Liberal top gun Bob Rae speaking in Belleville

Liberal party top gun Bob Rae is coming to Prince Edward-Hastings riding Sept. 27th as part of the local association’s Bridge Forum speaker series.

“Rae is expected to be offering a very frank view of the current status of Liberalism in Canada and where it is headed,” the association press release states. He will expand on themes he presented at the party’s summer caucus where he accused the leaders of the Conservatives and NDP of practising the politics of division.

The release states this may be the last time Rae visits the riding while still leader of the party, “although it is hoped that a further leadership candidate event, still in the planning stages, may lure him back.”

There will be an opportunity for audience members to put forward questions, a chance that local residents will have rarely been granted and as party spokesman Ian Batt notes, “not something any other current federal party leader is likely entertaining.”

Members of the party who have financially supported the series have been invited to a meet and greet opportunity with Rae at a catered companion event before the public address.

While the riding association is asking for donations from members of the public to listen to the presentations in the series, it is not mandatory. The event is at Capers, 272 Front Street in Belleville, starting at 7.30 pm.

Batt, chairman of the PEH Federal Liberal Association fund raising efforts, says the Bridge Forum series was developed to raise the level of political discussion and to help build the riding association, and particularly engage young Liberals.

More details and updates can be found on the Prince Edward Hastings Federal Liberal Association website www.pehliberal.ca or by calling 1 888 554 2372.