On Saturday, I acted as the master of ceremonies at an all-candidates ­meeting hosted by the Saanich Inlet Protection Society at the Saanichton Fairgrounds.

About 385 residents of the Saanich-Gulf Islands riding turned out to hear three candidates respond to questions posed by the audience. I say three candidates, because the Conservative candidate chose not to attend, and I’m breaking one of my political rules by commenting on that.

I believe in saying positive rather than negative things about candidates, but that strikes me as really odd, and as I ­understand it, it’s not the first time, not only in our riding, but across the country.

I can’t figure out what the strategy is, but judging by the crowd today, it’s not a winner.

Ian Cameron

Brentwood Bay

Members of Parliament have numerous responsibilities including serving their constituents and working with other MPs and staff to achieve mutual goals. Respectful conduct and the ability to work with others is essential. They must believe in public service and work for the common good while serving their constituents.

All-candidates meetings give the public the opportunity to see and hear how candidates conduct themselves in a public forum, handle disagreements, express their personal political goals, and reveal their skills that have led to positive outcomes in their pasts. This is step one in their roles as servants of their community.

At a recent all-candidates meeting in Saanichton, three brilliant candidates representing the Liberal, Green and NDP parties answered questions put forward by the electorate. Their conduct was respectful, even when they disagreed with each other and perhaps, their party line.

Notably absent was the Conservative candidate who issued-last minute cancellations of this and the next all-candidate meetings. All that voters have to go by is her conduct at the all-candidates meeting at Berwick House where she reportedly insulted another candidate.

Her non-attendance at all-candidate meetings raises a few questions:

Is this candidate able or willing to truly serve the residents of Saanich-Gulf Islands?

Can she work well with others and build bridges to enact legislation that will enhance the lives of Canadians?

These........

© Times Colonist