Robert Fisher
Staff Reporter
BARRY’S BAY – Cyndi Mills (Liberal) and Eileen Jones-Whyte (NDP) answered a series of questions from voters and business groups at an all-candidates meeting last Wednesday. The event was pre-recorded and broadcast on yourTV Ottawa Valley. The session was also posted to YouTube.
Conservative Party of Canada incumbent MP Cheryl Gallant did not attend and has not confirmed attendance at a similar event Apr. 23 hosted by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan. Both Mills and Jones-Whyte will take part.
Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon moderated the session and informed viewers that participants were invited based on having a seat in the House of Commons at the time the election was called. The Green Party candidate did not participate. United Party candidate Randy Briand along with independents Stefan Klietsch and Seth Malina were invited to submit a two-minute video message.
The questions and answers have been edited for clarity and space.
How will you ensure increased and equitable federal investment in rural affordable housing?
Mills said that Canada cannot control what the United States does. “Liberals will continue to cut costs to make life more affordable.” She cited elimination of the consumer carbon tax and expansion of $10 per day daycare programs. The Canadian Dental Care Plan will expand in May to eligible people in all age categories. Mills noted the recently-announced federal plan to build 500,000 homes per year and elimination of GST for first-time homebuyers.
Jones-Whyte said that the NDP were responsible for the Liberals implementing the federal dental care plan and a pharmacare plan. “We are investing in affordable housing, building rent-controlled housing on land that’s already publicly owned.” The party also plans to eliminate the GST on essential items such as home heating and cell phone/internet services.
What steps will you take to secure increased federal funding for flood mitigation, wildlife protection, emergency planning and climate adaptation infrastructure in Renfrew County?
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