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Sudbury candidates square off in final debate before Oct. 19

The last debate in Sudbury before next Monday's election was a tame affair, with candidates treading some well-worn ground – and spending money to gain some extra speaking time. The CARP-sponsored event, which was carried live on northernlife.

The last debate in Sudbury before next Monday's election was a tame affair, with candidates treading some well-worn ground – and spending money to gain some extra speaking time. 

 

The CARP-sponsored event, which was carried live on northernlife.ca, focused on seniors issues. Moderator Gerry Labelle gave each candidate $60 in fake money, which they could spend whenever they wanted to keep talking.

Jean-Raymond Audet (Independent), Paul Lefebvre (Liberal Party), Paul Loewenberg (New Democratic Party), David Robinson (Green Party of Canada), Elizabeth Rowley (Communist Party of Canada) and Fred Slade (Conservative Party of Canada) were all in attendance. Communist Elizabeth Rowley and independent David Popescu were the only ones absent.

Pensions, retirement security and budgets received a lot of attention. Each candidate also had their say on more controversial issues such as physician-assisted suicide.
Audet said if he suffered in the same way he saw his own mother suffer toward the end of her life, “I would have wanted a doctor to pass me away peacefully.”

“We call it a nicer name, obviously,” Robinson said of the Greens, who are in favour of allowing physician-assisted suicide. “It's a matter of free choice.”

Slade said it was a difficult topic, with merits on both sides.

“It's time for some very serious discussion on this issue,” he said, adding that it would be a free vote in the House, since the Tories allow free votes on issues of conscience.

Loewenberg and Lefebvre echoed their party's platforms, which would allow it under certain circumstances.

“That is your decision to make,” Lefebvre added.

Loewenberg talked up his economic credentials, pointing out that while he was manager, employment at the Townehouse and the Laughing Buddha grew from 10 to 70 employees. He said he's also helped with 75 fundraisers for families, artists and unions.

“The (NDP)'s values align so well with mine,” he said, explaining why he decided to run, repeating a popular NDP line this campaign about how it's time to stop replacing corrupt Conservative governments with corrupt Liberal governments.

Slade drew some groans when he warned the New Democrats would do serious damage if they gained power.

“The NDP is full of extremists that would cripple the Canadian economy,” he said.

Robinson said, whether the Greens win more seats or not, the party has helped bring seriousness of climate change to the forefront of the election, and now the other parties are talking about the need for action, too.

“Thank you for that,” he said.

Lefebvre talked about recent polls that have the Liberals in front of both the NDP and the Conservatives. Electing him would give the city an MP that's a member of the party in power.

“Right now, we have a chance for real change in government,” he said.

Loewenberg said one of his biggest priorities if elected is regaining some of the personal freedoms lost as a result of Bill C51, which both Liberals and Conservatives supported.

“It puts a target on so many heads in this country,” including union leaders, he said.

And, he said, if the Tories believe security is so important, why are they cutting border security staff?

“That's not protecting the country.”

Lefebvre said tax fairness is a priority to him repeating the Liberal pledge to increase taxes for those making more than $220,000 a year, while cutting taxes for the middle class, which he defined as those who make between $33,000 and $88,000.

“I'm proud that we are standing on that,” he said. “Even the NDP wants to give tax breaks to millionaires.”

Other issues discussed Tuesday include:

 

- The Greens promising a guaranteed minimum income for seniors.
- The Liberals committing to changing the first-past-the-post electoral system.
- The New Democrats promising to eliminate interest on student loans.
- The Tories promising to protect the economy without sacrificing the environment.

To watch the full debate, click here.


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Darren MacDonald

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