Federal election questionnaire - October 19, 2015
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Kitchener East - 519-578-8228
Kitchener West - 519-394-0335
SUSAN CADELL - NDPAge: 52
Occupation: Professor & Director, School of Social Work, Renison University College, University of Waterloo
Phone: 519-896-3575
Email: susan.cadell@ndp.ca
Website: http://susancadell.ndp.ca/
Organizations you belong to or have served with and in what capacity (limit 3).
1) Bereaved Families of Ontario, Midwestern Region: Board Member and Professional Consultant
2) Canadian Association of Social Work Education: Board Member
3) European Association of Palliative Care Social Work Task Force, External Advisor
Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament? What skills do you have to allow you to best do this job?
I want to be a Member of Parliament to represent this city and all its potential in Ottawa. I have been a member of this community for over 20 years and have chosen to raise my family here. I have noticed while living here that the Conservative government has depleted the principles and
values that I support. I know firsthand how we have strong neighbourhoods and networks in this community. I have social work and administrative experience of working with systems that I bring to strengthening our representation in government. My background is in research where I have worked in partnership with dozens of organizations, projects and initiatives. More communication is needed between federal, provincial and municipal levels of government. I am eager to facilitate and join these conversations to address the pressing issues affecting our community.
What do you think are the three main federal issues now affecting your riding? Where do you stand on them?
The environment, the economy and affordable housing.
Environment: Tom Mulcair served as the Minister of the Environment for three years. I fully endorse the NDP environmental platform and stand behind important local initiatives like REEP Green Solutions and Climate Action Waterloo Region.
Economy: Job creation, development and supporting small and medium-sized businesses are important nationally and locally. Supporting programming for youth, growing families and older workers are crucial. The NDP will kickstart the manufacturing sector, implement $15/day childcare and work to ensure adequate health care programming to keep workers healthy. A healthy workforce means an increase in production, meaning an increase in the tax base.
Affordable Housing: The NDP is planning to provide incentives for the construction of 10,000 affordable and market rental housing units. The NDP will appoint a Minister responsible for Urban Affairs within the first 100 days of taking office to identify extensions in social housing investments soon set to expire. We plan to restore the Shelter Enhancement Program with $40 million in funding over four years to create affordable housing and homelessness programs.
How should Canada respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis? What steps would you like to see Canada take towards helping refugees and towards the underlying problems that have caused this crisis?
An NDP government will bring 10,000 government-sponsored Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of this year. We’ll respond to the UN Special Rapporteur’s request with a plan to settle nine thousand refugees each year, for the next four years. We’ll also fast-track private sponsorships, with no cap, to bring as many people to Canada as possible. We’d appoint a Syrian Refugee Coordinator and put them in charge of a multi-departmental effort to safely and efficiently get Syrian refugees out of harm’s way. We’d increase the presence of Canada’s diplomatic and immigration officials in the region to accelerate the processing of refugees. We’ll also work with Turkey and other affected countries to remove bureaucratic obstacles to resettlement and end any discrimination by treating all refugees equally.
KITCHENER CENTRE RIDING
RAJ SAINI - LIBERALAge: 48
Occupation: Pharmacist
Phone: 519-570-2001
Email: info@rajsaini.ca
Website: www.rajsaini.ca
Organizations you belong to or have served with and in what capacity (limit 3).
Board member, Canadian International Council, Waterloo Region branch
Past President of Kitchener Centre Federal Liberal Riding Association
Member, Rotary Club of Canada
Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament? What skills do you have to allow you to best do this job?
As a business owner in our community for 20 years, I have met people from all walks of life, and I have listened to their mounting concerns about jobs, health care, and their children’s future. It was not so long ago that many people in this community had long-term jobs, with pensions and health plans. Those jobs are now few and far between. It has been very painful for me to watch as many residents of this riding have to make difficult choices between medication and groceries. As MP, I will fight tirelessly for economic development in this community so that all residents can live prosperous, healthy lives.
What do you think are the three main federal issues now affecting your riding? Where do you stand on them?
1. The middle class is struggling in several ways. Many Canadians are having trouble making ends meet because their salaries have barely kept pace with inflation over the past few decades, and in many cases have fallen behind. Many in the middle class are caring for children at home while also caring for aging parents, which is putting enormous stresses on their time, and is also affecting our economy. The Liberal Party is the only party to recognize the challenges that the middle class is facing. We have a concrete plan to deal with those challenges: an income tax reduction for the middle class, a re-envisioned tax-free child benefit and more generous care-giving leaves.
2. Even a glance around our community reveals the pressing need for infrastructure upgrades. With its historic investment of nearly $125 billion over 10 years, a Liberal government will repair our roads and bridges, affect positive change to housing for low-income earners, and improve our green infrastructure. Connecting Kitchener with two way all day GO transit is a priority for the economic growth of this region. With our plan residents of this community can look forward to a greener, more pleasant, and more cost-effective commute, as can the many people who come into our Region from the GTA for work.
3. I am very concerned about the difficulties that younger people are having transitioning to the work force after their post-secondary education. The Liberal party is committed to assisting the next generation of workers through concrete measures such as postponing repayment of student loans until the loan-holder is earning at least $25,000, and increasing the maximum Canada Student Grant for low-income students to $3,000 so that they graduate with more manageable debt. We need to invest in our leaders of tomorrow by
giving opportunities for all people to get a post-secondary education.
How should Canada respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis? What steps would you like to see Canada take towards helping refugees and towards the underlying problems that have caused this crisis?
It is clear that refugees are in a desperate situation and need our help now – not at some distant point in the future. The Liberal Party of Canada is committed to resettling 25,000 refugees in Canada. Canada is an open and generous country and this is the right thing to do. These refugees will, much like all the refugees that we have taken in previously, all be properly screened.
In addition, we will invest at least an additional $100 million this fiscal year to increase – without reducing standards – refugee processing, as well as sponsorship and settlement services capacity in Canada; and provide an immediate $100 million new contribution to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to support the critical relief activities in Syria and the surrounding area. The Liberal Party of Canada will also fully restore the Interim Federal Health Program that provides limited and temporary health benefits to refugees and refugee claimants.
SLAVKO MILADINOVIC - LIBERTARIANAge: 44
Present Occupation: DISABLED
Email: slavkoliberty@gmail.com
Twitter: @SlavkoLiberty
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlavkoLiberty
Organizations you belong to or have served with and in what capacity (limit 3).
Heritage Kitchener committee member;
Former Kitchener Mayoral Candidate;
Former founder and first president of KW Serbian Youth Council.
1. Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament? What skills do you have to allow you to best do this job?
I want to help bring liberty to Canada. I have been translating documents since a child and helped run a family business when I was a teen. I have advocated Canadian, U.S. and Serb governments since a teen, privately and as part of an organization. I have brought forth court claims and defended a wrongful government lawsuit, which brought me to great understanding how people do not follow the law, and how laws have infringed upon people’s freedoms. Domestic and international law is not foreign to me.
2. What do you think are the three main federal issues now affecting your riding? Where do you stand on them?
Establish free enterprise and free market economy: currently people are forbidden to open any business they wish; such as, Uber and certain farming, even if they are licensed to do so. I would draft a bill that would forbid any government from choking the economy and telling businesses what the price must be.
Stop religious suppression: currently Christians are forbidden to practice Jesus’ instructions to take precaution in defending themselves, with a weapon, when they leave their homes. Canadians are legally forbidden to defend themselves. Police have admitted they do not hand out permits for people to defend themselves, even though law currently states police may issue permits to carry a firearm if police grant them. I will bring liberty.
End Income Tax Discrimination: Everyone shall pay the same income tax rate, just like sales tax rate in stores is the same for all people.
3. How should Canada respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis? What steps would you like to see Canada take towards helping refugees and towards the underlying problems that have caused this crisis?
Canada should make refugee background checks top priority. Canadians that have family in war zones should be allowed to bring them to Canada as refugees. Disabled Canadians must not be discriminated against by forbidding them to sponsor war zone family members because they lack income to sponsor, yet refugees and asylum seekers that have no connection to Canada are sponsored by the government. That was my experience in the 1990s. If this discrimination still exists, I will draft a bill to end it.
Canada shall not infringe on the liberty of other nations by violating the UN charter’s sovereignty laws; such as, Brian Mulroney’s government did, in 1992, more than once in Yugoslavia; as did Stephen Harper, in 2008, with Serbia’s Kosovo. Nor shall Canada bomb a specific ethnic group; such as Jean Cretien helped NATO bomb the Serbs in the republics of Serb Krajina, Srpska, Serbia and Montenegro.
Stephen Woodworth - CONSERVATIVEAge: 61
Occupation: Parliamentarian (previous: lawyer for almost 30 years)
Phone: 519-570-9988
Email: Info@electstephenwoodworth.ca
Website: electstephenwoodworth.ca
Organizations you belong to or have served with and in what capacity (limit 3).
1.University of Western Ontario, LLB (1977)
2.Waterloo Region Catholic District School Board trustee (1994 to 2003)
3.Elected as Kitchener Centre Member of Parliament, 2008, and re-elected 2011.
Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament? What skills do you have to allow you to best do this job?
I offer unique services very few MPs offer – like Shredding Days, Passport Clinics and Over Fifties Expos. I rarely refuse an invitation to attend Kitchener Centre events, so I’ve experienced firsthand the many interests our community serves. Over the years I have volunteered for many charitable organizations.
My skills, acquired over 30 years serving the legal needs of neighbours enable me to analyze legislation and advocate for constituents. I am the longest-serving Member of the Environment Committee. I champion
equality under the law.
I support Conservative’s prudent decision-making, principled foreign policy, and low tax, balanced budget, job-focused approach. Canada is an island of stability, respected around the world. People flock to our
shores.
Residing in Kitchener all my life, I care about the many people I’ve lived with for years. I’ve devoted every ounce of my strength to serving our community. Now, on October 19th, I need your help!
What do you think are the three main federal issues now affecting your riding? Where do you stand on them?
Our top federal issue is job creation. The Conservative response produces jobs by ensuring a sound economy - not borrowing unless necessary, keeping taxes low, and creating barrier-free access to consumers around the world for Canadian goods. It means historically high infrastructure investments, aid to small job-creating enterprises, and skills training initiatives.
Next is protecting vulnerable citizens – by continued support of social housing, assistance to new Canadians and maintaining historically high assistance to individuals through OAS, CPP and provincial transfers (among other policies).
Protecting the safety of Canadians and others is next. This means measures to curb violence at home and abroad, sensible processes to keep violent people out of Canada, and detecting and deterring perpetrators of violence within Canada. The reason people flock to Canada is to seek the security we offer, within which freedom can be exercised, and it is important to maintain those standards.
How should Canada respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis? What steps would you like to see Canada take towards helping refugees and towards the underlying problems that have caused this crisis?
Canada has, and should continue to, respond to the Syrian refugee crisis with sensible foresight rather than knee-jerk, pie-in-the-sky responses to sensationalist headlines. Long before this issue became news, our PM
was visiting the refugee camps and committing Canada to generous assistance.
Canada’s response has been to commit to accept 15% of the UN request for assistance, despite Canada’s population being only 4% of the combined North American-European total population. In addition, Canada has devoted almost $800 million in humanitarian assistance for refugees who remain in the Middle East.
Finally, Canada has shared its military resources with a 50 nation coalition who responded to Iraq’s request, under the Responsibility to Protect Accord, for help protecting its citizens from the crimes against humanity perpetrated by ISIL, one of the chief parties responsible for the refugee crisis. Sadly, both Trudeau and Mulcair would withdraw such assistance.
SOUTH KITCHENER - HESPELER RIDING
LORNE BRUCE - NDPAge: 52
Occupation: Department Manager Zehrs
Phone: 519-635-8415
Website: http://lornebruce.ndp.ca/
Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament? What skills do you have to allow you to best do this job?
After decades of working locally to build a better community, Lorne Bruce is ready to get the job done in Ottawa as our next Member of Parliament. As executive board vice-president of UFCW 175/633, Lorne brings a consensus-building approach to contract negotiations. He also sits on the board of the Waterloo Regional Labour Program and the executive board of the Waterloo Regional Labour Council—tackling some of our community’s toughest issues, from affordable housing to retirement security to discrimination.
When Lorne’s daughter was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, he became actively involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. As an Ontario Health Coalition advocate, he helps raise awareness of privatization’s threat to local health care services. As a volunteer in minor hockey, baseball and soccer, he works to instill the values of team work, respect and fair play.
For 28 years, Lorne has lived, worked and raised a family in this community. Now, as our next MP, he’s ready to help build a country that we’ll be proud to leave to the next generation..
What do you think are the three main federal issues now affecting your riding? Where do you stand on them?
The economy, healthcare and childcare affect everyone in Kitchener South – Hespeler.
Our economy must be one where a good job means being able to give your family a better life. But after ten years, Stephen Harper’s plan just isn’t working. Canadians are working harder than ever but can’t get ahead. Incomes are dropping and household debt is rising. Over 200,000 more Canadians are jobless today than before the recession. The jobs that are being created are part-time and precarious. And Justin Trudeau doesn’t have a plan to fix the damage.
The NDP’s plan will create jobs and help families get ahead.
* Help local businesses grow by cutting the small business tax rate.
* Work with towns and cities to build new roads, bridges and community infrastructure.
* Kick-start manufacturing with a new Innovation Tax Credit.
Healthcare is part of who we are. But instead of making health care better, Stephen Harper has put our
care at risk. He unilaterally imposed billions in cuts. His hands-off approach lowers standards and leaves the door open to privatization. His promise to reduce wait times was replaced by billions in corporate handouts. And Justin Trudeau’s Liberals have no plan to fix the damage.
Tom Mulcair’s plan will:
* Stop Harper’s unilateral cuts and make health care sustainable.
* Get back to working with the provinces and territories to improve the health of Canadians.
* Improve access to home care and long-term care.
* Introduce a Pharmacare plan for prescription drug coverage.
Childcare affects practically every working family in Kitchener South – Hespeler. Parents work hard to give their kids the best possible start in life. But after a decade of Conservative government, Canadian families are paying more than ever for childcare: $1000 a month on average – and that’s if they can find a space. Stephen Harper promised to create 125,000 new childcare spaces, but he’s failed to deliver even one. And even with 12 years in office, the Liberals still didn’t get the job done.
Tom Mulcair’s NDP has a plan to ensure there’s a space for every child by:
* creating or maintaining a million quality childcare spaces.
* keeping costs for parents at no more than $15 a day.
* working with provinces, territories and indigenous communities to deliver quality early childhood education Canada-wide.
How should Canada respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis? What steps would you like to see Canada take towards helping refugees and towards the underlying problems that have caused this crisis?
Canada has the capacity to get 10,000 Syrian refugees out of harm’s way by the end of the year. The NDP would appoint a Syrian Refugee Coordinator, pulling resources from various departments including Foreign Affairs and Citizenship and Immigration. We will work to remove bureaucratic obstacles to resettlement and increase Canada’s contributions for humanitarian aid.
Marwan Tabbara - LIBERALAge: 31
Occupation: Field Supervisor Q2 Management; and, Operations at Frito Lay
Phone: 519-513-1092
Email: campaign@votetabbara.ca
Website: www.marwantabbara.ca
Organizations you belong to or have served with and in what capacity (limit 3).
St. Mary’s High School,
Wilfrid Laurier University,
University of Guelph, B.A. Political Science and Government.
Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament? What skills do you have to allow you to best do this job?
My mother’s struggle to raise me and my two brothers on her own, and my own personal experiences have made me appreciate the need for fairness for the middle class and those seeking to join the middle class. I’m running because I’d like to make a difference with policies that make life a little easier for people.
I think that some of the ways to do that are to provide financial support for lower- and middle-income families raising children; by developing policies to increase the availability of affordable housing; by tilting the tax structure slightly more in favour of lower — and middle-income families; by stimulating our stagnant economy through investment in infrastructure; by adopting small business-friendly policies; by investing in jobs and skills training; and, by ensuring that seniors get the secure and dignified retirement they deserve.
I’m young and energetic. I learn quickly. I’ll work as hard at being a good MP as I work now at my two jobs. I’ll spend the time and effort necessary to help individual constituents with their problems. I’ll be the effective voice of our community in Ottawa.
What do you think are the three main federal issues now affecting your riding? Where do you stand on them?
We’re fortunate. Our unemployment rate is below the national average. We have small, medium and large employers, many of whom are thriving. We’re home to Conestoga College, an important polytechnic institution of higher learning that makes a major economic contribution. We have good schools, lots of recreational and green space, as well as good community facilities.
I am troubled, however, by the increasing demands on the Food Bank, and by child- and senior-poverty. I am concerned about the high levels of unemployment for young people. Business faces serious challenges in the decline of manufacturing and the need to transition in a globally competitive marketplace. Regular, all-day train service and improved transportation infrastructure are needed by many of the residents of our riding who have to spend an inordinate amount of time commuting to work, robbing them of time better spent with family. Canada Post needs to continue with door-to-door delivery.
How should Canada respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis? What steps would you like to see Canada take towards helping refugees and towards the underlying problems that have caused this crisis?
A Liberal government will:
* Expand Canada’s intake to 25,000 refugees from Syria through immediate, direct sponsorship by the Government of Canada. We will also work with private sponsors to intake even more;
* Invest at least an additional $100 million this fiscal year to increase – without reducing standards – refugee processing, as well as sponsorship and settlement services capacity in Canada; and
* Provide an immediate $100 million new contribution to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to support the critical relief activities in Syria and the surrounding area.
To deal with the underlying problem we should offer training expertise for anti-ISIL forces.
DAVID WEBER - GREENAge: 50
Occupation: Police Officer, Waterloo Regional Police
Phone: 519-591-5773
Email: davd.weber@greenparty.ca
Website: davidweber.ca
Organizations you belong to or have served with and in what capacity (limit 3).
1. FairVote Canada as a guest lecturer to high school civics classes.
2. The AAP, Alliance Against Poverty, is my grassroots volunteer home.
3. I ran provincially last year with a focus on electoral reform to Proportional Representation.
Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament? What skills do you have to allow you to best do this job?
An MP should represent the best interests of his or her constituents. The Green Party has a policy that it will never have a party whip that tells MPs how to vote. Other parties have their MPs represent their party’s will in the riding, and if the MP steps out of line there is usually a penalty. Maybe his party won’t support him during his term. Maybe they won’t allow him to stand as a candidate in the next election. That is not how the Green Party works.
Having been a police officer for 28 years of dedicated service, I have been saddened to see the weakening of our democracy and the loss of MPs ability to speak for us. They are mere puppets to their masters. I want to be an MP to be a change in that, and get our democracy back.
What do you think are the three main federal issues now affecting your riding? Where do you stand on them?
The three main issues in our riding are jobs, secure and fair income and various infrastructure issues.
We need to acknowledge that globally, the biggest job creation is being done in the renewable energy and green business sectors. We can create more secure jobs and benefit economically while also benefitting environmentally.
We have people that are making lower wages and are under employed. We also have people that are unable to work. More and more people are living in poverty. We can eliminate the problem with a Guaranteed Livable Income of $20,000 per year. If your income is less; you get topped up. And your first $20,000 of income should be tax-free.
We need infrastructure rebuilding suitable to last in the climate of the future. We need to refurbish our homes and businesses so we can save energy, money, and reduce carbon pollution by 30%.
How should Canada respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis? What steps would you like to see Canada take towards helping refugees and towards the underlying problems that have caused this crisis?
I would like to see us step up to help in the refugee crisis the way we have done in many years past. There is no reason, according to General Andrew Leslie, that we could not bring in 50,000 refugees by the end of this year. We cannot live in fear thinking that all of them would be terrorists. Their lives depend on us. We can screen them if we provide the funds and workers to take on the task. These people need our help, NOW.
We need to be more cautious in how we approach military intervention in foreign countries. If we bomb a country into oblivion, the people that want to stay there can’t because there is no water, food or housing. We must not create refugee problems, which are just as bad as the problems we were fighting to help them solve.
Marian Gagné of the Conservative Party did not respond to our request to complete a questionnaire.
Nicholas Wendler of the Green Party did not respond to our request to complete a questionnaire.
KITCHENER CONESTOGA RIDING
HAROLD ALBRECHT - CONSERVATIVEAge: 65
Occupation: Member of Parliament, Kitchener-Conestoga
Phone: 519.741-3100
Email: Harold@HaroldAlbrecht.ca
Website: www.HaroldAlbrecht.ca
Organizations you belong to or have served with and in what capacity (limit 3).
Chair, Waterloo County School Board, 1981-82
Trustee, Waterloo County School Board, 1978-82
Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament? What skills do you have to allow you to best do this job?
I have truly enjoyed serving the people of Kitchener-Conestoga over the past decade. During that time, I have demonstrated an ability to work not only with my Conservative colleagues, but across party lines. NDP MP Joe Comartin once commented in the House that Canada needs more Members of Parliament with this approach.
During the toughest global economy since the Great Depression, Canada’s economy has led the world. We’ve made important investments while keeping taxes down and returning the budget to surplus.
What do you think are the three main federal issues now affecting your riding? Where do you stand on them?
1.After years of negotiations, Canada now faces a historic opportunity to open new markets for our goods and services. I have confidence in our ability to compete on a level playing field. The NDP are against this opportunity, while Justin Trudeau says Liberals will all have the same position – a position to be announced later.
2.Growth in Waterloo Region is hampered by a skills gap. From skilled trades to STEM graduates, key positions can’t be filled, preventing other hiring from occurring. We have increased the capacity of our colleges and universities to address this challenge, and we can continue without taking on risky debt.
3.Canadians have paid more than $1 trillion in INTEREST on the debt since 1990. Through discipline, we are now in a position to reduce our debt. Now is not the time to spiral back into deficits.
How should Canada respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis? What steps would you like to see Canada take towards helping refugees and towards the underlying problems that have caused this crisis?
Canada needs to provide safe haven to the victims of ISIL. All parties agree on that.
We need to more, however. We need to stop ISIL’s acts of barbarism, and allow Syrians to live safe at home – not just escape. No matter how many refugees the western world accepts, there will still be innocents dying while ISIL continues its campaign of terror.
Our approach needs to be balanced – accepting refugees, providing humanitarian assistance overseas, and stopping the slaughter that is causing these other challenges.
Bob Jonkman - GREENAge: 56
Occupation: Computer Consultant
Email: bob.jonkman@greenparty.ca
Website: https://bobjonkmangpc.ca/
Organizations you belong to or have served with and in what capacity (limit 3).
I’ve worked with Fair Vote Canada since 2007 to promote electoral reform and proportional representation, and currently sit on the Executive Board as Co-chair of the Fair Vote Canada Waterloo Region Chapter.
I’ve served on several committees in the Elmira area to preserve the Victoria Glen park, advocated for a heritage designation on a century home in my neighbourhood, and served as an appelant to relocate the biogas plant away from the residential areas in Elmira.
Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament? What skills do you have to allow you to best do this job?
I am dissatisfied with the representation provided by the current government. Their values are not my values. As a member of the Green party I can bring their principles to Kitchener--Conestoga.
What do you think are the three main federal issues now affecting your riding? Where do you stand on them?
The biggest issue for me is the lack of representation. Anyone who didn’t vote for the incumbent has no effective voice in parliament. Introducing Proporational Representation will ensure that your vote
gives you a representative who shares your values.
How should Canada respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis? What steps would you like to see Canada take towards helping refugees and towards the underlying problems that have caused this crisis?
Canada has been woefully inadequate in dealing with the refugee crisis. The current government has promised to take in 10,000 refugees, but I don’t know that *any* have yet come here. Canada can easily take 25,000
refugees immediately, and probably as many as 40,000. I’d like to see Canada return to the compassionate nation it once was. Canadians are up to the task.
James Villeneuve - NDPAge: 50
Occupation: Certified Sheet Metal Worker
Phone: 519-569-4040
Email: James.villeneuve@ndp.ca
Website: Jamesvilleneuve.ndp.ca
Organizations you belong to or have served with and in what capacity (limit 3).
I ran Provincially for the NDP last year, took 20% of the vote.
I am currently President of my Union, SMWIA Local 562 in Kitchener
I am also a delegate for my Local with Waterloo Region Labour Council
Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament? What skills do you have to allow you to best do this job?
It is time for change in Ottawa, Tom Mulcair has the experience to replace Harper. NDP is about the middle class families in Canada, working harder now than ever before, falling farther behind. For my experience, I have served as an officer of my Local for 16 years, health and welfare and pension trustee for 14. In my union we set policy and procedure much the same as Ottawa does, but on a smaller scale. I have visited members at their homes to address their issues and concerns.
Election after election members have put their faith in me to represent them in a fair and unbiased manner. It is time for me to embrace a larger
group, this will also allow me to continue serving my members as a Member of Parliament
What do you think are the three main federal issues now affecting your riding? Where do you stand on them?
Infrastructure, affordable child care, and seniors.
Infrastructure is a very broad term, it covers everything that has to do with municipalities spending. In our riding maintaining roadways connecting
the Townships is crucial. Goods being transported back and forth from the small communities need roadways they can rely on. They need the roads and bridges maintained at a level that allows them to get their product to market. An increase of 1.3 billion committed to infrastructure from NDP will keep these roadways navigable.
Affordable $15 a day quality daycare, proven in Quebec every dollar invested, has a return to the economy of $2.
Allows parents the freedom to contribute to household income if they desire, without costing $1,000 or more per month, per child.
Seniors, increase CPP and GIS benefits will raise over 200,000 seniors out of poverty.
How should Canada respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis? What steps would you like to see Canada take towards helping refugees and towards the underlying problems that have caused this crisis?
Tom Mulcair and the NDP will commit to 10,000 refugees this year and 9,000 each subsequent year for our mandate.
Canada is, and always has been a peace keeping country, if called on by the U.N. to engage in peace keeping in the country as always Canada will respond.
(Due to an error in his submission, James Villeneuve asked us to make a correction in the online version of his answer to the refugee question. - Editor)
Tim Louis of the Liberal Party did not respond to our request to fill out a questionnaire.