The Saanich News asked the candidates in Saanich-Gulf Islands the question: What do you believe is the most important election issue for your riding and why?
Robert Boyd – Conservative
Over the past few weeks I have been hitting the doorsteps throughout Saanich-Gulf Islands, and hearing time and again that our economy is the number one issue.
Thanks to the leadership of our prime minister, Canada ‘s economy is stronger. However, amid global economic uncertainty elsewhere, we need steady leadership to keep us on track. Our low-tax, balanced budget plan will protect our economy and our jobs.
Now is not the time to risk choosing a path of higher spending and higher taxes. Only a re-elected Conservative government will protect our fragile economy for the next four years.
Alicia Cormier – NDP
We need to replace the Harper government. The challenges facing our country are numerous and the solutions are long overdue. We need to act now on so many fronts – environmental, economic and social.
If we really want to change our national government for the better, with a clear mandate for progressive change, the best chance we have right now is to form a majority NDP government with Tom Mulcair as prime minister.
We will take real action on climate change, establish a fairer voting system and rescind Conservative legislation that has stripped protection for our environment and democratic rights. We will build meaningful partnerships with First Nations and invest in communities, families and your retirement security.
We will fund these investments by making large corporations pay their fair share, eliminating gas and oil subsidies and other tax breaks that only benefit the wealthy, and going after the hundreds of billions hidden away in offshore tax havens.
We will also invest in local tourism, agriculture and reduce taxes for small and medium-sized businesses.
To form an NDP government, every seat counts, including Saanich Gulf Islands, and every vote counts, including from each and every one of you.
Tim Kane – Liberal
I believe the single most important issue in this election for citizens in this riding, and for all Canadians, is trust. Canadians have lost trust in their government.
There have been times when citizens have disagreed, or have disapproved, or have even been deeply disappointed with the federal government, but this is the first time in my experience when people simply don’t trust the prime minister. Canadians want change, they want a new government.
In every fibre of his being, Justin Trudeau is principled. You can disagree with him, but you know he is saying what he believes. A Liberal government led by Justin Trudeau will be open and accountable:
We will invest in our economy so we can help the middle class and create jobs
We will protect our environment and fully fund health care
We will respect seniors, who built this country, and we will respect veterans, who fought for this country.
Liberals will restore Canada to our traditional values as a caring, social democracy with a responsible, open and transparent government. Canadians deserve no less – the citizens of Saanich-Gulf Islands deserve no less.
Elizabeth May – Green Party
Residents of Saanich Gulf Islands care about the big issues – the threat of climate change, defending our coastlines and ensuring the sustainability of health care.
Still, to zero in on local concerns with a local dimension, the key issue is affordable housing, with its twin challenge – convenient public transportation. Another key local issue with national dimensions is food security and local food.