Vegreville All Candidates Forum

Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser

Everything was kept fairly courteous between the provincial election candidates and the massive crowd in attendance at the Public Forum organized by the Vegreville Chamber of Commerce at the Social Centre on April 2nd. Though a number of potentially heated topics were discussed, there was little contention between candidates aside from the occasional jab at the other’s policy.

The candidates each gave their opening remarks, with introductions to the platforms of all seven parties we have running in our riding; the Ron Malowany of the Alberta Advantage Party, Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk of the UCP, Shane Ladouceur of the Alberta Independence Party, current MLA Jessica Littlewood of the NDP, Marvin Olsen of the Alberta Party, Malcolm Stinson of the Freedom Conservative Party, and Rebecca Trotter of the Green Party of Alberta

Written questions were taken beforehand to be read over by moderator Brent Kellington, while another moderator, Kathy Dmytriw, accepted questions from the floor. These questions were; pipelines, safety and management of rural crime, agriculture exports, municipality funding, carbon taxation, party lines, school funding cuts, Alberta’s current “balloon-y debt,” ATB sale rumours (debunked), and healthcare, and safe, quality assisted living for seniors.

To the first question, the candidates gave a wide range of responses, from statements of pipeline support (AAP, UCP, AP, NDP,) to indifference (GPA, AIP.) Trotter stated that as Alberta is already getting oil to market, pipelines would not be her focus, while Ladoucer simply stated that as the AIP’s main platform point would be to get the equalization payments back from Ottawa, “With an extra $40B in Alberta’s pocket, who needs pipelines?”

Jackie Fenske, former MLA of this area, asked candidates whether they would tow the party line or stand with their people. “Who will you stand with?” she demanded, “Your party or the people of this constituency?”

Of course, all candidates were quick to reassure that should they be elected, their first responsibility would be to the people of the constituency. But a few were able to quote from their party platforms as well. Both Malcolm Stinson and Marvin Olsen stated that their respective platforms had “no party whip,” or “No strings attached,” policies, and Stinson also stated that the Alberta Independence Party utilizes a candidate recall (by the people) rule as well.

A representative of Elk Island Public Schools who was in attendance asked the candidates what they would do about cuts to school funding. Rebecca Trotter said that, if anything, the Green Party would increase education funding, Jackie Homeniuk stated that the UCP would not be cutting funding, but that less admin personel would create a higher efficiency, while Shane Ladouceur stated that in their plan to gain $40B back from Ottawa schools were of a high priority for spending. Jessica Littlewood stated that after decades of low-funded school systems, a new model needed to be in place, while Malcolm Stinson went even further to say that the AIP would ensure equality by “Not only supporting parent choice in education, but allowing each school board to choose their own curriculum.” Marvin Olsen stated that the Alberta Party’s plan was to create a shadow budget that allowed for more TA’s, and funding education with more money than just what comes from taxes.

When asked about Alberta’s current “baloony” debt, the candidates had vastly different answers. Ron Malowany listed some industry support that the AAP government would put in place to bring funds back to Alberta, while Jackie Homeniuk chose to rebut Jessica Littlewood’s previous statement with the majority of the answer time, leaving only time to state that the UCP wants to bring investors back to Alberta. Shane Ladouceur said that with $40B, the province would be able to pay off the debt in short order, while Malcolm Stinson said that if elected, he would use taxes to pay debt at first priority, while cutting some spending “in certain areas.” Jessica Littlewood and Rebecca Trotter stood on the other side of the argument, each stating that sometimes, debt is necessary to ensure we spend money on all the necessities.

Asked about healthcare, and safe, quality-assisted living for seniors, each party shared their platform’s plan to preserve dignity and efficiency. Homeniuk stated that removing the carbon tax would be a solution to many problems, while Rebecca Trotter read directly from the GP’s platform. Littlewood listed what she thinks the NND government has done well for healthcare so far. Stinson stated that a priority for the AIP is to raise AISH funding, while Marvin Olsen stated.

When asked about the provincial Carbon Tax, the topic of a federally-imposed C.T. was mentioned by most candidates. A few said they would simply abolish the tax and stand up to Ottawa, (Homeniuk, Stinson, Malowany), while Olsen shared the Alberta Party’s plan to stop charging small businesses, farmers, and at-the-pump costs, while Jessica Littlewood stated the tax would remain as-is to keep provincial control (not federal) over the funds, and Trotter agreed. Ladouceur said that with the equalization payments cut off, extra funds would go into eco initiatives instead of carbon tax dollars.

To listen to the full audio of the forum, you can follow the link on our facebook page. Don’t forget. The Advanced Polls are open.