Residents had a chance to meet about half of the candidates running in the Battle River–Crowfoot Constituency, and hear about three-quarters of their plans for Canada.
The Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce and the sub local of the Alberta Teachers’ Association sponsored All Candidates Forum at the Badlands Community Facility last Tuesday night.
Gary Kelly of the Green Party and Conservative Party of Canada incumbent Kevin Sorenson were in attendance. NDP Candidate Katherine Swampy sent regrets as she was at a funeral and was not able to attend. In her stead, Ellen Parker participated in the forum. Liberal Andrew Kowalski was not in attendance. He contacted organizers reporting he was in an automobile accident was under medical advice not to attend.
The participants outlined their positions an a number of important issues facing Canadians.
Incumbent Sorenson received the greatest reaction from the crowd when talking about the economy.
“Our government’s priorities are clear. We are focused on growing the economy, helping families like yours making life more affordable and keeping taxes low,” he said. “Our plan is working, our economy is growing. We remain the only industrialized country in the world to retain a AAA credit rating.”
Ellen Clark of the NDP presented her party’s vision of the future with the NDP at the helm.
“Our plan is responsible, it’s balanced, it’s progressive,” she said. “We are here to offer a positive, hopeful vision. We have an inclusive vision, and we wish to create that.”
Kelly of the Green Party laid out policies he believes can appeal to voters of all backgrounds.
“The Green Party is not dividing this country, we are not right, we are not left, we are in front,” he told the crowd. “We are offering real solutions to protect our seniors, we are offering solutions to remove barriers to education and remove the burden of student debt. We will provide direct support for local businesses and improve the health of Canada’s economy for generations to come.”
The trio faced some good questions from the audience in regards to the economy, temporary foreign workers, security and pension protection.
Election day is Monday, October 19.