SASKATOON — Voters will hear how the candidates for the city’s chief executive will govern when the Saskatoon West Business Association holds a mayoral debate on Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Confederation Mall.
The Saskatoon West Business Association organized the event, which will be free of charge. However, they encourage those who watch the debate to bring non-perishable food, which will be donated to the Saskatoon Food Bank. A small cash donation is also welcome to help cover the SWBA’s costs of organizing the event.
All candidates for mayor have confirmed their participation. Former mayor Don Atchison, Mike Harder and Cary Tarassoff are already on the official list as of Thursday, Oct. 3, while outgoing Ward 6 Councillor Cynthia Block and ex-MLA Gordon Wyant have yet to submit their nomination papers.
Block and Tarasoff, however, decided to withdraw after initially advising the organizers they would participate in the debate. They did not elaborate on their reason for withdrawing.
The SWBA has dedicated time and resources to organizing an accessible event for the local community. The goal is to offer a fair and formal opportunity for our city's mayoral candidates to express their knowledge and respective visions.
SWBA said they hoped that when the candidates confirmed their participation, they would show the same commitment that the city’s residents expect. However, despite the withdrawal of two candidates, they would proceed with the event with some minor revisions to the formatting and structure.
The SWBA will be hosting a Q&A-style forum to allow engagement with the community, and the public will be able to submit questions beforehand via our website.
In a mission to create a stronger network of businesses on Saskatoon’s west side, the SWBA strives to provide a fair and welcoming environment to ensure that all businesses in the city have equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of where they are located.
The SWBA believes this forum will promote advocacy and empowerment for all surrounding communities. To RSVP, visit .
The SWBA focuses on promoting advocacy and empowerment for all West Side businesses and fostering relationships and influence with the local council to address growing concerns within the area.
The SWBA believes businesses on Saskatoon's West Side should be granted equal opportunities and freedoms to thrive, akin to any other business in the city.
