The organizers of the all candidates debate in Vancouver Point Grey held at UBC say as far as the Liberals taking part it is Premier Christy Clark or bust.
Tanner Bokor says they will not accept a substitute when they host another debate in three weeks.
"Well first off it is a Point Grey candidates debate. This is the Premier's riding, she is the candidate in Point Grey. We think it is highly inappropriate to have a candidate that is not from this riding debating regardless of whether she is the sitting Premier. This is her riding she is going to have to come here and debate."
It was pointed out to Bokor that in the past MLA's like Colin Hansen have stepped in for the Premier in debates in Vancouver Point Grey..
"Understood, but this is her riding that is what this boils down to she has to come here and debate. If she expects to win this riding she is going to have to come here and debate and while we are very appreciative to the BC Liberal party for sending another candidate we want the Point Grey candidate here."
That said Bokor admits it is only fair for voters hear from all sides.
"Oh absolutely which is why we are organizing another debate in three weeks time where the Liberals will be invited again and the invitation will be extended to the Premier, she is the candidate. If she chooses to accept then fantastic but as we have done with all parties if they are unable to send a representative then no representative showed up...as long as they were the Point Grey candidate."
The debate featured candidates from the NDP, BC Conservatives, Green party, Work Less party, and an independent but no Liberals.