4 Out of 5 Candidates Came Out to Ingersoll Debate

Thursday, 8 October 2015 05:44

Candidates for MP for Oxford answer questions about the niqab, mail delivery, the economy, and housing.

INGERSOLL - Oxford County MP candidates had another chance to challenge each other in Ingersoll.

4 of the 5 vying for the position were on hand last night for the debate held at Unifor Hall.

Incumbent Conservative Dave MacKenzie was prepared for questions that came his way including one over the niqab controversy. "It is up to the courts to decide - go to Quebec see what their policy is. It is only right in this country, and we feel it is right, that you expose your face for citizenship. If you go to get a passport photograph you have to take your glasses off to expose your face. For citizenship in this country, it should not be a hardship."

NDP Candidate Zoe Kunschner knows her party has big plans when it comes to door to door mail delivery. "Our stance with returning door to door mail delivery are for those in the country that have just recently lost it. This country cannot afford to lose another 8 000 good paying jobs. So if you recently lost your mail delivery we will reinstate it." The debate did not see many jabs between the NDP and the Conservative candidates as seen in previous debates.

Candidate for the Liberal Party Don Mckay has a method on how to grow the economy. "Growth comes from strategic investment; you invest in income earning assets and then you put those to good use. I look around Oxford County and that is what we see. And so when the farmer says I'm just a poor farmer that's because they have taken their profit and continued to invest it and looking for a brighter future for tomorrow.''

If elected Green Candidate Mike Farlow would do more to help those living on minimum wage. "The problem is so many people are making minimum wages and barely keeping their head above water. What can be done is totally change how the housing industry works; you can build a house that will heat itself, and generate its own power. Your bills are minimal, you can survive and purchase it minimum wage."

Other issues put to the panel last night included the TPP, the creation of a national auto strategy, transgender rights, and what the future holds for the senate.

Melody Aldred who is running for the Christian Heritage Party opted to sit this debate out.