Environment and education discussed at all candidates forum

On April 26, Jasper residents had their chance to meet Yellowhead’s candidates before the federal election on May 2.

Only four of the six candidates were present, representing the Canadian Action Party (CAP), the Green Party, the Conservative Party and the Christian Heritage Party (CHP). The representatives for the Liberal and NDP parties did not attend.

Each candidate was allotted five minutes for an introduction, and each candidate outlined their party mandate to the roughly 40 people in attendance. 

Melissa Brade, CAP, spoke of her party’s efforts to bring democracy back to Canadians, concerns regarding the destruction of the environment and the need to eliminate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) immediately, as it does not really represent “free trade”.

“Stephen Harper is a traitor, he is working secretly with foreign government to dissolve the country as we know it. Secretive negotiations are being done without the involvement of our parliament, and without the knowledge of the Canadian people. It’s an undemocratic betrayal of us all; it’s an illegal act of treason,” said Brade.

Monika Schaefer, Green Party, discussed her party’s desire to protect the environment and the future generations that will live in it, electoral reform, institute a fiscally responsible budget and a smart economy.

“I’m talking about the shift to renewable, clean energy, and beginning the inevitable transition to a low carbon future. We could be leaders, but instead we choose to leave our heads stuck in the sand.”

Rob Merrifield, Conservative Party incumbent, addressed the recession and how his party steered the country through while still creating jobs and lowering taxes.

“We believe, the Conservative Party, that you don’t tax your way to prosperity as our opponents are suggesting, that you grow your way. You do it by being competitive, making sure the government is downsizing and that your dollars are spent in the most efficient way possible.”

Merrifield also addressed the industries that drive the Yellowhead region, and his party’s desire to achieve a majority government.

Jake Strydhorst, CHP, talked about his party platform, which includes implementing Christian values, supporting the military, creating a more balanced budget, promoting strong families, addressing the current health care system and reforming the criminal justice system.

“Some might wonder about Christian heritage; do we really have Christian heritage? I think there is no doubt about it that Canada does truly have a Christian heritage.”

Three prepared question were asked to all candidates after the introductions. The questions surrounded land-use and development with respect to Jasper, a plan to protect our water and how the candidates would ensure that literacy issues be a priority in the country.

“The Green Party believes in life-long learning. It’s a big part of our philosophy,” said Schaefer. She added that the party would have greater student loan forgiveness and embrace technology with respect to education opportunities.

“The Canadian Action Party considers education a basic human right,” said Brade. “In order to encourage more adult learning the CAP would fund direct low-interest loans to students so that everybody has an opportunity to get educated.”

“It’s absolutely true that we do everything we can to have an educated population,” said Merrifield. He added that his government would also look at further funding to areas of technology and create loan forgiveness incentives for those wishing to study medicine and practise in rural areas.

“One thing I think we have to remember is that education is a provincial issue, but it doesn’t mean the federal government can’t do anything about it,” said Strydhorst. He said that the CHP supports funding post secondary education of whatever choice a student makes, charging the provinces for education instead of the students.