Passion for ideals and party platforms were front and centre at the Coast's first federal election all-candidates' meeting Tuesday night.
All five candidates for the riding of West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country were on hand at the Chat school theatre answering questions posed from the Sechelt and District Chamber of Commerce and from the packed audience on hand.
Moderator Al Mulholland kicked things off by introducing the candidates: Silvaine Zimmermann, Green Party; Anne Jamieson, Marxist-Leninist Party; Blair Wilson, Liberal Party; John Weston, Conservative Party; and Judith Wilson, NDP Party.
Each candidate was then given three minutes for opening remarks.
Zimmermann spoke about the diversity in the riding both in its population and ideals.
She said the Green Party could make a real difference in the riding and, come election night, has a chance to come up the middle and surprise a few people.
"Our ideals and grassroots democracy offer real change and a real choice," she said.
Jamieson spoke of the state of our industrial base with regards to forestry in the west and steel industries in the east, the war in Iraq and democratic renewal.
"More than 90 per cent of Canadians are marginalized and can't relate to this current government system," she said. "This has to change."
Wilson challenged Weston and the Conservatives on their platform in his opening remarks. He also spoke about the Liberals' record on the economy and their vision for the coming years.
"Voters have been asked in this election to make a judgment on the candidate," Wilson said. "I feel I'm the candidate with sound judgment who believes in Paul Martin and shares his visions. The Conservative party is a remake of a party that lost their right to run on an economic record, yet that's what they choose to do this time."
Weston said accountability and a time for change were the real issues.
"Broken promises and corruption from a government that has lost the ability to govern is what the Liberals are all about," Weston said. "They have squandered billions on a failed gun registry, a bloated childcare program and safe streets, which are not safe any more. It's a story of broken promises. It's time we deliver a sound verdict. It's time for change."
Judith Wilson also spoke of broken promises, corruption and scandal.
She cited the Gomery report and its findings in her remarks.
"This government has clearly lost its way in distinguishing what is right and wrong," she said. "They have lost the true moral authority to govern. Voters have to send a clear message, not just a rap on the knuckles. Our party gets results for Canadians. The talk is over; it's time for action."
The first question of the evening centred on the Sechelt Marine Access Committee and a possible development project for the waterfront. Candidates were asked whether they support the application and their position on funding regional economic development.
Weston said it was a great project with great potential, but said more information was needed before he could give a full answer.
"The challenge is getting all levels of government on side to make this work. I would love to be given this challenge," he said.
Zimmermann said she was not as familiar as Weston about the project and would have to know more about the pros and cons before giving a definite answer.
"At face value, it sounds good. I love the fact that First Nations are involved and that there is a tourism component," Zimmermann said.
Jamieson said similar projects are being spoken about on Bowen Island and Powell River with lukewarm support.
"How much consultation has there been?" she asked. "More discussion is needed, in my mind."
Judith Wilson said consultation would be key.
"Without a detailed report in front of me, I'm not in a position to comment. How could I say yes or no?" she asked. "It does sound exciting to think about development in Sechelt that is going back to its roots."
Blair Wilson said it is a sound plan that can be moved forward.
"It's gets all the levels of government working together," he said. "I'm ready and willing to work with local government and all area MLAs to make this work. A good federal MP has to work closely with all governments to ensure all the people receive quality representation."
The next question was about the GST and whether, if elected, the candidates would work to have the GST reduced or eliminated or have budget surpluses directed to the repayment of the national debt.
"Is it choosing to direct funds for proper health care or working on getting rid of the GST?" Judith Wilson asked. "I'm a small business person and I hate [the GST] as much as you. But we need to take care of our people first. I won't trade a two per cent reduction for proper health care."
Jamieson said the GST should be eliminated but said funds should be used to provide for services, not to pay down the debt.
Blair Wilson sighted the Liberals balanced approach.
"You have to decide what you want to do with your money," he said. "One third would pay down the debt, one third to middle class and low income families in tax cuts and one third on social issues, housing, seniors and hospitals. It's a plan that benefits all Canadians and one I support."
Zimmermann said that she agreed with most of Blair's and Judith's points.
"I'd like to see us shifting taxes to paying for social programs - spend it in a good place," she said.
Weston challenged Blair whether he would keep the promise of the Chrétien government, which was to eliminate the GST.
"We need a new government which puts the people interests ahead of self interest groups," Weston said.
The final question was whether the candidates supported private versus public health care.
Jamieson spoke about the negative effects of privatization and unfair wages.
Zimmermann said alternative medical practices should be considered and the need to make more attractive health care options available to average, hard working citizens.
"In the 12 long years of this Liberal government, wait lines have doubled," remarked Weston. "We need to ensure all Canadians get timely access to medical procedures."
"I will defend health care to the end," added Blair Wilson. "We need a universal health care system that is available to all Canadians. I certainly don't want my mother going into a hospital where they ask to check her purse before her pulse."
Judith Wilson said there is a demand for more services and it's time government recognizes that.
"If the Liberals had properly managed this system we wouldn't have all these problems," said Wilson. "The Conservatives just offer an American style in Canada. You need a party that will fight for a system that meets your needs when you need them."
The final portion of the evening was reserved for a few questions from the audience and then final remarks.All of the candidates tried to summarize their positions on the key issues and encouraged everyone to get out and vote on Jan. 23 as the night wrapped up just under two hours.
Coast Cable 11 televised the meeting live Tuesday night. The meeting will also be replayed on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.; Jan. 17 at 9 a.m.; Jan. 18 at 1 p.m. and Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
There was a second all-candidates meeting held last night (Jan. 12) in Gibsons. See Coast Reporter next week for a full re-cap.
