Each candidate spent a couple of minutes giving some details on who they are and how they ended up in politics before diving into some of the major issues dominating the campaign such as housing, climate change and the economy.
Each candidate was called up in alphabetical order by party name.
Conservative candidate Tim Durkin. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Conservative candidate Tim Durkin said the recession and deficit are big issues to him as we as a country were promised a balanced budget and the current government failed to deliver that.
When it came to red tape, Durkin said the government can’t stand in the way of the private sector and we have to find a way to cut through the nonsense because when government steps back, things get done.
Green Party candidate Danny Celovsky. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Green Party candidate Danny Celovsky said we have to reduce our carbon emissions and by 2050 have to reach zero and the Green Party is willing to working with whoever to get it done, because it is that important.
He said when it comes to affordable housing it shouldn’t be on the public but instead all three levels of government, as everyone has a right to a safe and comfortable home.
Liberal candidate and incumbent Neil Ellis (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Liberal candidate Neil Ellis said revamping the tax system and moving people to the middle class were priorities and his party has helped move people out of poverty.
He said Canada’s economy is on fire and a Liberal government would continue to invest in the future and skills training to get people to fill available jobs.
NDP candidate Stephanie Bell (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
NDP candidate Stephanie Bell told those in attendance that without affordable housing we can’t keep employees, which in turn affects the economy.
She said universal pharmacare is the way to go because it keeps people healthy and will cost employers less in the long run because their workers will be healthy.
People’s Party of Canada candidate Paul Bordonaro (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
PPC candidate Paul Bordonaro says his party wants to reduce taxes and put money in people’s pockets.
He said his party believes in climate change but they are not alarmists and to change our infrastructure in a few short years will cost trillions. The PPC’s plan would see no carbon tax but aim to keep air, water and soil clean.
Raycroft hoped this breakfast started people thinking ahead of next week’s Chamber All-Candidates debate at the Empire Theatre. That event is set for October 2, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 7 p.m.
