A few heated moments were featured in what was overall a civil exchange between North Island-Powell River riding candidates during an all-candidates meeting leading up to the October 19 election.
Candidates representing each of the four mainstream political parties were present and fielded a large number of questions from the approximately 400 people who attended the event Monday, October 5, in the Evergreen Theatre at Powell River Recreation Complex. The meeting was also live-streamed for viewers on Texada Island.
Many issues were common themes on the national campaign: the silencing of federal scientists, improving health care, lowering poverty, reforming Canada’s first-past-the-post electoral system and immigration. Also discussed was the government’s recent sign on to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, an agreement that will create the world’s largest free-trade zone among 12 Pacific nations.
On the issue of immigration and, in particular, the recent announcement from the Conservatives that a Tory government would create a tip line for reporting “barbaric cultural practices” to the RCMP, Laura Smith, Conservative Party of Canada candidate, said that she is a strong believer in immigration and the country benefits from a mix of cultures, but she defended the need to protect Canadian values and oppose honour killing, child and forced marriages, among other practices.
“We do not tolerate abuse of women and children, I’m just not ashamed to say,” she said.
Rachel Blaney, New Democrat Party candidate, was next in order to answer.
“It’s just racist,” said Blaney, on the idea of a tip line. “As a person who works with immigrants, I have been amazed by how dedicated people are to join our country and they hold common values.”
Blaney added “to single out one or two particular groups of people to tattle on is unacceptable.”
Brenda Sayers, Green Party of Canada candidate said she thought this issue seemed “absolutely absurd.”
Liberal Party of Canada candidate Peter Schwarzhoff told the audience that Canada does not tolerate abuse of women or children and there are already laws in place.
“The [nigab] issue, why are we talking about it? Two women out of 645,000 have asked to wear it during a citizenship ceremony,” said Schwarzhoff. “I think we’ve got bigger issues.”
Powell River Chamber of Commerce hosted the meeting, which was moderated by chamber member Dan Devita.
Candidates were each given two minutes for opening statements and the audience were invited to ask candidates their questions from a microphone in the theatre. Each candidate was given the opportunity to answer each question.
The evening wrapped up with each candidate giving a two-minute closing statement.
For an audio recording of the recent all-candidates meeting, readers can go here.
