As Canadians across the country prepare to head to the polls for the upcoming federal election, the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce is stepping forward to help voters in the Oshawa riding make informed, thoughtful choices.
Along with our event partners, the Central Lakes Association of Realtors, the Oshawa Chamber is proud to present a televised Federal Candidates’ Forum, airing Wednesday, April 16 at 8:00 PM on Rogers Television Durham and simultaneously premiering on our YouTube channel.
This forum is your opportunity to hear directly from the local candidates who have stepped forward to lead—and to understand their views on the critical issues shaping Oshawa, Durham Region, and Canada as a whole.
Who Will Be on Stage—and Who Might Still Join?
At the time of this writing, we must note that the Conservative candidate for Oshawa has declined participation, citing a scheduling conflict. However, we remain hopeful that this conflict will be resolved, and our invitation to participate stands right up until the forum begins. Should the candidate’s availability change, we will gladly welcome their participation on the night of the broadcast.
Understandably, many community members are also curious about the broader process for candidate inclusion. While there may be other individuals listed on the ballot, not all candidates receive an invitation to participate in our forum. That’s because we follow a clear and consistent candidate invitation policy, which ensures the process is fair, transparent, and never left to arbitrary decision-making.
We’ve published a detailed explanation of that policy for public reference here:
Election Candidate Debates: Who Gets Invited?
Forum vs. Debate: Why We Choose a Structured Format
A frequently asked question is: Why a forum and not a debate?
The short answer is simple: Clarity and civility matter.
In a traditional debate, we often see candidates talking over one another, focusing more on point-scoring than substance. While that might make for compelling television, it’s not the most effective way for voters to evaluate policies and priorities.
A forum format, by contrast, allows us to pose the same questions to all candidates, giving each a fair opportunity to articulate their position. There is no crosstalk, no interrupting, and no grandstanding—just clear, concise, and uninterrupted answers to the questions that matter most to our community.
We believe that this respectful, orderly approach helps voters hear where candidates stand and make more confident, better-informed choices on election day.
Themes That Matter: What Will Be Discussed
While we won’t be publishing the specific questions in advance, we are comfortable sharing the key themes that will guide the forum. These are based on extensive community consultation, stakeholder input, and alignment with the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy priorities.
1. Economic Growth and Competitiveness
Canada is facing economic challenges that demand real solutions. We’ll ask candidates to share how they intend to address inflation, low investment levels, and concerns about global competitiveness. Topics will include tax reform, government spending, and regulatory modernization.
2. National and Economic Security
With rising global uncertainty and increasing reliance on foreign powers, we’ll explore each candidate’s plans for strengthening Canada’s energy independence, national defense, and domestic resiliency.
3. Supply Chain Reliability and Internal Trade
Canada’s internal trade barriers and outdated infrastructure are creating costly delays. How will our future MP prioritize investments in transportation infrastructure and support interprovincial free trade?
4. Good Government and Public Trust
Citizens are increasingly concerned about government waste, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency. We’ll ask candidates how they would simplify the tax system, reform immigration to better match labour market needs, and rebuild trust in public institutions.
5. Housing Supply and Affordability
From Oshawa’s growing population to national shortages in skilled trades and building materials, the housing crisis remains top of mind. Candidates will be asked about policies to address the full housing continuum and ensure resilient, affordable options.
6. Equity, Inclusion, and Human Rights
Social issues are business issues. We’ll ask how each party plans to ensure representation for all communities, uphold reproductive rights, and support the safety and wellbeing of all Canadians.
Why It Matters: A Chamber-Led Commitment to Civic Engagement
At the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, we believe that democracy works best when voters are engaged, informed, and empowered. Our role as a non-partisan, community-building organization means we don’t endorse candidates—we amplify issues.
By hosting this televised forum, we’re continuing a long-standing tradition of providing a platform for dialogue, a stage for ideas, and a resource for voters who want to understand what’s at stake and who’s prepared to lead.
This year’s election comes at a time of both great challenge and great opportunity. For Oshawa and for Canada, the choices we make at the ballot box will shape our communities for years to come.
We invite everyone to tune in—whether live on Rogers TV or online via YouTube—and to share the link with family, friends, and colleagues who care about Oshawa’s future.
When and Where to Watch
📺 Televised Forum Broadcast
Date: Wednesday, April 16
Time: 8:00 PM
Channels: Rogers Television (local and available with a Rogers Television subscription) and
Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce YouTube Channel
Whether you’re a first-time voter, a longtime resident, or someone who simply wants to hear from the voices shaping our region’s future, this forum is for you.
We hope you’ll join us.
