Candidates face off at debate
Eddie Chau, Staff
Published on
Oct 03, 2008
When it comes to issues such as tourism, taxes and infrastructure, the four candidates that are vying for residents' votes in the upcoming federal election have varying answers and opinions.
The candidates who are contending to be the next member of parliament for Niagara Falls -- Conservative and incumbent Rob Nicholson, Liberal Joyce Morocco, New Democratic Party member Eric Gillespie and Green Party's Shawn Willick were on hand at Niagara District Secondary School in Niagara-on-the-Lake to give their two cents worth on topical issues during an all candidates debate Tuesday night.
About 100 residents attended the meeting that was hosted by the NOTL Chamber of Commerce. The debate included a question period with queries prepared by the Chamber and one with questions from public submissions.
When asked what policies he will build to sustain a reliable workforce in the Canadian tourism industry, Gillespie said the most direct thing he can do is get a handle on increasing gas prices.
"It has become unaffordable," Gillespie said. "People have to travel to the region and enjoy the benefits of the area, and they're not doing it if they can't afford it. The NDP has proposed to start a commission that would investigate and charge companies that gauge gas prices."
Regarding why high personal income taxes discourage people from working, saving and investing, Willick said the federal government will have to reduce income tax to create a better environment for the economy.
He said entrepreneurs do not fund capital investments because the taxes are too high.
Responding to Willick, Nicholson said that you cannot just lower personal taxes but reduce all taxes "across the board."
"That's how you create a demand on jobs and entrepreneurship," he said.
Morocco was asked about what she would do to improve Niagara's aging infrastructure. Morocco said she would work hard to lobby to bring the GO train to the region.
"By having the GO train it would reduce the traffic and pressure on our roadways," she said. "It would cut back on the constant need for road repairs."
During the public question period, all candidates were asked if Stéphane Dion's carbon task is a risk to the country.
Willick said it's a good tax, but a watered down version of one proposed by the Green Party years ago.
He said if elected, the Green Party will revamp the current version.
Nicholson said the carbon tax is a bad idea. He said the last thing the country needs is a tax on energy.
Gillespie agreed, stating that it gives companies the opportunity to buy the right to pollute.
Defending Dion's tax, Morocco sternly made a "very clear" statement.
"It's not a tax," she said.