(ROB MUNRO / iNFOnews.ca)

Federal election candidates in the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo riding are being invited to a debate centred around their environmental positions next week.

Transition Kamloops and the Kamloops chapter of the B.C. Sustainable Energy Association is hosting the debate on Sept. 8 to explore where candidates stand on environmental issues and focus a national conversation down to the local level.

“The state of the environment and climate change is top-of-mind for so many folks right now. This next election will be an opportunity to meet the challenge, or keep kicking the can down the road. We are providing this venue for voters to learn about the positions of each of our local candidates on these important topics," B.C. Sustainable Energy Association member and spokesperson said in a press release.

Candidates will be asked where they stand on environmental issues, how they will commit to "net-zero" emissions and how their policy positions will safeguard the environment.

READ MORE: 'Code red': UN scientists warn of worsening global warming

All candidates in the riding that are registered with Elections Canada are invited to the debate, and the public can register to attend virtually.

Attendees can also submit their own questions ahead of the debate upon registration and the debate moderator will ask the candidates the "audience favourites."

According to the debate organizers, the intensifying effects of climate change in the region, like the record-setting heat wave, wildfires and drought, along with the recent "Code Red" report by U.N. scientists, bring immediacy to the need for action on environmental policies in Canada.

This debate is part of an initiative called 100 Debates on the Environment, which is led by GreenPAC and partners with organizations across Canada to hold the debates.

The public can register to attend the debate on EventBrite here. It's scheduled for Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.

The 2021 federal candidates for the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo riding include:

• Wayne Allen - Independent
• Frank Caputo - Conservative Party of Canada
• Iain Currie - Green Party of Canada
• Corally Delwo - People's Party of Canada
• Jesse McCormick - Liberal Party of Canada
• Bill Sundhu - New Democratic Party

READ MORE: Campaign heats up between Conservative and Liberal candidates in Kelowna-Lake Country

Federal election day is Monday, Sept. 20.

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