In an effort to bring the political process to students and the wider community, Trent University Durham, Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) co-hosted two federal candidates’ debates on DC and UOIT’s shared campus, on September 30. A candidate and networking exposition was also offered.

Candidates running to become a federal Member of Parliament, representing the Oshawa and Durham ridings, engaged in separate 60-minute debates while the networking expo gave students and community members the opportunity to discuss issues and speak with the candidates representing the Conservative, Green, Liberal and New Democratic parties.

“Trent University Durham is committed to creating opportunities to support student engagement in the political process,” said Lori Buscher, community relations at Trent University Durham. “By creating a forum where students could be exposed to candidates, learn more about party platforms, and have their questions responded to, we hope to encourage students to vote this election.”

With questions geared towards post-secondary and local issues, Shawn Murphy, President of the Trent Durham Student Association, was one of the three students who sat as a panel representative and asked the debate questions to the politicians.

“I think it is really important for students to become informed voters,” said Mr. Murphy. “Alongside being part of this debate, the TDSA has been working on providing information for students on the issues at hand and encouraging students to get out and vote on October 19^th.”