Editor’s note: Over the next few issues of Northern Life, we will feature question-and-answer profiles of federal election candidates. Politicians from the Green Party, Liberal Party, the NDP and the Conservative Party will answer four similar questions. In this issue, we start with Fred Twilley (Sudbury riding) and Christine Guillot-Proulx (Nickel Belt riding). Both candidates are with the Green party.
Christine Guillot-Proulx
Q. From your perspective, and 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 cannot make any promises, but I would immediately start by fixing our health care issues. This could be done by investing in more family health practices, instigating health promotion and health prevention initiatives throughout the riding. I would love to be able to instigate some kind of eco-tourism sector throughout the beautiful riding, and of course provide more funding relief to our municipalities so that they can further invest in the communities.
Christine Guillot-Proulx
Q. As you campaign and meet people, what are they telling you? A. As I campaign and meet people, I’m hearing all kinds of different opinions about the election — whether they support the election or not. I also get the feel that this election’s voter turnout will be much lower than last election, due the fact that Canadians have lost confidence and trust in their government. As for issues — health care, financial relief and infrastructure are on the citizens’ minds.
Q. Tell us why you should be elected. A. It is time that Nickel Belt gets a fresh, young vibe in Parliament — someone who can better relate to the common person/family; someone who is motivated, passionate, energetic and most importantly someone who will always remain accountable, open and honest. The Green Party’s platform and policies revolve around local sustainability, local economy, grassroots and healthy people and environment; all of our policies compeiment each other and will complement and improve the quality of life for the citizens in Nickel Belt.
Q. What is the best way for people to reach you if they want more information? A. People can reach me through www.greenpartychristine.ca; phone me at 705-929-8353 or 705-669-1704; e-mail me at [email protected] or follow me on Twitter @GPCChristine. Watch campaign platform video.
Fred Twilley
Q. From your perspective, and knowing what you can reasonably accomplish in the next few years with your political party, what are the top priorities for your riding? A. Realistically, the Green Party hopes to elect a few members so that it can bring its ideas directly into the House of Commons. In the next few years we would present positive alternatives with priority to economics, health care, and education.
Fred Twilley
The greatest threat to our economy is the rising cost of energy. Government support programs, such as the recent stimulus spending, needs to be focused on energy conservation. This would reduce future costs. For governments, this would mean less upward pressure on taxes. For business this would mean lower production costs, making them more competitive, protecting jobs. For residences, it would lead to lower utility costs, making housing more affordable.
For health care we need to shift resources toward prevention and cure. It would be better to reduce the number of people getting into line ups rather than hurry them through them. We would eliminate all unnecessary chemicals in our environment, especially in food, including coloring, increase funding for education on diet and lifestyle, and increase funding for research as to causes of diseases.
We must increase accessibility and funding to education. Apart from the immediate needs for skilled workers in this community, we need well educated people to solve the problems of the future.
Q. As you campaign and meet people, what are they telling you? A. When knocking on doors, some people are telling me that they are both concerned about the economy and the environment. Others are very concerned about health, especially the high rate of cancer and other diseases in the north. Some are concerned about education and jobs for our young people.
Q. Tell us why you should be elected. A. I believe that my education and experience give me a unique perspective of both the economy and the environment. I’m ready to listen and work hard for the people of Sudbury.
Q. What is the best way for people to reach you if they want more information? A. The best way to reach me is by e-mail at [email protected], or call me at home at 705-524-2650 or at the office at 705-222-2278. Please leave a message and I will get back ASAP. Watch campaign platform video.
