Indigenous issues, growing the regional economy, job security, cutting taxes and protecting the environment.
Just some of the topics discussed last night (Tuesday) at an All-Candidates Forum in Sioux Lookout.
Five of the six candidates debated both national and local issues, while promoting their platforms when responding to questions.
Liberal Bob Nault focused on the theme “Experience Matters.”
“I have delivered and/or made serious progress on every commitment I made in the last election. So experience matters when it comes to delivering for our communities.”
Nault says “in the last four years alone, we have made historic investments of almost $2-billion in our riding. We’ve made significant progress across the board.”
However, he notes they are still far behind, pointing to cuts made by the former Harper government.
Nault adds he will be running on a local platform as well as national priorities.
He also took time to attack the Scheer government, stressing their platform and the associated costs still hasn’t been released.
“So we don’t know what kind of cuts we will get. And we will get some. Absolutely, it’s been told by the candidate tonight that we will get cuts. I would just like to know what they are.”
Conservative candidate Eric Mellilo says he’s committed to delivering investments, critical infrastructure and critical programs for our riding.
“And as part of a responsible Conservative government, we will be one which lives within our means (and) puts more money in your pocket.”
Mellilo adds under a Trudeau government, 80% of middle class Canadians are actually paying more in taxes.
He says he doesn’t want to be part of a government that is responsible for robbing future generations of their public services.
Mellilo adds the Conservatives will look at a measured approach to reduce spending and make sure that all new federal spending is found through cost savings within the government and balance the budget in five years time.
He adds one move will be a cut of $1.5-billion in corporate welfare to wealthy companies.
Mellilo highlighted on several occasions that it’s time for a new generation of leadership.
Rudy Turtle of the NDP stressed the need for change.
“We’ve had both Liberal and Conservative governments in Ottawa who haven’t lived up to their promises. They haven’t worked for you but they have been working around the clock for the big corporations and big companies.”
Turtle stresses “I am ready to work hard for our area. I am ready to fight to make life more affordable. Improve the public services we all need. Bring in universal pharmacare and take strong action on issues we are all facing.”
He notes he’s covered the entire riding and people tell him every day him that life is getting more and more expensive and wages aren’t keeping up.
Turtle says the feeling is that the very richest and the biggest corporations should pay more.
Turtle adds “the New Democrats are in it for you”, noting he will fight for all constituents when in Ottawa.
Kirsi Ralko of the Green’s agrees with an earlier comment that this a time for a new generation of leadership.
However, she notes “experience matters and by voting for me you can vote for someone with a breath of experience in law, as a business owner and in government as a local politician.”
Ralko says “The Green Party of Canada believes that Canadians are resilient and innovative. We don’t shy away from a challenge, we rise to the occasion. That’s why the Green Party of Canada’s aggressive climate plan is called ‘Mission Possible’ and you as a voter can contribute to that mission.”
Ralko believes there won’t be a majority government, so she’s encouraging strategic voting by choosing the Green Party.
Independent Kelvin Boucher-Chicago pledged to take the ideas of constituents directly to Ottawa.
Boucher-Chicago says “I know for a fact that the three major parties; the Liberals, and the Conservatives and the NDP in the past, they have benched their people for speaking up for them. No, they can’t bench people.”
“He adds for 16 years, the taxpayers have been constantly paying and paying to help the little people. It doesn’t work that way. Somehow the dollars get caught up in somebody’s pocket.”
Michael Di Pasquale of the People’s Party of Canada wasn’t in attendance.
The Forum was also streamed by the Sioux Lookout Public Library and the video can be found below.
