Tory campaign disappoints with last minute cancellation

TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - TTCriders and the Ryerson Students' Union are hosting the Big Transit Mayoral Debate on Monday September 15, 5pm - 6.30pm at the Sears Atrium, Engineering Building, 245 Church Street, Toronto.

At approximately 2 pm today, just hours before the debate, organizers received a call from the Tory campaign advising that because of "competing campaign priorities in the new phase of the campaign" John Tory would not be attending the debate. This update comes a mere three hours before the debate is set to begin.

This is the second cancellation by the Tory campaign for an event sponsored in part by the Ryerson Students' Union, the first being for a 10 am appearance for a Q&A session with students. Both events were scheduled over a month ago and were confirmed this past weekend.

"TTC riders are furious about John Tory's decision to cancel attendance at the debate last minute. It is disrespectful to riders," said Jessica Bell, Executive Director of TTCriders. "This shows that he simply doesn't care about the needs of Toronto's 1 million plus riders who are squashed into the TTC daily like sardines."

"This is a sad day for student engagement in the municipal elections," said Jesse Root, VP Education of the Ryerson Students' Union. "The Tory campaign's decision to cancel twice today shows a lack of commitment to engaging the sizable student population of Toronto and a lack of respect for students and community members organizing the events."

Organizers contacted the Chow campaign with the news and she has agreed to participate in the debate regardless and the event will be continuing as planned at 5 pm.

SOURCE: Ryerson Students' Union

Jessica Bell, Executive Director, TTCriders
647 772 8770, [email protected]

Jesse Root, Vice President, Education, Ryerson Students' Union
647 782 5519, [email protected]