Police called to byelection debate (update: video)

City police were called to a byelection debate at the Civic Centre tonight after a candidate was asked to leave over outbursts.

The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce/Algoma University byelection candidates debate at Civic Centre was suspended for about 20 minutes after candidate John Turmel of the Pauper Party of Ontario was called out for conduct during the debate and asked to leave.

Turmel, who at times shouted during his allotted time during the first half of the debate, was called out by moderator Monica Dale after calling participants 'clowns' for believing in global warming, and referring to global warming as a hoax.

Turmel called it an excuse to tax the population.

The Pauper Party candidate, who has run in 91 previous elections, was asked to leave by debate organizers, but declined to until police were called.

Following the final outburst, Dale informed Turmel he had "lost (his) opportunity to speak."

“Isn’t that sad that I have to take my opportunity anyway,” Turmel responded, continuing to deliver his speech.

When approached by Chamber CEO Rory Ring, Turmel pulled away, saying “You cannot touch me. Go get a cop . . . with a badge and a gun. Get your hands off me.”

The debate was suspended while Sault Police were called to the scene and Turmel was escorted from the building by officers. He left peacefully when police arrived.

Police said no charges had been laid.

Candidates were warned prior to the beginning of the debate that "unacceptable" language could result in them being asked to leave.

A replay of the debate is available here