Unifor All Candidates Debate Recap

Wednesday, 19 February 2025 13:21

There were many questions asked of the candidates looking to become the MPP of Oxford County.

WOODSTOCK - Voters from across Oxford County came to Unifor 636 for an all candidates debate.

Over the course of the night, many questions were asked of the candidates from the Liberal's, New Blue, Ontario and NDP. One topic that was brought up on a few occasions was health care and the views on a private sector. Bernia Martin of the Liberal Party shared her thoughts about the issue.

"Absolutely, unequivocally, stopping privatization of health care is incredibly important to our health care system."

Peter Beimers of the New Blue Party had this to say.

"The first thing we need to is hire back those health care workers, those nurses who were fired for taking a personal choice."

From the Ontario Party, Grace Harper.

"I think instead of stopping, I think we kind of work together. I think you can have public health care and you can have private health care work together to the benefit of everyone."

Lastly, Khadijah Haliru of the NDP shared her response.

"Yea, I will absolutely refuse to have us continue on the path of private health care."

Another topic that was brought up through live questions, was about taxes being paid by the working Ontarians. It was brought up about a potential bill being put forward of not having someone working multiple jobs being pushed into a higher tax bracket to end up with more money in their pockets to support their family.

Martin was all for trying to help the working people of Oxford County and the province.

"I fully support the tax break you are speaking of."

Beimers answered with this remark.

"But, I am in favour of that. What we also want to do to help you have more of your money in your wallet at the end of the day is eliminate the carbon tax."

This is how Harper responded.

"Kudos to families and people who are working to do that to support their families, but it is a shame that is how it has to be. The Ontario Party is for tax reform."

Haliru gave what she would want to do to help with this issue.

"What I would put forward if I became your MPP would be to reduce the minimum wage before it was taxed."

Each candidate also took the time to tell the voters in attendance why they should vote for them next Thursday, and why they would be the best person to represent the County of Oxford at Queens Park. Not in attendance were Progressive Conservative candidate, Ernie Hardeman, and Green Party candidate, Colton Kaufman.

If you were not able to attend the debate live, you will be able to tune into Rogers TV on Saturday February 22nd at 6:00 p.m., Monday February 24th at 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday February 26th at 1:00 p.m.