Many have speculated that the federal Liberal government will call an election in Canada this fall. If that does prove to be the case, it will be worth getting to know some of the new faces in that election, and one of the most prominent of those will be speaking to the people of Estevan soon. 

The Estevan Chamber of Commerce, along with their fellow chambers in Moosomin and Weyburn, are hosting a virtual session this week in which Erin O'Toole, leader of the Conservative Party, will hold a discussion on his party's recovery plan. 

"Each Chamber is accumulating questions from our membership," said Chamber Executive Director Jackie Wall. "We will be posing those to the official leader of the opposition."

Chamber members may be able to ask questions during the 60-minute session (and attend for free) but they won't be the only ones able to attend. Members of the public can attend for a fee of $10.

"Any time you can have access to a political leader," Wall said, "it's an interesting time to ask questions that people are probably wondering, the perspective of the party and what their platform potentially will be. I don't think it will be news to anybody that their potentially could be an imminent election so I think this is a great opportunity."

Souris-Mouse Mountain MP Dr. Robert Kitchen will be introducing O'Toole at the event. The chamber has invited groups like the Economic Development Committee and local RMs to attend the event as well. 

“As Canadians look ahead to rounding the corner on COVID-19, our country is at a crossroads. The future of Canada is what is at stake – and Canadians must choose which path to recovery they can trust,” said O’Toole. “Canada’s Conservatives got Canada through the last recession, and with Canada’s Recovery Plan, we will get through this one too.”

In addition to topics like oil and gas and agriculture, and others pertaining to the local economy, Wall said she wouldn't be surprised if the controversial Bill C-10 was brought up. The Conservative Party has often and loudly stated their opposition to the bill.

"I think it's going to be one of the largest issues if there is an imminent election," Wall said. "We all know how huge social media and freedom of speech and all those issues are for our country, and specifically there's a huge contingent in our neck of the woods that has very, very strong opinions on this."

Wall added people would have to submit their questions to the chamber office ahead of time so they could get through as many questions as possible.