A spokesperson for the Portage-Lisgar Liberal Riding Association is pleased to hear that Conservative candidates in Manitoba are looking to ensure healthy debate during the upcoming federal election.

Ken WerbiskiKen Werbiski is referring to a call made by the Tories last week, encouraging local chambers of commerce to start scheduling all-candidates forums as we head closer to the October 21st vote.

"This is wonderful news," he said.

Werbiski, who ran as the Liberal candidate in the 2015 federal election, feels that elections are like job interviews and says to miss a debate would be like not showing up for a job interview but still expecting to get hired.

While he doesn't want to point fingers, Werbiski noted that the Conservative's incumbent candidate in the previous election, Candice Bergen, did not attend any debates.

"I went to as many debates as I could," he said. "I know there were groups that cancelled their debates because she wouldn't come. So if the current representative won't come, what are you supposed to do with that? I am happy that the Conservatives are willing to participate in the political process this time."

Although he is pleased to hear that Conservatives will be participating this time around, Werbiski can't help but wonder if candidates for that party will only participate in forums organized by local chambers and not those hosted by any other community groups.

"We've had schools set up debates before, or what if it's another group like a seniors group that wants to set up a debate, are they willing to attend all those debates as well? It's important. I believe that a candidate should attend any and all debates during the election period."