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Community association president Keith Simmons said he finds the situation frustrating.

“We’re asking voters to come out and choose who is going to represent them in Ottawa, and a lot of the interaction in Ottawa is based around being able to think, being able to debate. That’s why we’re putting this on,” he said.

“Here you have an opportunity to convince people you’re better for the job.”

Tory Devinder Shory did not appear at a Calgary Skyview debate hosted by the Calgary Leadership Forum last week. Shory also was a no-show at a forum hosted by the organization Vote Pakistani Canadians, according to organizer Rauf Kadri.

The Conservatives say they’re being unfairly criticized on the debate issue, however.

Kenney’s campaign said in an email that scheduling issues prevented his attendance at the debates this week but noted he had taken part in a local radio debate on immigration and a Midnapore candidate’s forum at a seniors’ home.

While a Calgary Leadership Forum event in Calgary Nose Hill fell through, Conservative candidate Michelle Rempel noted that she has attended two other local debates.

She said most of the Tory candidates in the city have attended at least one riding forum.

Rempel, who makes numerous national television appearances and is one of the most visible Conservatives in the campaign, said candidates have to balance attending debates with other campaign activities, especially doorknocking.

“At this point in the campaign, when we get debate requests we’re weighing them between the ability of us to reach voters at the doors,” said Rempel.

“On any given day, we’re reaching over three polls of voters at their homes, and that is very important.”

The Conservative Party also responded by sending a series of news stories from across Canada noting Liberal and NDP candidates did not attend events.

But Kadri said Tory candidates have also not committed to debates planned for other ridings or even responded to questionnaires put out by the organization, a third-party group registered with Elections Canada.

“It’s the snooze button with the Conservatives right now,” Kadri said.

“It’s a blackout.”

jwood@calgaryherald.com