By Joel Goldenberg
The Suburban

B’nai Brith Canada and Anthony Housefather’s Liberal campaign are declining to confirm whether a federal election debate in the Mount Royal riding had been planned by the organization and cancelled because the incumbent was not available.

The last debate in the riding took place in 2019, was organized by B’nai Brith Canada and was between Housefather and former Conservative candidate David Tordjman. Debates had also taken place during the 2015 Mount Royal campaign.

The Suburban has seen a graphic and an alleged B’nai Brith post announcing that their Mount Royal debate was cancelled because Housefather had a scheduling conflict, but we could not find either on the organization’s social media page.

Asked to confirm whether a debate was to take place, B’nai Brith Canada Quebec regional director Henry Topas told The Suburban, “we thank you but have no comment at this time.”

Former D’Arcy McGee MNA Lawrence Bergman, speaking for Housefather’s campaign, told The Suburban that any request for an appearance at an event would “have to be based on the merits and Anthony’s time.”

Earlier last week, Hampstead Mayor Jeremy Levi posted on social media that he had heard Housefather could not participate in a debate because of scheduling conflicts.

Also asked about the issue, Conservative candidate Neil Oberman told The Suburban, ”I am prepared to engage in discussions or any other methods necessary to ensure the electorate is fully informed about their rights and the key issues affecting their daily lives. Canadians have long been silenced, and it is crucial for every citizen to amplify their voices regarding their rights so they can make informed choices at the polls.If the Liberal Party and its agents choose not to debate me, it is their decision. However, the residents of Mount Royal deserve the opportunity to understand who the candidates are and what they stand for.” Stay tuned. n