Huron Expositor, 2006-01-11, Page 3News
Federal candidates outline their
platforms on healthcare
Mark Nonkes
For anyone who has ever
sat in a hospital waiting
room, the importance of
Canadian' health care has
been a paramount con-
cern.
While health care has
again and again been
shown as the number one
concern for Canadian vot-
e rs, this election has
turned away from the
issue, said Grant
Robertson, localcandidate
for the NDP.
"The Liberals and
Conservatives don't want
to talk about it,"
Robertson said, adding the
issue has remained a pri-
ority for the. NDP.
NDP leader Jack
Layton, Robertson pointed
out, has spoken about a
national prescription drug
plan, ways to stop the pri-
vatization of health care
and strategies to reduce
wait times.
Meanwhile, when ques-
tioned, Liberal candidate
Paul Steckle said after the
Romonow Report on
Health Care the Liberal
government put $41 bil-
lion towards the medical
needs of this country.
He added that the
Liberals are committed to
providing national and
universal health care for
Canada.
A priority for the
Liberals, Steckle said, will
be to bring 1,000 more for-
eign -trained doctors on
board with the proper
accreditation.
He also pointed out that
a national strategy to
reduce wait times has to
be created.
The Conservatives rep-
resented locally by Ben
Lobb. said money will be
reinvested to -make med-
ical treatment a priority
during the election.
"Obviously there's going
to be money invested,"
Lobb said. "I don't know
an exact figure on that
yet."
Lobb did confirm that
$260 million would be
committed towards cancer
research, prevention and
screening.
He added the
Conservatives would
make sure there were
enough seats in doctor and
nursing programs to help
ease the shortage and
faster wait times would be
a priority.
Meanwhile, Victoria
Serda of the Green Party
said the root cause of
health problems needs to
be addressed.
She said that a cleaner
environment with pollu-
tion would go a long way
in preventing disease and
ailments.
To reduce hospital wait
times, Serda suggested
that coverage be provided
to include chiropractors,
acupuncturists, naturo-
pathic healers and other
alternative medicine
providers.
Dave Joslin, a
candidate for the
Christian
Heritage Party,
said :the federal
government
shouldn't be
involved in
healthcare.
He said the
federal govern-
ment continues
to throw money
at a system that
is not working.
"It doesn't mat-
ter a hoot if peo-
ple get their
health care in
private clinics or
the public sys-
tem, as long as
its publicly -fund-
ed," Joslin said.
Another party
pillar, Joslin
reported, is t
make sure the gov
ernment does no
Voting early eliminates
weather problems, says
riding's returning officer
From Page 1
Brussels.
The returning office is open
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.
to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6
p.m. and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday
"Voting early eliminates any
weather challenges. If it's a nice day,
it's a great time to get out and vote,"
said Craig.
A satellite returning office is
located at the Ripley Community
Centre.
While the Huron -Bruce riding has
75,000-80,000 eligible voters, only
51,457 ballots were cast in the June
2004 federal election.
According to 2001 census num-
bers, the riding's total population is
just over 104,000.
The voter registration deadline is
Jan. 17 at 6 p.m., but there is also
an opportunity to register at the
advanced polls and on electron day.
Contact the returning office at 1-
866-239-2830 for more information.
As of the Jan. 2 nomination dead-
line, confirmed candidates vying for
the Huron -Bruce MP seat in
Canada's 39th general election are:
incumbent Paul Steckle (Liberal),
Ben Lobb (Conservative), Grant
Robertson (New Democratic Party),
Dave Joslin (Christian Heritage
Party of Canada), Victoria Serda
(Green Party) and Dennis Valenta
(Independent).
pay for abortion.
He also added that doc-
tors and nurses should not
have salary caps and that
he does not have a prob-
lem with clactors and hos-
pitals charging a modest
hospital fee for non -emer-
gency visits.
Dennis Valenta, an inde-
pendent candidate for
Huron -Bruce, could not be
reached by press time.
The Huron Expositor • January 11, 2006 Page 3
TUCKERSMITH
DAY NURSERY
has spaces available
for children 16 months - 12 years
"New Gym & Swim Program"
Tuesday & Wednesday Mornings •
Call 482-7634 for info
ClYagrto the winners of our
Christmas Hamper Draw
heti Dec. 16, 2005
1st place - Liz Owen, Parkhill
2nd place - Lissa Berard, Seaforth
3rd place - Nina Potter, Clinton
?fiank,you to everyone who made
this fundraiser a success.
STRATFORD AIR SERVICES
Call Today + 271.4881
Shop Early ! many items one of a kind
*All Sealy Posturepedic mattresses come with our
exclusive Dream Edge Support System, plus these
other quality features.
* Posture Tech Coils TM. * Stayi True Foams
t r-riorr. -