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Federal candidates court voters

Tony Baldinelli of the Conservative party, Brian Barker of the NDP and Sandra O'Connor representing the Green Party answer questions at the St. Davids Lions Hall.
Tony Baldinelli of the Conservative party, Brian Barker of the NDP and Sandra O'Connor representing the Green Party answer questions at the St. Davids Lions Hall.

Correction: in an article about an all-candidates meeting hosted by YourTV, Andrea Kaiser pointed to the success of British Columbia's price on pollution, not Alberta's in response to a question about the Liberal's carbon tax. The Local apologizes for the error.

Cannabis and climate change were two of the big issues discussed when about 100 people gathered in the St. Davids Lions Hall last week for the only local opportunity to hear from federal candidates for the Niagara Falls riding, which includes Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The meeting was organized by the St. Davids Ratepayers Association, with six of seven candidates on-hand to answer questions from association members and the public.

It was a well-behaved group, said moderator Mike Pearsall, vice-president of the SDRA, unlike the televised leaders’ debate from the night before.

The meeting opened with candidates given the opportunity to introduce themselves, including Tony Baldinelli of the Conservative Party, Brian Barker of the NDP, Liberal Andrea Kaiser, Green Party representative Sandra O’Connor, Tricia O’Connor of the Christian Heritage Party and Independent Mike Strange.

Alex Taylor of the People’s Party of Canada did not attend. 

Each candidate was given a chance to answer every question, with no time for rebuttal.

Baldinelli introduced himself as a long-time communications manager of the Niagara Parks Commission, with a background of working in politics for the Conservative party, including a stint with Rob Nicholson in Ottawa. With a wife and son, he’s concerned about affordability for families, and is running to make the country “a better place for all of us and our children.”

NDP Brian Barker, said life has become difficult for families today. The teacher and father of two said he grew up with parents who both worked hard and could provide a modest living for their family, but that has become harder. Canadians “didn’t get the change they thought was coming” with the Liberal party, he said, promising to fight for his riding if given the chance.

Sandra O’Connor said she had worked “in science” all her life, and has acquired the skills to understand and represent the Green Party. She has been engaged in the community as a volunteer, fighting for a variety of issues, “and would love to do the same for you” as an MP for the Green Party, which has the best platform for climate change, she said.

Tricia O’Connor, “no relation” to the Green Party candidate, grew up in Welland, went to York University and the University of Toronto as a single mom, and has had lots of experience with global issues, “probably more than most” candidates, she said. She is a teacher, works with children with autism, and believes in the ideals of the Christian Heritage Party, which stands for life, family and children, and is the only pro-life federal party in Canada.

Liberal representative Andrea Kaiser, Tricia O'Connor of the Christian Heritage Party, and Independent Mike Strange prepare to face off at the St. Davids Lions Hall.

Liberal Andrea Kaiser said she has lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake since she was a child, growing up in the tourism and agricultural industry. He father was credited with changing the local wine industry, where she has also worked, as well as being a teacher at Niagara College and a small-business owner, with 11 years experience on municipal council.

Mike Strange, a former Olympic boxer and two-term Niagara Falls city councillor, is running as an Independent. He believes the Conservatives and Liberals both have a 50/50 chance of winning the Oct. 21 election with a minority government, in which case, “I’m the safe bet,” he said.

He believes with a minority, the ruling party will have to come to the Independents to get any bill passed, and he promised to make sure the Niagara riding gets what it needs.

The first question for the candidates from the moderator, regarding “unique heritage areas and tourism draws,” was an easy one for Baldinelli, who has worked for the parks commission, tasked with preserving heritage on its property while attracting tourists, for the last 18 years.

He said there are several infrastructure projects which could benefit from collaboration with the provincial and municipal governments, and to do that, “it’s better to be an insider,” where it’s easier to get funding for important projects that are important to the community.

As a teacher, Barker said, one of his interests is history and preserving heritage. He is against irresponsible development, he said, and would work to prevent parking lots paving over ecological preserves.

Sandra O’Connor said the Green Party is good at working “collaboratively, not combatively,” and would establish a fund to help preserve prime farmland for heritage and food security.

Being a municipal councillor and a member of the municipal heritage committee gave Kaiser insight into the preservation of heritage, she said,  and she tried, although unsuccessfully, to institute a heritage rebate program in town. As an MP, she would continue to invest in tourism, increasing an already significant investment of the Liberal party.

Tricia O’Connor said as a beekeeper she has learned a lot from bees about collaboration and cooperation, and would like to see more bees and plants that encourage pollination. 

The area is growing, said Strange, and he would like an expanded heritage district to protect the streetscapes and buildings in one of the oldest communities in Canada. “I would hate to lose that,” he said.

In response to a question about amalgamation, all said they would not have much input into the provincial matter. Strange said he doesn’t want one city, but if there is going to be a change, the best model would amalgamate Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and NOTL. “We don’t want to take on the St. Catharines debt or the Grimsby debt.”

Tricia O’Connor said she’d like to see things stay the same, while Kaiser sees value in individual municipal councils, but if that doesn’t happen, she would do what she can to have a voice. “If there is something I can do to ensure that, I would work towards it, 100 per cent.”

Amalgamation, Barker said, “would change the face of NOTL,” and he would fight for locals to have a voice.

Baldinelli said he would work toward cooperation between locals and the Province “to preserve the character of the municipality.”

In a question about their party platforms, Baldinelli talked about affordability, and putting more money in the pockets of Canadians through universal tax credits, including fitness programs for kids, and increasing the ceiling for RRSP contributions.

Barker said the NDPs would introduce national pharma and dental programs, so people can use “health cards instead of credit cards,” and would look at more day care with adequate spaces, and more affordable housing for seniors.

Sandra O’Connor said the Greens would put more money into health care, including universal drug care, more affordable child care spaces, increased seniors’ pensions, and pension protection when companies go bankrupt.

The Liberals are committed to helping families and seniors, said Kaiser, through increases to child care benefits, more day care spots and increasing the amount seniors can keep if they continue to work past the age of 65.

Tricia O’Connor said her party believes in life, family and freedom, and would put families first. Every school should have after-hours day care, she said.

Strange said immigration has to be tightened up, more seniors facilities built, affordable housing for all and free transit for seniors across Canada.

When asked about the legalization of cannabis, most candidates agreed the roll-out was rushed, that it’s going to have a big impact on farming communities such as NOTL, and that a second look on controlling it is needed. “I’m not sure it’s something we need as a nation,” said Tricia O’Connor. I would like to see our greenhouses growing food.”

Sandra O’Connor said there should be clear lines of responsibility in terms of legislation, and the best land in Canada should be reserved for food.

Kaiser, whose Liberal party legalized cannabis, said she would do whatever she could to assist municipalities in the agricultural transition to cannabis, “and find a way to make it work in town.”

“It’s here for the foreseeable future,” said Barker, and although he supports enterprise, it shouldn’t be at the expense of residents. He suggested all levels of government should work together on issues such as odour control, for the sake of residents.

Baldinelli said he is concerned about the lack of regulations in transportation — particularly with pilots “flying high. We need to take steps to make changes where needed.”

When asked about climate change, Baldinelli said the Conservative government would reduce the carbon tax while going after big business to reduce emissions. “We have to take the fight globally, to work with other countries to reduce their emissions,” he added.

Barker said tackling climate change has to include a food strategy and support for farmers getting their products into stores. He’d also like to see the government help residents who have had issues with flooding.

The Greens, said Sandra O’Connor, would have a national strategy to move away from fossil fuels. Without reducing climate change and preserving farmland, she said, “we won’t have a wine industry.”

Kaiser agreed climate change is affecting the wine industry, with fewer wineries producing ice wine, and said the government needs a feasible and ambitious climate change plan. “We need to do the right thing.”

Tricia O’Connor said she’s a big proponent of solar energy, and of using “the intelligence God has given us” to combat climate change.

Climate change, said Strange, “should be a non-partisan issue.” He spoke passionately of all MPs working together, about loss of shoreline and the need to declare a state of emergency, and about kids being afraid for the future. “We need to get on it. Let’s get started. Our future generations depend on it,” he said, to applause from the audience.

Questions that came from the floor were about arts and heritage, mental health, addiction, euthanasia, and the impact measures to prevent climate change would have on the public.

In response to a broad question about health care, mental illness and addiction, Strange said Canada is rated number one in the world and everyone wants to come here, so immigration has to be more responsible. It’s having an impact on housing for seniors, and causing stress, he said, adding mental health programs need to begin in school.

Tricia O’Connor talked of removing stress by providing affordable housing, and Kaiser said the opioid crisis is being treated as a health issue by the Liberals, not a criminal one, and that investments are needed to deal with addictions, which the Liberal government has pledged to do.

Sandra O’Connor also talked about taking responsibility for the opioid crisis, and Barker said the federal government needs to increase payments to the province for health care, and to declare the opioid crisis a national emergency.

Baldinelli shared his personal experience about what drew him to politics and the Conservatives. He and his wife had twin baby boys arrive early, and they lost David when he was three days old, he said. Daniel spent his first 136 days in the hospital, and still requires medical care, including assistive devices. “I wouldn’t have run if it weren’t for health care guarantees,” he said.

By far the most popular question of the evening, the one that drew applause, was how each of the governments planned to pay for all their promises.

Strange said because he’s not part of any political party, he will make the others accountable. “I can keep the other politicians in check, and make sure their promises are kept. I’m the only one who can’t get kicked out of caucus.”

Tricia O’Connor said her party is committed to bringing money spent overseas back home, while Kaiser said the Liberals would keep the debt/gross domestic product ratio at 30 per cent. In eight years, the Liberal party has created jobs, lowered the unemployment rate and invested in communities. The country has an AAA rating internationally, and an economy that has been strengthened over the last four years, she said.

Sandra O’Connor countered that, saying the lower- and middle-class Canadians would not agree. The Greens would balance the budget in five years and stop subsidies to fossil fuel companies, while closing tax loopholes and increasing taxes for the top one per cent, as well as going after those who are hiding money, “instead of going after university students.” The Greens would also go after international companies who don’t pay taxes in Canada, such as Google and Netflix, she said. 

Barker also talked about helping people who want to make ends meet by going after the largest corporations to pay their fair share. As a teacher, he can’t hide his “modest” income, he said, and the NDP would eliminate loopholes that allow others to do so. The NDP would also end subsidies for gas and oil companies. “We don’t have a spending problem, we have a revenue problem.” 

“Every day we ask hard-working Canadians to live within their means,” said Baldinelli. But the Liberals haven’t balanced their budgets or introduced pharmacare, which they promised. The Conservatives would balance its budget with a five-year plan. The Liberal government spends almost as much on debt interest as it does on health care transfers, he said. “We have to get our fiscal house in order.”

Cannabis and climate change were two of the big issues discussed when about 100 people gathered in the St. Davids Lions Hall last week for the only local opportunity to hear from federal candidates for the Niagara Falls riding, which includes Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The meeting was organized by the St. Davids Ratepayers Association, with six of seven candidates on-hand to answer questions from association members and the public.

It was a well-behaved group, said moderator Mike Pearsall, vice-president of the SDRA, unlike the televised leaders’ debate from the night before.

The meeting opened with candidates given the opportunity to introduce themselves, including Tony Baldinelli of the Conservative Party, Brian Barker of the NDP, Liberal Andrea Kaiser, Green Party representative Sandra O’Connor, Tricia O’Connor of the Christian Heritage Party and Independent Mike Strange.

Alex Taylor of the People’s Party of Canada did not attend. 

Each candidate was given a chance to answer every question, with no time for rebuttal.

Baldinelli introduced himself as a long-time communications manager of the Niagara Parks Commission, with a background of working in politics for the Conservative party, including a stint with Rob Nicholson in Ottawa. With a wife and son, he’s concerned about affordability for families, and is running to make the country “a better place for all of us and our children.”

NDP Brian Barker, said life has become difficult for families today. The teacher and father of two said he grew up with parents who both worked hard and could provide a modest living for their family, but that has become harder. Canadians “didn’t get the change they thought was coming” with the Liberal party, he said, promising to fight for his riding if given the chance.

Sandra O’Connor said she had worked “in science” all her life, and has acquired the skills to understand and represent the Green Party. She has been engaged in the community as a volunteer, fighting for a variety of issues, “and would love to do the same for you” as an MP for the Green Party, which has the best platform for climate change, she said.

Tricia O’Connor, “no relation” to the Green Party candidate, grew up in Welland, went to York University and the University of Toronto as a single mom, and has had lots of experience with global issues, “probably more than most” candidates, she said. She is a teacher, works with children with autism, and believes in the ideals of the Christian Heritage Party, which stands for life, family and children, and is the only pro-life federal party in Canada.

Liberal Andrea Kaiser said she has lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake since she was a child, growing up in the tourism and agricultural industry. He father was credited with changing the local wine industry, where she has also worked, as well as being a teacher at Niagara College and a small-business owner, with 11 years experience on municipal council.

Mike Strange, a former Olympic boxer and two-term Niagara Falls city councillor, is running as an Independent. He believes the Conservatives and Liberals both have a 50/50 chance of winning the Oct. 21 election with a minority government, in which case, “I’m the safe bet,” he said.

He believes with a minority, the ruling party will have to come to the Independents to get any bill passed, and he promised to make sure the Niagara riding gets what it needs.

The first question for the candidates from the moderator, regarding “unique heritage areas and tourism draws,” was an easy one for Baldinelli, who has worked for the parks commission, tasked with preserving heritage on its property while attracting tourists, for the last 18 years.

He said there are several infrastructure projects which could benefit from collaboration with the provincial and municipal governments, and to do that, “it’s better to be an insider,” where it’s easier to get funding for important projects that are important to the community.

As a teacher, Barker said, one of his interests is history and preserving heritage. He is against irresponsible development, he said, and would work to prevent parking lots paving over ecological preserves.

Sandra O’Connor said the Green Party is good at working “collaboratively, not combatively,” and would establish a fund to help preserve prime farmland for heritage and food security.

Being a municipal councillor and a member of the municipal heritage committee gave Kaiser insight into the preservation of heritage, she said,  and she tried, although unsuccessfully, to institute a heritage rebate program in town. As an MP, she would continue to invest in tourism, increasing an already significant investment of the Liberal party.

Tricia O’Connor said as a beekeeper she has learned a lot from bees about collaboration and cooperation, and would like to see more bees and plants that encourage pollination. 

The area is growing, said Strange, and he would like an expanded heritage district to protect the streetscapes and buildings in one of the oldest communities in Canada. “I would hate to lose that,” he said.

In response to a question about amalgamation, all said they would not have much input into the provincial matter. Strange said he doesn’t want one city, but if there is going to be a change, the best model would amalgamate Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and NOTL. “We don’t want to take on the St. Catharines debt or the Grimsby debt.”

Tricia O’Connor said she’d like to see things stay the same, while Kaiser sees value in individual municipal councils, but if that doesn’t happen, she would do what she can to have a voice. “If there is something I can do to ensure that, I would work towards it, 100 per cent.”

Amalgamation, Barker said, “would change the face of NOTL,” and he would fight for locals to have a voice.

Baldinelli said he would work toward cooperation between locals and the Province “to preserve the character of the municipality.”

In a question about their party platforms, Baldinelli talked about affordability, and putting more money in the pockets of Canadians through universal tax credits, including fitness programs for kids, and increasing the ceiling for RRSP contributions.

Barker said the NDPs would introduce national pharma and dental programs, so people can use “health cards instead of credit cards,” and would look at more day care with adequate spaces, and more affordable housing for seniors.

Sandra O’Connor said the Greens would put more money into health care, including universal drug care, more affordable child care spaces, increased seniors’ pensions, and pension protection when companies go bankrupt.

The Liberals are committed to helping families and seniors, said Kaiser, through increases to child care benefits, more day care spots and increasing the amount seniors can keep if they continue to work past the age of 65.

Tricia O’Connor said her party believes in life, family and freedom, and would put families first. Every school should have after-hours day care, she said.

Strange said immigration has to be tightened up, more seniors facilities built, affordable housing for all and free transit for seniors across Canada.

When asked about the legalization of cannabis, most candidates agreed the roll-out was rushed, that it’s going to have a big impact on farming communities such as NOTL, and that a second look on controlling it is needed. “I’m not sure it’s something we need as a nation,” said Tricia O’Connor. I would like to see our greenhouses growing food.”

Sandra O’Connor said there should be clear lines of responsibility in terms of legislation, and the best land in Canada should be reserved for food.

Kaiser, whose Liberal party legalized cannabis, said she would do whatever she could to assist municipalities in the agricultural transition to cannabis, “and find a way to make it work in town.”

“It’s here for the foreseeable future,” said Barker, and although he supports enterprise, it shouldn’t be at the expense of residents. He suggested all levels of government should work together on issues such as odour control, for the sake of residents.

Baldinelli said he is concerned about the lack of regulations in transportation — particularly with pilots “flying high. We need to take steps to make changes where needed.”

When asked about climate change, Baldinelli said the Conservative government would reduce the carbon tax while going after big business to reduce emissions. “We have to take the fight globally, to work with other countries to reduce their emissions,” he added.

Barker said tackling climate change has to include a food strategy and support for farmers getting their products into stores. He’d also like to see the government help residents who have had issues with flooding.

The Greens, said Sandra O’Connor, would have a national strategy to move away from fossil fuels. Without reducing climate change and preserving farmland, she said, “we won’t have a wine industry.”

Kaiser agreed climate change is affecting the wine industry, with fewer wineries producing ice wine, and said the government needs a feasible and ambitious climate change plan. “We need to do the right thing.”

Tricia O’Connor said she’s a big proponent of solar energy, and of using “the intelligence God has given us” to combat climate change.

Climate change, said Strange, “should be a non-partisan issue.” He spoke passionately of all MPs working together, about loss of shoreline and the need to declare a state of emergency, and about kids being afraid for the future. “We need to get on it. Let’s get started. Our future generations depend on it,” he said, to applause from the audience.

Questions that came from the floor were about arts and heritage, mental health, addiction, euthanasia, and the impact measures to prevent climate change would have on the public.

In response to a broad question about health care, mental illness and addiction, Strange said Canada is rated number one in the world and everyone wants to come here, so immigration has to be more responsible. It’s having an impact on housing for seniors, and causing stress, he said, adding mental health programs need to begin in school.

Tricia O’Connor talked of removing stress by providing affordable housing, and Kaiser said the opioid crisis is being treated as a health issue by the Liberals, not a criminal one, and that investments are needed to deal with addictions, which the Liberal government has pledged to do.

Sandra O’Connor also talked about taking responsibility for the opioid crisis, and Barker said the federal government needs to increase payments to the province for health care, and to declare the opioid crisis a national emergency.

Baldinelli shared his personal experience about what drew him to politics and the Conservatives. He and his wife had twin baby boys arrive early, and they lost David when he was three days old, he said. Daniel spent his first 136 days in the hospital, and still requires medical care, including assistive devices. “I wouldn’t have run if it weren’t for health care guarantees,” he said.

By far the most popular question of the evening, the one that drew applause, was how each of the governments planned to pay for all their promises.

Strange said because he’s not part of any political party, he will make the others accountable. “I can keep the other politicians in check, and make sure their promises are kept. I’m the only one who can’t get kicked out of caucus.”

Tricia O’Connor said her party is committed to bringing money spent overseas back home, while Kaiser said the Liberals would keep the debt/gross domestic product ratio at 30 per cent. In eight years, the Liberal party has created jobs, lowered the unemployment rate and invested in communities. The country has an AAA rating internationally, and an economy that has been strengthened over the last four years, she said.

Sandra O’Connor countered that, saying the lower- and middle-class Canadians would not agree. The Greens would balance the budget in five years and stop subsidies to fossil fuel companies, while closing tax loopholes and increasing taxes for the top one per cent, as well as going after those who are hiding money, “instead of going after university students.” The Greens would also go after international companies who don’t pay taxes in Canada, such as Google and Netflix, she said. 

Barker also talked about helping people who want to make ends meet by going after the largest corporations to pay their fair share. As a teacher, he can’t hide his “modest” income, he said, and the NDP would eliminate loopholes that allow others to do so. The NDP would also end subsidies for gas and oil companies. “We don’t have a spending problem, we have a revenue problem.” 

“Every day we ask hard-working Canadians to live within their means,” said Baldinelli. But the Liberals haven’t balanced their budgets or introduced pharmacare, which they promised. The Conservatives would balance its budget with a five-year plan. The Liberal government spends almost as much on debt interest as it does on health care transfers, he said. “We have to get our fiscal house in order.”

Cannabis and climate change were two of the big issues discussed when about 100 people gathered in the St. Davids Lions Hall last week for the only local opportunity to hear from federal candidates for the Niagara Falls riding, which includes Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The meeting was organized by the St. Davids Ratepayers Association, with six of seven candidates on-hand to answer questions from association members and the public.

It was a well-behaved group, said moderator Mike Pearsall, vice-president of the SDRA, unlike the televised leaders’ debate from the night before.

The meeting opened with candidates given the opportunity to introduce themselves, including Tony Baldinelli of the Conservative Party, Brian Barker of the NDP, Liberal Andrea Kaiser, Green Party representative Sandra O’Connor, Tricia O’Connor of the Christian Heritage Party and Independent Mike Strange.

Alex Taylor of the People’s Party of Canada did not attend. 

Each candidate was given a chance to answer every question, with no time for rebuttal.

Baldinelli introduced himself as a long-time communications manager of the Niagara Parks Commission, with a background of working in politics for the Conservative party, including a stint with Rob Nicholson in Ottawa. With a wife and son, he’s concerned about affordability for families, and is running to make the country “a better place for all of us and our children.”

NDP Brian Barker, said life has become difficult for families today. The teacher and father of two said he grew up with parents who both worked hard and could provide a modest living for their family, but that has become harder. Canadians “didn’t get the change they thought was coming” with the Liberal party, he said, promising to fight for his riding if given the chance.

Sandra O’Connor said she had worked “in science” all her life, and has acquired the skills to understand and represent the Green Party. She has been engaged in the community as a volunteer, fighting for a variety of issues, “and would love to do the same for you” as an MP for the Green Party, which has the best platform for climate change, she said.

Tricia O’Connor, “no relation” to the Green Party candidate, grew up in Welland, went to York University and the University of Toronto as a single mom, and has had lots of experience with global issues, “probably more than most” candidates, she said. She is a teacher, works with children with autism, and believes in the ideals of the Christian Heritage Party, which stands for life, family and children, and is the only pro-life federal party in Canada.

Liberal Andrea Kaiser said she has lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake since she was a child, growing up in the tourism and agricultural industry. He father was credited with changing the local wine industry, where she has also worked, as well as being a teacher at Niagara College and a small-business owner, with 11 years experience on municipal council.

Mike Strange, a former Olympic boxer and two-term Niagara Falls city councillor, is running as an Independent. He believes the Conservatives and Liberals both have a 50/50 chance of winning the Oct. 21 election with a minority government, in which case, “I’m the safe bet,” he said.

He believes with a minority, the ruling party will have to come to the Independents to get any bill passed, and he promised to make sure the Niagara riding gets what it needs.

The first question for the candidates from the moderator, regarding “unique heritage areas and tourism draws,” was an easy one for Baldinelli, who has worked for the parks commission, tasked with preserving heritage on its property while attracting tourists, for the last 18 years.

He said there are several infrastructure projects which could benefit from collaboration with the provincial and municipal governments, and to do that, “it’s better to be an insider,” where it’s easier to get funding for important projects that are important to the community.

As a teacher, Barker said, one of his interests is history and preserving heritage. He is against irresponsible development, he said, and would work to prevent parking lots paving over ecological preserves.

Sandra O’Connor said the Green Party is good at working “collaboratively, not combatively,” and would establish a fund to help preserve prime farmland for heritage and food security.

Being a municipal councillor and a member of the municipal heritage committee gave Kaiser insight into the preservation of heritage, she said,  and she tried, although unsuccessfully, to institute a heritage rebate program in town. As an MP, she would continue to invest in tourism, increasing an already significant investment of the Liberal party.

Tricia O’Connor said as a beekeeper she has learned a lot from bees about collaboration and cooperation, and would like to see more bees and plants that encourage pollination. 

The area is growing, said Strange, and he would like an expanded heritage district to protect the streetscapes and buildings in one of the oldest communities in Canada. “I would hate to lose that,” he said.

In response to a question about amalgamation, all said they would not have much input into the provincial matter. Strange said he doesn’t want one city, but if there is going to be a change, the best model would amalgamate Niagara Falls, Fort Erie and NOTL. “We don’t want to take on the St. Catharines debt or the Grimsby debt.”

Tricia O’Connor said she’d like to see things stay the same, while Kaiser sees value in individual municipal councils, but if that doesn’t happen, she would do what she can to have a voice. “If there is something I can do to ensure that, I would work towards it, 100 per cent.”

Amalgamation, Barker said, “would change the face of NOTL,” and he would fight for locals to have a voice.

Baldinelli said he would work toward cooperation between locals and the Province “to preserve the character of the municipality.”

In a question about their party platforms, Baldinelli talked about affordability, and putting more money in the pockets of Canadians through universal tax credits, including fitness programs for kids, and increasing the ceiling for RRSP contributions.

Barker said the NDPs would introduce national pharma and dental programs, so people can use “health cards instead of credit cards,” and would look at more day care with adequate spaces, and more affordable housing for seniors.

Sandra O’Connor said the Greens would put more money into health care, including universal drug care, more affordable child care spaces, increased seniors’ pensions, and pension protection when companies go bankrupt.

The Liberals are committed to helping families and seniors, said Kaiser, through increases to child care benefits, more day care spots and increasing the amount seniors can keep if they continue to work past the age of 65.

Tricia O’Connor said her party believes in life, family and freedom, and would put families first. Every school should have after-hours day care, she said.

Strange said immigration has to be tightened up, more seniors facilities built, affordable housing for all and free transit for seniors across Canada.

When asked about the legalization of cannabis, most candidates agreed the roll-out was rushed, that it’s going to have a big impact on farming communities such as NOTL, and that a second look on controlling it is needed. “I’m not sure it’s something we need as a nation,” said Tricia O’Connor. I would like to see our greenhouses growing food.”

Sandra O’Connor said there should be clear lines of responsibility in terms of legislation, and the best land in Canada should be reserved for food.

Kaiser, whose Liberal party legalized cannabis, said she would do whatever she could to assist municipalities in the agricultural transition to cannabis, “and find a way to make it work in town.”

“It’s here for the foreseeable future,” said Barker, and although he supports enterprise, it shouldn’t be at the expense of residents. He suggested all levels of government should work together on issues such as odour control, for the sake of residents.

Baldinelli said he is concerned about the lack of regulations in transportation — particularly with pilots “flying high. We need to take steps to make changes where needed.”

When asked about climate change, Baldinelli said the Conservative government would reduce the carbon tax while going after big business to reduce emissions. “We have to take the fight globally, to work with other countries to reduce their emissions,” he added.

Barker said tackling climate change has to include a food strategy and support for farmers getting their products into stores. He’d also like to see the government help residents who have had issues with flooding.

The Greens, said Sandra O’Connor, would have a national strategy to move away from fossil fuels. Without reducing climate change and preserving farmland, she said, “we won’t have a wine industry.”

Kaiser agreed climate change is affecting the wine industry, with fewer wineries producing ice wine, and said the government needs a feasible and ambitious climate change plan. “We need to do the right thing.”

Tricia O’Connor said she’s a big proponent of solar energy, and of using “the intelligence God has given us” to combat climate change.

Climate change, said Strange, “should be a non-partisan issue.” He spoke passionately of all MPs working together, about loss of shoreline and the need to declare a state of emergency, and about kids being afraid for the future. “We need to get on it. Let’s get started. Our future generations depend on it,” he said, to applause from the audience.

Questions that came from the floor were about arts and heritage, mental health, addiction, euthanasia, and the impact measures to prevent climate change would have on the public.

In response to a broad question about health care, mental illness and addiction, Strange said Canada is rated number one in the world and everyone wants to come here, so immigration has to be more responsible. It’s having an impact on housing for seniors, and causing stress, he said, adding mental health programs need to begin in school.

Tricia O’Connor talked of removing stress by providing affordable housing, and Kaiser said the opioid crisis is being treated as a health issue by the Liberals, not a criminal one, and that investments are needed to deal with addictions, which the Liberal government has pledged to do.

Sandra O’Connor also talked about taking responsibility for the opioid crisis, and Barker said the federal government needs to increase payments to the province for health care, and to declare the opioid crisis a national emergency.

Baldinelli shared his personal experience about what drew him to politics and the Conservatives. He and his wife had twin baby boys arrive early, and they lost David when he was three days old, he said. Daniel spent his first 136 days in the hospital, and still requires medical care, including assistive devices. “I wouldn’t have run if it weren’t for health care guarantees,” he said.

By far the most popular question of the evening, the one that drew applause, was how each of the governments planned to pay for all their promises.

Strange said because he’s not part of any political party, he will make the others accountable. “I can keep the other politicians in check, and make sure their promises are kept. I’m the only one who can’t get kicked out of caucus.”

Tricia O’Connor said her party is committed to bringing money spent overseas back home, while Kaiser said the Liberals would keep the debt/gross domestic product ratio at 30 per cent. In eight years, the Liberal party has created jobs, lowered the unemployment rate and invested in communities. The country has an AAA rating internationally, and an economy that has been strengthened over the last four years, she said.

Sandra O’Connor countered that, saying the lower- and middle-class Canadians would not agree. The Greens would balance the budget in five years and stop subsidies to fossil fuel companies, while closing tax loopholes and increasing taxes for the top one per cent, as well as going after those who are hiding money, “instead of going after university students.” The Greens would also go after international companies who don’t pay taxes in Canada, such as Google and Netflix, she said. 

Barker also talked about helping people who want to make ends meet by going after the largest corporations to pay their fair share. As a teacher, he can’t hide his “modest” income, he said, and the NDP would eliminate loopholes that allow others to do so. The NDP would also end subsidies for gas and oil companies. “We don’t have a spending problem, we have a revenue problem.” 

“Every day we ask hard-working Canadians to live within their means,” said Baldinelli. But the Liberals haven’t balanced their budgets or introduced pharmacare, which they promised. The Conservatives would balance its budget with a five-year plan. The Liberal government spends almost as much on debt interest as it does on health care transfers, he said. “We have to get our fiscal house in order.”




About the Author: Penny Coles

Penny Coles is editor of Niagara-on-the-Lake Local
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