Midwestern

Federal Conservatives to hold third leadership debate

A third debate will be held by the Federal Conservatives as party members continue to decide on their next leader.

In a recent email to members, the party says a third debate will be held on August 3rd, and under party rules, candidates must attend or risk a $50,000 fine.

A spokesperson for the party says the format of the debate continues to be discussed, but currently the plan is to host the third debate in Ottawa.

Piere Poilievre says he plans to skip the third debate. The presumptive favourite in this race says he is instead focused on ensuring registered party members submit their votes by the September deadline.

Candidate Leslyn Lewis also questioned the value in a third debate on Twitter, and stopped short at confirming her attendance.

Jean Charest, Scott Aitchison and Roman Baber have all expressed support for a third debate.

The Conservative party has a voter list of more than 670,000 names, double the size it was when members picked Erin O'Toole to lead the party in 2020.

Read More Local Stories