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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2004-06-16, Page 1818 Exeter Times–Advocate Wednesday,June 16, 2004 Huron -Bruce candidates respond to the issues By Mary Simmons TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF BRUCEFIELD — Citizens in Huron -Bruce got the opportunity to hear what five of six can- didates had to say on issues such as agricul- ture, health care and the environment at an all - candidates meeting Monday night. The meeting, hosted by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture, was held at Huron Centennial School. On hand to debate the issues were incumbent Paul Steckle of the Liberal Party, Barb Fisher of the Conservative party, Grant Robertson of the New Democratic Party, Dave Vasey of the Green Party and Dave Joslin of the Christian Heritage Party. Glen Smith of the Marijuana Party was not present. Opening statements All the candidates were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and speak on a topic of their choice. First at the podium was Vasey, who spoke about the importance of sustain- ing the environment. "We have to sustain the land, water and air," he said. "We have the power to change all this today." He said the Green Party wants to look into preven- tative health care mea- sures, decentralizing the energy grid and a full - cost accounting of pollu- tion. "What one person does on his property does affect everyone," he said. As a 25 -year-old lifelong resident of the riding, Vasey said he is speaking for future generations. Robertson took the opportunity to say it's time some hope was put back into politics. "You need a govern- ment who listens to you and makes positive choic- es," he said. "Farming is the most important job anyone can have," he said, pointing out that agricultural poli- cy has shifted in the past 20 years. "Short term answers have been applied to long term problems." Robertson stressed the importance of working with and for family farm- ers. Fisher said there needs to be a careful balance of support and relief in this country. She said the Conservative Party will effectively respond to the BSE situation and she will personally look into bringing more meat pro- cessing plants into the riding if elected. "We need to review all federal programs to reduce waste," she said. She also said a Conservative government will provide stable, long term funding for health care, redirect funds into law enforcement after scrapping the gun reg- istry and provide better support for education, families and a clean envi- ronment. Joslin asked the crowd to think about the type of nation they want to live in. "Most of us want the same thing," he said. "A prosperous, safe, compas- sionate nation. But the devil is in the details. How do we get the society we would like to live in?" His answer is to return to the biblical principles the laws of the country were based on. "They are the founda- tion," he said. "We need to defend our culture and the constitu- tion," he said. Steckle was the final candidate to speak. He reminded the audience of his 11 years of commit- ment to the riding. In those 11 years, Steckle said he has worked with the agricul- tural committee — chair- ing the committee for the past two years — and the fisheries and oceans com- mittee. As chairperson of the agricultural committee, Steckle said he has worked hard on the issue of BSE and, "bringing to account the packers who have raped our farmers. "I have worked hard on this issue," he said. "I will continue to work hard." He pointed out when the time came for action against the packers, the Conservative Party did not come through. Q and A The candidates were then given the opportuni- ty to respond to a number of questions. First, they were asked to speak about their policies on investing in agriculture. Vasey said farmers should not be undercut by corporations. He said the Green party wants to increase funding for family and organic farming. Robertson said he pro- motes what he likes to call the family farm act, which would force the government to make deci- sions based on repercus- sions to family farms. Fisher took the opportu- nity to defend her party's position during the inves- tigation into the meat packers. Joslin said while he thinks subsidies are gen- erally bad, he realizes we live in a world where the European Union and the United States heavily sub- sidizes farmers. As a result, he would support matching these subsidy levels for the short term while working to convince the other nations to desubsidize. "Funding should be pro- ducer funded and produc- er directed," he said. Steckle said part of his Five of the six candidates in Huron -Bruce discussed the issues at an all -candidates meeting hosted by the Huron County Federation of Agriculture at Huron Centennial School Monday. The debate included, left to right, Dave Vasey (Green), Grant Robertson (NDP), Barb Fisher (Conservative), Dave Joslin (Christian Heritage) and Paul Steckle (Liberal). Glen Smith of the Marijuana Party was not present. (photo/Mary Simmons) government's mandate has been to implement the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program, a five- year program which is reviewed on a yearly basis. He said the Liberal gov- ernment also supports supply management. "You shouldn't be farm- ing from your mailbox," he said. The candidates were also asked about their feelings on the negative impact of foreign farm policy. Robertson said support for Canadian farmers should be moved up to the level of that in the United States and the European Union. He said the CAIS pro- gram is not the way to aid farmers since the money is eaten up by the larger corporations. Fisher said the playing field isn't level, but every- thing is not always solved with money. She said there are flaws within the CAIS system which should have been sorted out already. She said it's important for Canada to develop better relationships with other countries. Joslin said poor relations with the U.S. government have got to get better. "This anti -Americanism has got to go," he said. Steckle said it is impor- tant to build allies with G22 countries, so we aren't so dependent on the Americans for trade. Vasey said he supports a community-based econ- omy, where produce is distributed back into the country. On the issue of supply management, Fisher said more commodities should move towards supply management. "It may be more com- plex, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try," she said. Joslin said government should not be involved with farm organizations. He said the prices of quota are far too high, making it next to impossi- ble for young farmers to get started. Steckle said he has always been in support of supply management and personally encouraged the hog industry to move in that direction. As for government involvement, he said we can't say we want them out and then go crying to them for money when we need help. "We can't have it both ways," he said. "A bal- ance can be found." Vasey admitted he did- n't know much about the issue and would like to hear what farmers want. Robertson pointed out that while members of the Conservative Party say they support supply man- agement they have a leader in the form of Stephen Harper who has repeatedly spoken against it and has proven that when it comes down to the wire he will support the corporations over the family farmer. Restoring people's trust in the government was the next issue on the agenda. Joslin said the basis of trust is having people in power who hold a world- view with high moral standards. "When people believe in absolute moral standards, they will be driven to do what is right," he said. Steckle said he has based his years as a Member of Parliament on being trustworthy and honest. He pointed out a card which was sent to con- stituents by the Conservative Party which was a "fabrication of lies. "When they say I don't even represent my own riding, how can you even begin to put your trust in them?" he said. Vasey said proportional representation would be a first step towards making sure the people of Canada are represented as they should be. He said mandatory ethics training should also be provided for newly elected members. Robertson said it's a sad commentary on society when politicians have to be asked to undergo ethics training. "I was taught your word is your bond," he said. "I will give my bond to every- one in Huron -Bruce." Fisher said it's impor- tant for the government to do what it says it is going to do. Vasey said the Green Party is a progressive party which will do a full cost share when it comes to health care and low- income housing. Robertson said the NDP Party will slam the door on privatization of health care. He said the party also would implement a full housing program which would meet the needs of the people and create jobs. Fisher said the Conservatives would sup- port the agreement reached with the provinces and appoint a Minister of State for Seniors. Joslin said the delivery of health care is the man- date of the provinces with the help of federal money. He said the Christian Heritage Party would work within the Canada Health Act to give the provinces the flexibility they need to deliver quali- ty health care. He also said he is not opposed to user fees. Steckle said within the past 10 years the Liberal government has increased funding to Ontario health care by $5 billion. He said there is also money sitting in the fed- eral coffers to be distrib- uted to the provinces for housing. On the issue of taxes, Robertson said the NDPs will roll back corporate taxes to where they were two years ago. He said the party also supports an inheritance tax, which would mean anyone receiving an inher- itance of more than $1 million would be obligated to give back. There would also be tax relief for mod- est income families. Fisher said the auditor - general should be given the chance to do a thor- ough investigation into all government programs. She said her party's budget would be split in half with regards to tax cuts and new spending programs. Joslin said GST rev- enues should go to pay down debt, as they were originally proposed to do. He also said inheritance taxes never work. They are always intended to be for the rich, but then trick- le down until middle income earners are "wal- loped between the eyes with a tax sledgehammer." Steckle said his govern- ment was committed to eradicating the deficit and having a debt to GDP ratio of 25 per cent. He said since they took office that ratio has gone from 60 per cent to 30 per cent. Vasey said resources should be taxed and there should be more focus on pollution and overpackag- ing by corporations. When asked for his position on same-sex marriage and abortion, Robertson said religious groups should be able to define marriage as they see fit, but that does not mean in the public sector a union of two consenting adults should not be legally recognized. He also said he is pro - choice. "I do not have the right to tell a woman what she can do to her body," he said. Fisher opposed both same-sex marriage and abortion, but added that she would represent her constituency if asked to vote on the issues. Joslin said his party is clear on its stance against both issues. He said he cannot sup- port a dangerous lifestyle such as homosexuality, claiming the average lifespan of a gay male is 40 years. He also said he believes life is formed at the moment of conception and although women sus- tain that life within them for nine months, it is not their body they are mak- ing a decision about, but the life of the child. Steckle said he has always told his con- stituents that he felt oblig- ated to vote according to his religious conscience and that he cannot sup- port either same-sex mar- riage or abortion. Vasey said he did not have a problem with same-sex marriage and although he believes it is a woman's right to choose, he does not per- sonally support abortion, but would rather see solutions to unwanted pregnancies.