails (forwarded to me by the respective campaigns).

The Elliott campaign,

Dear, Christine, Janet, Michael and Tom:

It has recently been brought to my attention that the Party intends to restrict journalists from recording video or audio of the upcoming debates.

On behalf of the Christine Elliott Campaign, I would like to express my sincere disappointment with this decision. It is not in the best interests of the public or the P.C. Party of Ontario to impede journalists from carrying out their responsibilities. We ought to be showcasing the great ideas and individuals in this contest.

There are several problems with this decision. For one, why would we want to deny party members who can’t attend the debates from getting information through their local media outlet? Additionally, by restricting video and audio coverage of these debates we are missing the opportunity to promote the P.C. Party, our values and our principles.

I would ask you to seriously reconsider your position on this as I believe that it will be detrimental, not only to the leadership campaign, but to the P.C. Party overall. I don’t believe this is the message we want to be sending to our friends in the media or to the public at large.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Dan Miles
Communications Co-Chair
Christine Elliott Campaign

and the Hudak campaign,

From: Lesley Harmer
Sent: Wed 5/20/2009 5:14 PM
To: RBenzie@thestar.ca; John.McGrath@cbc.ca; antonella.artuso@sunmedia.ca; KHowlett@globeandmail.com; SMallen@GlobalTV.Com; rrath@chchnews.ca; rrath@chtv.ca
Cc: Jeremy Adams; Mike Low
Subject: Ontario PC Party London Debate

Please note, it came to our attention this morning that the party would not allow recording devices during the debate tomorrow. We do not support this decision. Our official agent is conveying that to the PC party of Ontario. We believe the media should have open access to the debates.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,
Lesley

Lesley Harmer
Tim Hudak Campaign

Finally, I’ve heard that the party will go ahead and allow reporters to use recording devices during the debate.

UPDATE: This is confirmed. Here is the media advisory from the party.

From: Wilson, Michael J.
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2009 10:34 AM
To: Wilson, Michael J. [PCPO]
Subject: Media Advisory: Ontario PC Party London Debate * Update

**Important notice to the media, revised debate protocol
Camera and recording equipment allowed

ONTARIO PC LEADERSHIP CANDIDATES KICK-OFF DEBATES IN LONDON

Toronto, ON- Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leadership Candidates will be available to speak to the media following the first in a series of provincial debates.

Date:
Thursday, May 21, 2009

Time:
6:00 p.m.: Media registration
7:30 p.m.: Debate begins

10 minutes following the end of the Debate: Candidate media availability

Location:
University of Western Ontario
Arthur & Sonia Labatt Health Sciences Building
Room 40
Huron Drive
N6A 5B9

Candidate Media Availability to follow in HSB 9 (Room Location)

Note: Only accredited media and those holding debate tickets will be permitted to attend the event.

Debate speaking order will be as follows:

Opening Remarks:
1. Randy Hillier
2. Christine Elliott
3. Frank Klees
4. Tim Hudak

Closing Remarks:
1. Frank Klees
2. Tim Hudak
3. Randy Hillier
4. Christine Elliott

Media Availability order will be as follows: (5 minutes each)
1. Randy Hillier
2. Christine Elliott
3. Tim Hudak
4. Frank Klees

-30-