President Doug introduced the five (5) Bay of Quinte riding candidates who would be speaking to the Rotary lunch meeting today, each with a five minute time slot to present their party's position for the upcoming federal election (Lto R Stephanie Bell, Daniel Celovsky, Paul Bordonaro, Tim Durkin, Neil Ellis).
First up was Stephanie Bell, NDP candidate, who grew up in the Belleville and Quinte area. Stephanie works in the service industry and is also an aspiring bike mechanic. She wants to make sure we have diverse people in our government, people who think differently and with different economic backgrounds who reflect our community. Affordable housing is a huge issue, not only for those looking for a place to live, but also for businesses who need employees. If we don't have housing, people can't live here and then businesses can't have employees. If people can't pay their rent and they can't get jobs, they can't get training, they cannot upgrade themselves. Stephanie also spoke about the problem of climate change and the need for action as well as pharmacare.
Daniel Celovsky said the Green Party's focus is primarily on the existential crisis which is climate change. Accountability is needed from our political leaders and we need to transition our economy. By 2050 we have to get to zero emissions, by 2030 we have to reduce them by upwards of 60% and we have to start now. Daniel was very pleased with the local leaders, including Rotarians, working together and pointed out that he can represent the Bay of Quinte and local needs without necessarily being obligated to follow party positions, unless it is beneficial to local concerns.
Paul Bordonaro representing the People's Party of Canada resides in Carrying Place and is grateful for the hard work of the party and wants all Canadians treated equally. Reducing taxes is a must, putting more money in people's pockets. Government will be different. Paul said carbon tax is an imposing tax that will continue to go up and needs to be cancelled. The party feels it is important to stand behind our veterans and support our military. Immigration laws should be in line with our needs, putting Canadians first.
Tim Durkin, Progressive Conservative candidate and a former Rotarian was aware of Happy Bucks and contributed some. He knows people hear promises at election time, but pointed out certain promises that did not happen locally -- the Joint Forces operation at CFB Trenton, a Veteran's Center, no federal money for local infrastructure such as the Trenton Memorial Hospital of Costco coming to town. What we have seen in the last four years is a government that has increased the deficit larger than any other government in Canadian history other than during wartime or recession. Tim's main concern personally is a prime minister who has broken ethic laws.
Neil Ellis, Liberal candidate and currently serving MP summarized the accomplishments of the government over the past four years, saying it has been a pleasure for him to serve. Poverty targets are aimed to be reduced by 2020 by 20% and then 50% by 2025. Federal money has supported public transit in Belleville, affordable housing, focusing on a homelessness strategy. Unemployment is at a low rate. Student grants have been increased and loans are interest free for 2 years, 5 years if they start a family. The economy is on fire and the government is focused on investing in the future of Canadians.