Controversy erupted at a Barrie-Innisfil all-candidates forum on Wednesday night, where, in the opinion of at least one candidate, some members of the audience crossed a line.
Liberal candidate Ann Hoggarth and PC candidate Andrea Khanjin were the only candidates from the Barrie-Innisfil riding in attendance at the event, hosted by the Simcoe County Home Builders' Association (SCHBA).
Dan Janssen, the NDP candidate for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte and Elizabeth Van Houtte, the NDP candidate for Simcoe North, were also in attendance.
After dinner, the floor was opened for questions for candidates, which is when Hoggarth alleges the situation deteriorated.
“Election campaigns are not easy. Candidates are grilled on a daily basis, and they are held to account with tough questions at all-candidates debates and events. I welcome the scrutiny and I’m always willing to participate in a respectful discussion of policies and platforms,” said Hoggarth.
“At last night’s event, however, a few people crossed the line. What had been a thoughtful dialogue with the candidates and those in the audience unfortunately deteriorated into name-calling and the use of inappropriate and disrespectful language. I wasn’t the only candidate to be verbally attacked,” Hoggarth continued.
Hoggarth alleges there was swearing, insults and negative comments made while the candidates were trying to speak. She declined to elaborate on exactly what was said.
“The swearing was the worst, but a woman yelled to shut up,” she said.
Hoggarth alleges it was members of the association that hosted the event that were making the most commotion.
“I thought that, a couple of times, other candidates were being disrespected (as well),” says Hoggarth.
Although she was disappointed with the experience, Hoggarth said that previously she had a great relationship with the association.
“I have had a great relationship with that group previously. I made it clear when I left that I was very disappointed,” she said. “In my office if someone is disrespectful on the phone to my staff, I let my people know they can hang up, or let people know they won't be spoken to that way.”
When reached for comment on Thursday, Van Houtte indicated she also felt it was not a very welcoming environment.
“One gentleman yelled out, ‘Bullshit!’ while Hoggarth was reading a response, but then he did rise and apologize,” said Van Houtte.
Bob Schickedanz, the president of the Simcoe County Home Builders Association, shared a letter with BarrieToday on Thursday addressed directly to Hoggarth, apologizing for the hostile nature of the event.
“We acknowledge that there were inappropriate and disrespectful comments made during the (question and answer) segment of the program by a few guests in attendance. These comments were personal views and do not reflect the values of the SCHBA,” the letter said. “We apologize for the disruptive and disrespectful comments and personal distress this behaviour generated. It does not reflect in any way the approach the SCHBA takes toward dialogue with candidates and elected officials.”
The letter concluded by indicating the association intends to be respectful moving forward.
“SCHBA will continue to work with all candidates and elected officials in a respectful discussion during the election campaign and beyond,” the letter says.
