Students and potential voters filled up the bleachers at the Community Recreational Centre in Vulcan on Thursday for an all-candidates forum for the Cardston-Siksika riding.

The 1:00 p.m. event was organized by local resident David Swan on behalf of the Vulcan and District Chamber of Commerce with thanks to County Central High School and Principal Leanne Hellman.

(L to R) David Swan, Orlena Richmond (Treasurer with Vulcan & District Chamber of Commerce) and Grant Turner (Vice-Chair with Vulcan & District Chamber of Commerce)(L to R) David Swan, Orlena Richmond (Treasurer with Vulcan & District Chamber of Commerce) and Grant Turner (Vice-Chair with Vulcan & District Chamber of Commerce)

It's also one of the more unique forums in the province as it's hosted by students from County Central High School in Vulcan.

The moderator of the forum was a Grade 12 student from CCHS.The moderator of the event was Chelsea Finney a grade 12 student from CCHS.

Four of the five candidates were able to make it, the exception being the Alberta NDP candidate Colleen Quintal.

Incumbent Joseph Schow (UCP), Par Wantenaar (Solidarity Movement of Alberta), Terry Wolsey (The Independence Party of Alberta) and Angela Tabak (Independent) all showed up early and after their opening statements they each had a chance to respond to nine separate questions from students.

The respectful and engaging event ran close to 90 minutes with questions ranging from post-secondary student loans and debt, mental health supports for youth, rural safety from crime, energy and the environment, affordability and homelessness as well as how to curb underage vaping and smoking.

Questions came from the grade 12 moderator Chelsea Finney as well as other students from grades 7 to 12.