A Gwendoline Dirk campaign sign is seen on Third Street NW in Medicine Hat. Dirk, the NDP candidate for Brooks-Medicine Hat, and Cathy Hogg, the party's candidate for Cypress-Medicine Hat, are not participating in the forums hosted by the Medicine Hat & Distrcit Chamber of Commerce this week. (Photo Courtesy Chris Brown)

By Chris Brown

NDP candidates not participating in Medicine Hat election forums

May 16, 2023 | 10:51 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Voters in the Medicine Hat area will not hear from the full slate of candidates at either of the provincial election forums scheduled this week.

Full Election Coverage: Alberta Votes 2023

Neither Alberta NDP candidate will participate in their respective forums.

Gwendoline Dirk is running in Brooks-Medicine Hat, Cathy Hogg in Cypress-Medicine Hat.

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Malissa Dunphy, spokesperson for the Alberta NDP, provided the following statement to CHAT News:

“We are at the halfway point to the election and with current momentum are required to shift the focus of our campaign’s time.

“Gwendoline Dirk, the candidate in Brooks-Medicine Hat and Cathy Hogg, the candidate in Cypress-Medicine Hat will need to utilize every moment of their time focused on connecting with voters on the ground to maintain this incredible momentum, so we will be adjusting our schedules to accommodate.”

Dunphy did not take further questions about the decision.

Matt Orr, running for the Wildrose Loyalty Coalition in Cypress-Medicine Hat, will not participate in the forum.

The forums are being hosted by the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce and will be moderated by CHAT News‘ Dan Reynish.

Alberta Party candidate Barry Morishita and United Conservative Party candidate Danielle Smith, both leaders of their parties, are confirmed for the Brooks-Medicine Hat forum. It takes place on Wednesday in the Crescent Heights High School Theatre beginning at 7 p.m.

Cody Ray Both of The Independence party of Alberta and Justin Wright of the United Conservatives Party are confirmed for the Cypress-Medicine Hat forum on Thursday, also in the Crescent Heights High School Theatre beginning at 7 p.m.

A meet and greet with candidates begins each night at 6 p.m.

The Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum tonight at the Heritage Inn beginning at 7 p.m. and says Dirk, Morishita and Smith will all be attending.