All Candidates Take Part in Debate

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Thursday, 1 October 2015 06:39

Many key local issues were covered last night including the landfill proposal, income splitting, and attracting doctors to Oxford.

WOODSTOCK - A few candidates made several jabs back and forth at last night's all candidates debate.

The Unifor building in Woodstock was packed as all 5 parties were on hand to discuss a variety of key local issues including an automotive strategy plan, how their party would stimulate the economy, and how they would create better transit initiatives.

Even though he missed a couple of debates incumbent Conservative Dave MacKenzie feels Oxford County is in good shape when it comes to jobs. "Taxes in this country now are the lowest they have been in 50 years, there are a number of industries that have signs out where help is wanted; they are now hiring. We've not had enough young people go through the trades programs, there are openings for welders, electricians. As this country comes back out of the recession our job numbers are going back up."

Liberal candidate Don Mckay put his nearly two decades of municipal experience to work when he calmly explained his party's take on the hot topic of income splitting. "The Liberal party is committed to ensuring that we keep the income splitting for seniors, where you have the clear disparity of income on one spouse having a full pension and the other one not. We want to grow the middle class so that we don't have that need for the income splitting."

NDP Candidate Zoe Kunschner knows her party has big plans when it comes to making doctors accessible. "The NDP is committed to returning the federal government back to its role and responsibility for properly funding our health care systems. They can hire an additional 2 500 doctors for services in immediately under funded and under serviced areas. Our goal is to build an additional 200 clinics across Canada."

Green Party Candidate Mike Farlow is committed to this county, but feels more needs to be done especially with our veterans. "I want a country that cares about its environment, that cares about its citizens, and cares about its veterans. When a solider lays downs their life fighting for Canada, and defending our freedom his or her family shouldn't have to fight the government to receive their benefits. I think it is time for a change in direction."

Melody Aldred from the Christian Heritage Party was extremely vocal on the topic of violence against women. "Going through what I went through even as a teenager in regards to abortion, I know how hurtful it can be and how hard it can be for women to come back up and get the support that they need. This is happening with women, they do need the support, and I would do what I could do to help women."

One question from the audience raised the problem regarding the proposed landfill, just outside of Beachville, however MacKenzie did not believe that was a federal issue and stated they can't do anything about it. Farlow and Kunschner both believed the federal government does play a strong role in the issue, with Farlow stating that enough wasn't done to remove the threat several years ago.

Other topics tackled last night night included providing more feasible rates for cell phones to how the parties will help those looking to return to school.

One question from the public seemed to have all candidates stumped, that being to pick one positive platform you admire from opposing parties.

The next debate will be held this evening in Embro with the focus being agriculture.