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Huron-Bruce candidates hit with some tough questions By Liz Dadson |
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 John Divinski (R) gets ready to moderate the all-candidates meeting last night (April 26) at the Bruce Power Visitors' Centre, with candidates: Liberal Charlie Bagnato (L), Conservative and incumbent MP Ben Lobb, NDP Grant Robertson, Green Party Eric Shelley and Independent Dennis Valenta Candidates respond to a question about ways to improve the health of Canadians |
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The federal candidates in Huron-Bruce faced some tough questions at the all-candidates meeting held last night (April 26) at the Bruce Power Visitors' Centre. Hosted by the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce and Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce, the meeting was moderated by John Divinski, with all candidates in attendance: Conservative and incumbent MP Ben Lobb, Liberal Charlie Bagnato, New Democrat Grant Robertson, Green Party Eric Shelley, and Independent Dennis Valenta. While there was no clear winner by the end of the night, Shelley had the best line when the question was asked by his own father, Kent Shelley of Tiverton: "What is the single most compelling reason why I should vote for you?""The fact that I'm your son isn't good enough?" joked the younger Shelley, receiving a good laugh from the audience of about 120 people. In all seriousness, he said that the Green Party's position on issues is challenging a lot of people to think differently. The other candidates also weighed in on that question. Valenta said he is free of any party line so he can work for his constituents and their concerns. Robertson said he has a long track record of working with people and getting things done. Lobb said his focus is on serving the people of the Huron-Bruce riding. For example, a woman in Wingham called his office because her husband had lost his job and the Employment Insurance payments were not coming through. The family was going to be evicted from their home. Lobb's office cut through the red tape and had a cheque to the family by the next day. Bagnato said his aim is to have compassion for every situation. He is there for his constituents and he is ready to help them out. Each candidate had three minutes to make an opening statement, then one minute to respond to each question, and two minutes to do a wrap-up speech. Bagnato said he has the longest track record in politics of any of the candidates. He made a positive difference in the Walkerton area as mayor, and on Bruce County council. He said the Huron-Bruce riding is vast and different. One of the important issues for the Kincardine and Saugeen Shores area, he said, is affordable housing and the Liberal platform provides more than $550-million, plus tax incentives and loan guarantees to foster these projects. Lobb said that the federal Conservative government helped Canada weather the recent recession and provides responsible leadership. The government has decreased taxes and put more money in place to assist families. Locally, Lobb has opened an office in Port Elgin and staff has built strong and effective relationships in the north end of the riding. Robertson said he has worked with local, provincial and national organizations, particularly as the representative for the National Farmers' Union. He has been to Ottawa many times and knows the government is not working for small-town Ontario or farmers or the rural area. "Five years ago, (prime minister) Stephen Harper promised us things would be different," said Robertson, "but he just replaced Liberal-style scandals with Conservative-style scandals. With (NDP leader) Jack Layton as prime minister, we can get to work and get things done." Shelley said he is promoting the need for the voice of youth in the House of Commons. There is a lack of leadership in Ottawa, resulting in the first contempt of Parliament and the call for this election. Valenta said his major issue stems from the divorce process which put him on the road to running for election as an Independent candidate years ago. "The politicians don't care about you," he said. "So, you have two options: vote in a party person or vote in an Independent who can represent you without any partisan politics." During the question period, several issues were addressed including health care, human trafficking, the contempt of Parliament, fighter jets, the power of the Canada Revenue Agency, Native concerns, the nuclear industry, accountable government, and protecting the environment. Among the highlights, the Liberals were accused of cutting money from health care when Paul Martin was prime minister. Bagnato said Martin is not the leader of the party, so there's no reason to believe that current party leader Michael Ignatieff would cut funding the way Martin did. Lobb noted that the Liberals did, in fact, cut $25-billion from health care. Meanwhile, the Conservative government's plan is to increase that funding by six-per-cent per year through to 2014. That is challenging because the provincial governments have to come onboard as well. Robertson said the NDP brought in universal health care and Canada needs Layton to continue that legacy. Shelley said the Green Party would ensure people can access the drug medication they need as quickly as possible, and put cost-savings back into the health system. Valenta said the federal government should leave health care to the provinces, but ensure all Canadians have access to all health services. He also advocates cutting the top-heavy bureaucracy in the system and putting the money into the front-line care. With regard to the nuclear industry, in particular Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and CANDU technology, Bagnato said it's important that Canada protects what it has. Lobb said this industry provides tens of thousands of jobs, but it's important to realize that AECL requires restructuring and private industry can do that. Robertson said the NDP is opposed to the sale of AECL. "We support the nuclear industry in a Canadian context." "The Green Party is not against nuclear," said Shelley. "We need to make sure our reactors are safe all around the world, the reactors are safe." "We all like our lights to come on," said Valenta, "so we need to support nuclear." When asked about the promised transparency and accountability of the Conservative government, Lobb said the Accountability Act has cleaned up Ottawa, removing the lobbyists out of Cabinet. He said any proposal to have an elected Senate would require provinces to be onboard.
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 Liberal candidate Charlie Bagnato (L) shakes hands with incumbent Conservative MP Ben Lobb  Eric Shelley (L) of the Green Party greets Grant Robertson of the New Democratic Party  Incumbent Conservative MP Ben Lobb (L) shakes hands with NDP candidate Grant Robertson prior to the all-candidates meeting at the Bruce Power Visitors' Centre last night Bagnato said there is a need for Senate reform but agreed with Lobb that it requires a deal with the provinces.
Valenta said he contacted Lobb's office about the fact that 85 per cent of the people want divorce reform but he has heard nothing back. Shelley said the Conservatives cleared the lobbyists out of the Cabinet and put them right into the Senate. "We need Senate reform. Harper had the Senate vote down the Climate Change Bill which had been given support through the House of Commons." Robertson said Canada needs straight-shooters like Layton in the government in order to get electoral reform and make politicians work together. He said the Senate should be abolished. The next question was about the environment, but Lobb took his minute to refute Valenta's statement, saying he met with Valenta and had him come to Ottawa; he even gave him a tour of Parliament. In wrapping up the meeting, Valenta said voters have two choices: vote the party line or vote for an Independent representative. "We need change," said Shelley. "Every vote counts and makes a difference. Ask questions and make sure the candidate you're casting your ballot for represents all your interests." "I'm a fighter," said Robertson. "I've worked in Ottawa with the NFU, and I build bridges and work with everyone to find a solution. You have a choice - go with the same-old, same-old, or chart a different course." Lobb said the Conservatives have a plan in place to bring business and industry growth to Canada, but there is more to be done. The government's plan includes: job creation, care for seniors and their families and caregivers, eliminating the deficit and returning to balanced budgets, safer streets, and protection of the nation's borders. "Our government wants to stabilize things and resume our recovery plan," he said. Bagnato said the focus should be on families and that's what the Liberal platform is all about, as well as the agricultural sector, rural Canada, young students who need financial help, and seniors. "Vote for change," he said. Scrolling stops when you move your mouse inside the scroll area. You can click on the ads for more
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