Bow River candidates tackle questions at political forum

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Canada’s $600 billion national debt crisis, a wounded economy, the country’s obligations toward crime and human rights issues, and fundamental values were at the forefront of last week’s Bow River Riding Candidate Forum that provided a platform for several hopeful candidates, that are vying to be the federal representative for the riding, to impress dozens of local voters.
Five out of the seven candidates, representing various political parties and ideologies, addressed issues of rural, regional, and national concern with the hopes of gaining the votes of nearly 60 local residents who gathered at the Strathmore Civic Centre on Oct. 1.
Democratic Advancement Party of Canada Fahed Khalid, Independent Andrew Kucy, Liberal William MacDonald Alexander, NDP Lynn MacWilliam, and Conservative Martin Shield addressed eight questions generated through public input. The questions demanded answers regarding: the candidates’ personal values; issues important to the individuals and their proposed solutions; CPP and EI contributions and hiking payroll tax to create jobs; issues relating to federal jurisdictions and how the riding will be represented; handling the Syria refugee crisis; reserve conditions and the situation of missing and murdered aboriginal women; advice for the next prime minister; and an issue the candidate feels deserves a free vote.
“I think it went really well,” said Anouk Roorda, who came from Calgary to support her brother William Alexander.
“All the candidates answered the questions they needed to, and it was helpful for me to understand rural issues a little bit better. The candidates really honed in on rural issues and regional issues.”
While some residents were pleased with the information provided and showed up to see how the candidates conduct themselves in person for when polling booths open in a couple weeks, other were disappointed with the responses, even going as far as to call the candidates weak.
And although some minds were already made up before the forum took place, others were pleasantly surprised by the candidates’ responses, even resulting in a few residents announcing they changed their vote.
“We’re blessed in a sense to have these committed articulate thoughtful individuals in our midst,” said Herb McLane, general manager of the Strathmore and District Agricultural society who emcee’d the event.
“A forum is a place where ideas and views may be exchanged. We expect, even demand, good representation and good governance. We expect our representatives to represent that of which is in the public interest and without corruption. On Oct. 19 following one of the longest campaigns in our history we have the right, and I would add obligation, to exercise our electoral franchise and elect the next government of Canada. What an awesome privilege, and what an opportunity, that is.”
When asked what values each candidate would bring to the role of member of Parliament, Kucy, MacWilliam and Alexander also talked about honesty, openness, or living by the golden rule. In contrast, Shields felt his values were affiliated strongly with the quality of life in the constituency. While Khalid on the other hand valued strong family units within the riding, he valued boldness, the ability to think outside of the box, and courage above all else.
However, it wasn’t until the candidates were asked to comment on an issu they felt was of a real concern that the candidates’ different positions were exposed. Sticking with his party’s principles, Alexander felt the economy was the biggest issue facing the election. Referring to a technical recession, he added the focus needs to be shed on market access of resources, the pipelines, rail and green infrastructure, irrigation, and agriculture. MacWilliam was adamant about climate change and the effects on the economy, businesses, and Canada’s global presence. Shields said families have been muted and are required to jumpstart the economy. By ensuring families walk away with more money in their pockets, Shields said the more money they will invest. Although Khalid was concerned about a number of issues, he singled out agriculture and resources. As an Independent, Kucy took issue with the lack of accountability of the people currently in office.
The candidates were also asked about how they felt about CPP and EI contributions for Canadian workers and employers. While most agreed that CPP and EI was important as a safety net when going through hard times, Shields showed a strong opposition against the Payroll Tax.
“It’s a tax that is really hard on the economy in the sense of the smaller businesses,” Shields said.
“If the government were to reduce it, it allows small businesses to reinvest in their company. When small businesses reinvest in their company they hire more people. It makes the community stronger when the economy is stronger.”
However, MacWilliam felt the tax was an investment in one’s future, yet the Employment Insurance was in need of some fixing. She emphasized the importance of investing in the CPP, money which she said comes back once one retires.
“We have to fix EI,” she said. “The money you put in there is for you when you go through hard times. The way the economies go today, we have lots of hills, we have a lot of valleys, and that money is really important.”
Child care and the child tax benefits were also a topic of discussion between Lynn MacWilliam and Fahed Khalid when asked about representing the riding on a specific issue in Ottawa. And when the question was posed about the latest controversial topic of Syrian refugees and Canada’s involvement, the candidates all expressed the need for a balanced and safe approach for refugees in need, not just those from Syria. Similarly, all candidates felt Canada had not done enough to support their First Nations people, especially in the investigation of missing and murdered aboriginal women.
“This election is a crossroads for Canada,” said Fahed Khalid. “This is a very critical election. Don’t vote for just a brand, or a personality that’s popular. Vote for someone that you know is going to get the job done. That’s going to stand up and take action, made decisions, and work with you.”
The Bow River Riding Candidate Forum was the product of the collaboration between the Town of Strathmore, the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society, Rocky’s Bakery, and the Strathmore Times.
The federal election was called for Oct. 19.