ORILLIA CHAMBER HOSTING ALL-CANDIDATES DEBATE

Business concerns will be the central focus of an all-candidates debate hosted by the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce in advance of the provincial election.

The non-profit organization said in a statement the May 19 event at Orillia's city council chamber is meant primarily "as an opportunity for local candidates to address the concerns of the business community" and issues related to the chamber's advocacy work.

Each candidate will have an opportunity to provide a brief introduction and respond to questions prepared by the chamber based on input from its membership. Media and members of the public in attendance will have a chance to ask additional questions in the time remaining.

Issues identified by the chamber as important to supporting local business and sustaining economic growth include planning for a new Orillia hospital, and improving highways to better connect the region to southwestern Ontario and the U.S. border.

Organizers said the first two rows of seating will be reserved for chamber members and the media, with the remaining seats available to the general public on a firstcome, first-served basis.

The debate runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and will be televised on Rogers TV.