Niagara West-Glanbrook federal election candidates had their first opportunity to square off against each other Monday in Beamsville. Instead of promoting party platforms, however, the debate, held at the Lincoln Centre, turned into an arena of criticism where the majority of candidates spoke of "broken promises", the proposed carbon tax and inadequacies of the leaders of the Liberal and Conservative parties.

The criticism came quick, starting with the opening debates right through to the closing remarks. NDP candidate David Heatley opened by panning the Conservatives and Stephen Harper spending $8.8 billion since June leading into the election. Conservative incumbent Dean Allison said while the Conservatives have decreased taxes and paid off $40 billion in debt over the past three years, Liberal leader Stephane Dion would institute new taxes, including the carbon tax. Liberal candidate Heather Carter said the Liberal plan was "affordable and responsible", while the NDP plan was "unworkable" and the Conservatives "have no plan at all". Dave Bylsma of the Christian Heritage Party said any comments about the Conservatives being likened to the CHP couldn't be any "further from the truth". He panned the Conservatives' spending, and said the CHP has a fiscally-responsible plan which would include eliminating income tax completely.

Sid Frere, of the Green Party, was the lone candidate to stick to his platform, and told voters they have the power to put the Greens in power, and they shouldn't be counted out.

"You, in fact, will be the true leaders," Frere said.

Regarding food safety in Canada, Carter was quick to criticize Harper and the Conservatives for cutting food inspection jobs. She said the deaths from listeriosis were "due to the Harper government taking away jobs". She said the difference between the Liberals and Conservatives is that the Liberals would be inspecting the meat slicers not "paper" reports.

Heatley also panned the Harper government for cutting jobs. He said more inspectors need to be trained. "Education and training are also a big part of this," he said.

Allison defended the Conservatives, but said there "needs to be more accountability in the system". He said Harper's visit to Vineland to announce food labelling changes is a "diligent" thing to do so consumers know what products they are getting.

Frere said consumers should look for food sources close to home. He said NAFTA is the "biggest problem". "Instead of free trade, we need fair trade," he said.

Bylsma said trade is the issue in relation to "countries with substandards". He said accurate labelling is important so consumers are aware of their food source.

Regarding fuel prices, Carter panned the Conservatives for doing nothing to ease the pain at the pumps. She said "transparency and competition" are needed in the industry.

Allison attacked the Liberals' plan to institute the carbon tax. He said it is "reckless" to increase taxes and that it will ultimately hurt farmers and rural families who rely on resources such as oil to heat their homes.

"Raising taxes on fuels... shows how out of touch the Liberals are in the rural ridings," he said. "People are going to pay more because of the Green Shift."

Frere said a carbon tax would be effective if used on the major polluters. He said the Greens would also add one per cent to the GST on fuel, to give to the municipalities to try and develop public transit alternatives, in addition to offering rebates on fuel-efficient vehicles.

Bylsma said the government should not step in, explaining he feels more administration could mean more taxes.

Heatley said there needs to be some regulation, adding more of push needs to be put into moving to public transit, green fuel and bio-fuels.

Allison later panned the carbon tax plan again, when asked about the economy and the current state of economic affairs in the U.S.

"What we won't do is bring in a carbon tax," he quipped, describing it as "a dangerous policy".

Carter was quick to defend the carbon tax and Green Shift plan, however, noting Canada is "going to be left behind" if it doesn't look at opportunities for green technology.

"This is not a party with a plan," Carter said of the Conservatives.

Frere said a "carbon tax will help the economy" and some of the most productive countries have a carbon tax in place.

Heatley said he feels the country just needs to ensure its residents stay employed and "we'll be able to take care of our own".

Bylsma said the U.S. issues predominantly centre around mismanagement of mortgage companies. He said "Canada has safeguards" that would prevent such problems from happening here.

Allison found himself the target of all four candidates when it came to a question about fixed-election dates. Bylsma called it "disgusting" for Harper to break his own promise and law to have fixed election dates, while Heatley said it was "another broken promise".

"This is clearly a Prime Minister who has broken his own law and own promise and what we're finding at the door is a lot of Canadians upset," said Carter.

Allison said he agrees with the fixed-election dates for majority governments, but the Conservatives were finding it "increasingly difficult" to operate as a minority. He said it became "dysfunctional". Frere noted, however, that the irony of Harper saying the same thing when the writ was dropped, was that Harper also proceeded to list all of the achievements of the Conservative government.

Other questions ranged from platforms on abortion to the size of government to justice issues.

Those wishing to see the entire debate, which lasted about two hours, can watch it on TV Cogeco at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. The debate was produced in partnership with Cogeco and the Grimsby, Lincoln and West Lincoln Chambers of Commerce.