BC Liberal candidates Gulzar Cheema and Teresa Wat on Thursday called out BC NDP Leader John Horgan for refusing a debate sponsored by Red FM and Fairchild Television.

“John Horgan and the NDP are taking our community for granted and it’s deeply disturbing,” said Cheema. “There are many issues we need to hear directly from the party leaders on and John Horgan is saying we’re not worth his time. The NDP thinks they don’t have to answer to the community and they’re wrong.”

Cheema said in Surrey that Horgan needs to answer why he promised a hospital with no money, why he broke his promise to eliminate portables, and why violent crime is up 45 per cent.

Red FM and Fairchild proposed a joint-debate featuring Horgan, BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson, and BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau. The NDP has rejected the debate.

“After calling a snap election in the middle of a pandemic, John Horgan now is hiding from voters,” said Wat. “People have a limited opportunity to interact with politicians and Horgan is ducking for cover so he doesn’t have to answer them. He’s creating his own bubble that keeps voters out and that’s insulting to voters.”

Wat noted the decision to kill the Massey Tunnel replacement project, promising a new Richmond tower with no funding and community safety are all issues that need to be debated.

Wilkinson has confirmed he will attend the debate.