NEWS RELEASE
MPP ANN HOGGARTH
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Ann Hoggarth, the Liberal candidate in the riding of Barrie-Innisfil, released the following statement today:
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.
At last night’s event put on by the Simcoe County Home Builders' Association, 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.
When anyone puts their name forward to run for office, they deserve to be treated with respect. This is a critical part of our democratic process. Last night was a sad rebuke of this fundamental belief.
With only two weeks left until election day, I’m asking everyone to make respect and civility a priority. Our community is better than what we saw last night. That’s why I love this province and the riding I’m hoping to represent.
Criticism, scrutiny and tough questions are fair game during campaigns. Immature, inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour, however, is not.
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