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The chamber calls out the “no” side to participate in public debates on store hours

(Greater Sudbury, October 20, 2014) There are only 7 more days until the final countdown, but the “no” side seems to be hesitant in stepping up to participate in public debates on store hours.  Some local organizations and media outlets have tried to organize a public debate on store hours but are finding it difficult to find a representative from the “no” side willing to debate.

“We’re more than ready to debate.  But we’re noticing debates being put on hold or cancelled by organizations not able to secure someone to publically represent the “no” side of things.  We know there are strong opponents to the issue.  But where are they?  They’ve been quiet,” says Andre Dumais, co-chair of our deregulation working group.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union has in the past voiced their opposition to deregulation, but have yet to participate in debates with the chamber’s deregulation co-chairs on the issue.

“We’re running out of time before the end of the election.  This is an issue that has been debated for decades in the community and now that it is crunch time the “no” side seems to be lying low.  Does the fact that no one is stepping up to represent the “no” side in public debates mean this will be a landslide vote? We’ll just have to wait and see,” says John Querney, co-chair of the deregulation working group.

The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce encourages the “no” side to participate in a public debate on the issue.  The chamber feels that there are still many misconceptions around the store hours issue and that a public forum can give citizens the opportunity to ask the heated questions and hear from both sides of the debate.

John Querney recently participated in a store owners debate on CBC Morning North on the issue of deregulation and has said that he would like to see more public debates organized.  “We want to debate, there just seems to be a lack of official reps from the “no” side to debate with,” adds John Querney.

The chamber reminds voters that in order to receive a binding result for the referendum, 50% of all eligible Sudbury voters need to cast their ballots.  Voters are also reminded that answering one referendum question does not mean that they cannot answer the remaining two questions pertaining to store hours.  Voters are encouraged to answer all three referendum questions.

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The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce representsover 1,000 businesses and through the participation of its member volunteers on committees and task forces, it works ‘as the Voice of Business’ to influence federal, provincial and local legislation affecting business