Q: Can you comment on accusations from the Conservative government that the Liberals have caused an unnecessary and wasteful election at a time when Canadians don’t want it?
A: I think this is the perfect example of the contempt the Conservative Party has for our democratic institutions. On two occasions, the Conservatives refused to give Parliament the information it needed to make good decisions, what kind of respect for democracy is that? I think it is really sad when you have people in positions of power who refuse to take responsibility for their actions.
Q: The Conservatives have been tarred with their own scandals, but what about the Liberal sponsorship scandal?
A: That was a very dark time for the Liberals in this country and particularly in Quebec, but you have to remember Paul Martin, the prime minister at the time said he was going to get to the bottom of this and initiated the Gommery inquiry. Ultimately, as a result, Martin lost the job of prime minister over it, and it was a job he wanted and worked hard for. I wonder what would happen today under the Harper Government? Would he have the same sense of responsibility to the Canadian people? I don’t think so.
Q: What’s your prediction on voter turnout? Do you think people are sick of going to the polls?
A: Certainly when I am knocking on doors people are saying they don’t want continued elections, but they are also worried about the state of democracy in Canada and our leadership. And they are saying they plan to vote...
Q: We’ve heard a lot from the Conservatives this election about the problems with coalition governments. What do you think of the Liberals forming such a coalition?
A: In my mind, a coalition is where people co-operate in the best interests of each other. In a minority or majority government, there are always coalitions, co-operation to represent a wide range of interests. I credit Mr. Ignatieff for saying, “come into the big red tent and we will work with everyone.” Mr. Ignatieff jokes that on his kindergarten report card it said, plays well with others. Well Michael Ignatieff still plays well with others and he’s got the leadership skills, the team and we’ve got a plan that will benefit all Canadians.
Q: What is it like running for election in a riding with such a long tradition of voting Conservative and Reform?
A: It is a lot of hard work and I’ve certainly improved my debating skills at the door. But the face of the riding is changing, I think a more progressive attitude is developing. I think we all believe in the institution of democracy and people see this being threatened, and, make no mistake, it is being threatened by the Harper Government — It’s not the Government of Canada anymore, it’s the Harper Government. That offends a lot of people.
Q: Do you feel like you have a chance to win?
A: I always feel I have a chance, but this is the third time I’ve run and I’m more optimistic now that I have ever been before. I have a stronger team, more people are calling to offer support, more people are volunteering.
Q: How would this riding specifically benefit from going Liberal?
A: Because there is such a split on the left, we want to work with NDP voters, Green voters and take action on issues that are really important to Canadians. We would do some work on climate change, implement the most progressive plan for supporting families at every stage, with child care spaces, post secondary education funding, pension improvements and a family care plan that will help people cope when a family member is sick... To the voters of this riding, I say come on in, let’s make this happen.
Q: How would this riding specifically benefit from having you as our member of Parliament?
A: What I see is offering this riding leadership, in economic development, in getting this region involved with green technology businesses, so this riding can become part of the knowledge-based economy. I know how to bring people together and to solve problems. I don’t want people to have to seek me out, I want to be where the people are to hear them — not just show up and be seen signing cheques and cutting ribbons.
Q: Should you be elected, what would your personal commitment be to this riding?
A: In Salmon Arm, the plan is to create a downtown college and I think that is an excellent initiative that is going to need help and support from government... I am passionate about work with issues of violence against women, with problem-solving around health care and home care. We have to make changes, to do things that are more affordable and give better access to health care and we’re on a timeline with our aging population.
Q: If elected what specific infrastructure goals would you have for the Shuswap?
A: I want to hear local concerns and talk to local mayors about what they would like to see. In my mind, too, the Trans-Canada Highway is where they need to be putting money. It is a real issue, both economic and in terms of safety.
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