Candidates on the hot seat

by Darren Handschuh CASTANET- Sep 14, 2015 / 9:00 pm
Candidates for the North Okangan-Shuswap federal riding were grilled by their most challenging critics Monday – the voters. Conservative Mel Arnold, Liberal candidate Cindy Derkaz, Green Party candidate Chris George and NDP hopeful Jacqui Gingras faced more than 400 people at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre in an open-question format. Constituents could submit written questions or take the microphone to ask a question directly to the candidates at the forum held in the performing arts centre. Moderated by KISS FM news director Pete McIntyre, the candidates opened the meeting with 2 1/2 minutes to introduce themselves to the public and state their platform. It was then the public's turn to take the candidates to task and throughout the forum, the Tories seemed to be the party in the cross hairs with several questions aimed at Conservative policies such as Bill C51, health care, their environmental record and other issues. At times, the meeting grew somewhat heated with people heckling speakers and mocking comments from candidates, with most of the heckles saved for Arnold and his Conservative prime minister. Several questions were directed at specific candidates, but all had a chance to respond. Other questions were directed at all four MP hopefuls. One of the hot topics was health care, with McIntyre pointing out they had received numerous written questions about the national system. The candidates were asked what their party would do with the struggling health care system. Arnold pointed out the long-ruling Tories have increased health-care spending by 70 per cent since 2006. “There is a myth out there that we have cut health-care transfers,” said Arnold. “Health-care transfers are actually increasing every year. When it was Gingras' turn to reply, she stated she was “offended” by Arnold saying the Conservatives have not cut health care, charging the ruling party has made $34 billion in cuts that she said will lead to the collapse of public health care and usher in a private care system. Derkaz said Canada needs a prime minister who will meet with premiers to negotiate and work on the health care system, something she said Harper had not done since 2009.George pointed out the national Green party has released their platform on how they plan to fund an integrated health-care system. He also said the Greens would have a targeted program to address mental health, which is currently being done through the legal system. The immigrant issue was also raised with the candidates being asked what they would do about the crisis in Syria and the plight of the refugees. Arnold toed the party line, saying the real problem is ISIS. By stopping ISIS, the refugee situation will be alleviated. “We cannot let that attack continue and deal with the consequences later,” he said. Gingras retorted, “Bombing to achieve peace is an outrageous idea. Canada needs to stop provoking war and needs to uphold its responsibilities of helping refugees immediately.” Her comments drew a rousing applause from the audience. The largest jeers of the night were directed at Arnold when the panel was asked about the controversial Bill C51. “We introduced it and passed it to protect Canadians. There is no overarching prying into your private lives,” said Arnold who received a barrage of heckles from the audience. The biggest applause on the subject was for George who said the Greens were against the bill from the start. “This isn't Canada. We don't need this legislation,” said George.
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First Forum of Election Held
Posted on 9/15/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
More than 400 people came out for the first all-candidates forum for the federal election. The four hopefuls debated the issues at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre, with a crowd that was, at times, heckling some of the responses. One topic was Canada Post, and Green Party candidate Chris George says they would keep door to door delivery. "Many people chose to live in a neighbourhood that offered door-to-door delivery. This is a service that is essential for people, for example seniors who want to age in place, who want to stay at home as long as possible." Conservative candidate Mel Arnold defended accusations that the Harper government has treated veterans shamefully. "The average spent per veteran has increased by 35% since we formed the government while the consumer cost index has increased by only 19.9%. So we have truly been looking after our veterans." Cindy Derkaz of the Liberals says they will treat veterans better than the Conservatives. "We will re-open the nine closed veterans offices that was a pitence of a cost saving when you consider that they are now spending $125-million dollars to have a 78-day writ period." NDP candidate Jacqui Gingras was asked her position on allowing doctor assisted suicide. "It's very important people's rights be respected on this issue and Democrats support dying with dignity." Other topics were Bill C-51, health care, and ways to reform the senate. The next forum will be in Lumby Wednesday.