News reporter Kyle Slavin visited a number of centres this week asking people in Saanich what their most important issues are in the upcoming federal election:
“I think with the economy the way it is today that the dollars could be spent in a much better place than an election right now. We’ve had (four) elections in the last seven years. It’s outrageous.”
Bev Allen, Victoria
“I’d like to see a politician keep their promises. Even though someone has good intentions, even though they have all these good ideas, once they get elected it’s going to be stomped out because there’s going to be agendas that are going to be rammed through.”
Michelle Potentier, Saanich
“I don’t trust them. They’re liars, cheats, thieves. They’ve never been able to come true on what they’ve promised us … ever. I always get told if I don’t vote I don’t have a right to speak my mind, but as far as I’m concerned, that’s proof enough that if I don’t vote I’ve got every right to speak my mind. Because they’re not forthcoming on anything and they never hold true to their promises.”
Kevin Karlsson, Triangle Mountain
“Them keeping their promises. It seems like whenever a certain party makes it into Parliament, they change their minds. They make false promises just to get there. They lead people on into thinking they’re going to do something, but they don’t.”
Kassandra Turmel, Saanich
“Definitely I feel the economy is the biggest issue right now. Getting the economy back and moving, and everybody gets some work and we get the money going around.”
Les Brice, Saanich
“Education and healthcare are right up there. And environmental issues and seeing a clear plan from the government regarding how to move forward in managing things like waste and keeping environmental issues at the forefront.”
Carrie Schlappner, Victoria
“Well I’m a nursing student so obviously I’m interested in anything to do with university and student loans, as well as our health care system and the availability of jobs for nurses all over Canada.”
Kim Douglas, Oak Bay
My most important issue for the upcoming election is the government’s view on sustainable food systems and how agriculture works within the country. And how they should be focussing more on local food systems rather than global food systems.
Gavin Gentles, Saanich
We have to stay with trying to get the economic situation cleared up. And if they can also do anything with education, healthcare, that’d be great. But I would be hesitant to start out big right now, because these are all big ticket items, and it is going to take a lot of money to get where we need to be.
Svend Klausen, Saanich