Editor’s note: Today’s issue of Northern Life features the last of the question-and-answer profiles of federal election candidates. Politicians from the Green Party, Liberal Party, the NDP and the Conservative Party have answered four similar questions. You can read all the profiles and ongoing election coverage on our web site at www.northernlife.ca/election2011. The following are responses from the Conservative’s Fred Slade (Sudbury riding) and Lynne Reynolds (Nickel Belt riding).
Fred Slade
Q. Knowing what you can reasonably accomplish in the next few years with your political party, what are the top priorities for your riding? A. I will represent Sudbury as a member of a stable, practical government. One that will continue to focus on jobs and the economy, lower taxes and decrease red tape, eliminate the deficit, and keep our cities, seniors and children safe from criminals. I will listen to and respect the concerns from all citizens and groups in the community.
Fred Slade
Q. As you campaign and meet people, what are they telling you? A. In order of frequency: They are not happy that we are having an election now and they certainly don’t want another one in the near future. They feel the Conservatives have performed well on jobs and the economy, supporting the provinces on health care and education, and standing behind our military. They are willing to give us the mandate to do so for the next four years.
They want the long gun registry scrapped, and want an MP that will respect their wishes and priorities when they vote.
They are excited about the chance to send a Conservative to Ottawa, as they are tired of being taken for granted and having MPs that gather headlines by criticizing instead of delivering results.
Q. Tell us why you should be elected. A. My experience at work and in the community has trained me well for the important role of Sudbury’s next Member of Parliament. I have worked hands on with hundreds of families, seniors, young people, community volunteers and employers. I know how to build and work with teams, to set goals and to deliver positive results. I have invested time and effort building bridges inside and outside of the community, and across party lines, to ensure Sudbury voters will be heard and will get the results they deserve.
Q. Best way for people to reach you? A. Please visit my website at www.fredslade.ca, call my campaign office at 705-222-2722 or drop in at the campaign office, which is located at 1984 Regent Street, Cedar Point Mall. Watch campaign platform video.
Lynne Reynolds
Q. Knowing what you can reasonably accomplish in the next few years with your political party, what are the top priorities for your riding? A. With a stable, strong, majority Conservative government, I want to assure the law-abiding hunters, farmers, trappers and sportsmen of Nickel Belt that I will be proud to stand on their behalf in the House of Commons and vote to abolish the long-gun registry, thereby respecting and protecting their rights, their values and their lifestyle.
Lynne Reynolds
With Phase 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, I intend to be at the front of the line when funding is being disbursed, in order to ensure that Nickel Belt gets the infrastructure projects its communities want to increase their quality of life.
Access to health care is a concern in a riding like Nickel Belt, as it is largely rural. I want to work with the province and municipalities to attract family physicians to communities that are underserviced. Our plan to forgive up to $40,000 in loans to doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners who will serve in rural areas is a good start.
Unlike the NDP member, I will vote for everything and anything that helps young families, seniors and businesses in Nickel Belt.
Q. As you campaign and meet people, what are they telling you? A. After speaking with thousands of Nickel Belt residents in the last few months, here is what they are telling me:
They are angry about the NDP betrayal over the long-gun registry. Those who are not interested in guns speak about the lack of respect, of integrity and of credibility shown on this important vote.
They did not want a costly election at this time, which was brought on by the opposition coalition.
Seniors are concerned about health care, their pensions. They are generally, however, pleased with the Conservative government’s initiative on income splitting and are looking forward to increased Guaranteed Income Supplement for our most vulnerable seniors.
They understand that being on the side on a winning government will finally bring even more tangible benefits to our riding, benefits we deserve.
Q. Tell us why you should be elected. A. The citizens of Nickel Belt can count on me to represent their interests, to stand with them, no matter where they live in the riding, no matter where they work, suburban or rural, young families or seniors, large business or small. I do not represent any special interest groups.
I will be a strong, honest and vocal advocate for their concerns, with access to cabinet ministers and first-in-line for funding for our riding. I have all the experience, the knowledge and the drive required.
Q. Best way for people to reach you? A. For more information or to speak with me directly, please call our campaign office at (705) 897-4343. Website: www.lynnereynolds.ca or find me on Facebook. Watch campaign platform video.
