Chamber Debate

Friday, 9 October 2015 12:42

All five candidates debated some hot topics at a breakfast debate this morning.

WOODSTOCK - All five candidates were in attendance this morning at the debate hosted by the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.

Candidates were asked a number of tough questions on the economy, unemployment and the Long Form Census. Incumbent Dave MacKenzie was asked about his governments commitment to the Trans Pacific Partnership which he says is a good deal for Canada.

"It opens up a world wide market of 800 million people, what we will see in this country I believe is an expansion of what industries we already have, there is going to money set aside for enhancing the current manufacturing of a Billion dollars."

NDP candidate Zoey Kunschner disagreed and said the NDP would not move forward with the TPP.

"There is no other riding in this country that will be faced with the fallout as much as Oxford County, our two economic engines are agriculture under supply management and the auto industry, we have heard loudly from both that their will be significant job losses with the TPP."

The debate had a unique twist as it allowed the candidates to ask follow up questions. Liberal Candidate Don McKay asked both candidates for the Tories and NDP to name the 3 components of supply management after questions about the TPP. Dave Mackenzie ducked the question while Zoey Kunschner could only come up with two of the three components off the top of her head. She did quip that she knows all three she just hasn't had enough coffee this morning.

McKay also told the audience he is the best choice to represent the middle class.

"Look at the Liberal platform and our commitment to the middle class, a stable local needs to be a healthy economic engine and that's the middle class that is going to help to drive that, then it needs to be about the process and as Zoey has clearly mentioned it needs to be consultative and we have my leaders commitment to do that."

Green Party Candidate Mike Farlow talked about the need for the Federal Government to get involved to stop the private dump that could be coming to Oxford County. He also had this message for voters about the TPP.

"It is my sincere hope that every voting citizen will assess from those parties that our against this trade deal, which candidate from our riding has the best chance to be our next MP and vote for them and therefore ensuring our local elected MP will support their party in voting down this trade deal."

Christian Heritage Party Candidate Melody Aldred talked about her parties commitment to Pro Life and that she will stand up for the family farm.

"I do feel very protective of the family farm and it concerns me, I feel it is the mainstay of our economy and I would protect that."