Provenzano: Harper shows contempt for democracy

NEWS RELEASE

CHRISTIAN PROVENZANO LIBERAL CANDIDATE SAULT STE. MARIE & AREA

***************************** Harper campaign shows further contempt for democracy - Provenzano

SAULT STE. MARIE - A student escorted out of a political rally because of a picture on Facebook.

Another asked to turn her t-shirt inside-out because it endorsed environmentally friendly fuels.

These may sound like incidents from a third-world dictatorship or an Orwell novel but they’re not.

They’re happening here in Canada, at Steven Harper’s campaign stops.

“A troubling picture of the Harper campaign has emerged from this series of events,” remarks Christian Provenzano, Liberal candidate for the Sault and area. “These actions go completely against the democratic spirit.” 

The Harper campaign’s heavy-handed approach has drawn fire from across the political spectrum, with even the conservative National Post issuing criticism.

Journalists have also expressed concern over Harper’s lack of access.

The Conservative leader has been refusing to answer more than five questions per day from the press.  

Comments Provenzano: “Steven Harper’s duck and cover routine is disappointing but not unexpected. What’s regrettable is that it is clear the same tactics of limiting access, dodging the media and relying on canned rhetoric are being used by individual Conservative candidates as well.”

“It is essential that candidates go before the voters to express and defend their views in their own words. No one should aspire to speak for the people of Sault Ste. Marie if they are not first willing to speak with them.”

Continues Provenzano: “For my part, I’m not going to shy away from discussing my positions, my record and my beliefs - both with supporters and non-supporters alike. I’m always going to be accountable and ready to answer questions, whether they come from the public, the press or the other candidates.” 

Provenzano is confident that while it may not always be possible to have agreement in political conversations, holding the conversation is always worthwhile.

“We need civility and thoughtfulness in our political discussions but we also need passionate debate, tough questions and fair criticisms. As candidates, we should always be open to talking and engaging with those who hold viewpoints different from our own.”

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