The federal Liberal leadership race is being decided primarily by older Canadians.  Despite a campaign to connect with younger voters and expand the party’s shrunken base of support, it appears neither goal has been achieved.

A look at the list of those registered to vote for the new Liberal leader shows almost 60 per cent are 50 years of age or older.  Only eight per cent are under the age of 25.  And almost half of those registered to vote for the new leader live in Ontario, concentrated in the Greater Toronto Area.

Today, the CARP Liberal Leadership Forum takes place from 1:30 until 3:00 pm in front of a live audience at the new ZoomerPlex Studio in Toronto’s Liberty Village.  Five of the seven candidates have confirmed their availability for the debate.  Front runner Justin Trudeau declined to take part in what CARP’s VP of Advocacy Susan Eng says was a snub.  But she tells AM Zoomer Radio News, it will still be a significant event.  “The point is, this is the front bench. This will eventually be the front bench of the Liberal party, so what they have to say is still important.”

Susan Eng will moderate the debate by CARP – a new vision of aging.  The event will hosted by our own Libby Znaimer.  Candidates will be asked how they would address the priority concerns of CARP members – retirement security, seniors’ poverty and equitable access to healthcare, affordable drugs and home care.  You can watch the CARP Leadership Forum live online at carp.ca.  It will be televised nationally on Monday April 1st at 9:00 pm EST.

Federal Liberal party members choose a new leader in three and-a-half weeks.