On Monday, Nov. 17, Yellowhead voters will hit the polls to select a replacement for the riding’s recently departed, long-time MP, Rob Merrifield.
There are five candidates vying for the position. To help our readers make an informed decision on election day, the Fitzhugh posed six questions to the candidates.
The final three are printed here, with only minor edits for grammar and spelling. To read the answers to the questions printed last week, as well as profiles of each of the candidates, check out our stories online or pick up physical copies of the Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 issues of the paper from our office: 626 Connaught Drive.
Liberal candidate: Ryan Maguhn
1) Resource extraction is a huge part of the Yellowhead’s economy. How will you balance the need for resource extraction with the needs of communities, like Jasper, that depend economically on the beauty of our natural resources?
The question of balancing resource extraction and the needs of the economy is absolutely vital. However—believe it or not—the answer is simple. It is essential for our communities (economically) to get our resources to market, but to do so using common sense and sustainable methods. This requires us to engage in a collaborative approach that does not favour any one project from the onset, but rather the projects that make most sense to all the stakeholders, environment and the economy.
This means that the Federal Government’s role is to act as key facilitator in terms of establishing positive working dialogues, partnerships and research studies in terms of resource extraction and transportation. Furthermore we need to stimulate and encourage Canadian innovation in developing sustainable extraction and transportation technologies. It is fully possible for us to enjoy the benefits of a thriving economy while still enjoying the wonders and beauty that we have all come to rely on; here in the Yellowhead.
2) Are you comfortable with current level of funding given to Canada’s national parks? Why or why not?
I’m not comfortable with the current level of funding to our National Parks. Some figures used by the media have indicated that the Conservative Government is currently looking to cut an additional 27–37 million dollars from the 2014-2015 budget.
This means decreasing the services available to folks visiting our parks and also decreasing the amount of time they have during the year to enjoy guided attractions. Ultimately though it is the local communities (such as Jasper) that suffer with decreased revenue to the local economy. Basically when the Conservative government cuts back on our parks service, they cut back on the finances that come into our communities and the vast multitude of downstream businesses.
Furthermore, I’ve spoken with citizens of Jasper who work in and around the Park Service; and they’ve related their personal stories about the impacts of financial cuts to the parks system, and it is not acceptable in it’s current form. A strong National Park System ensures that we have a thriving local economy and a well protected, well studied ecological system.
3) If elected, would you lobby the federal government in support of Edson’s proposed regional airport?
I have supported the concept of a Regional Edson Airport while serving as a member of Hinton’s Town Council. The key here is continuing to lobby for CATSA approval for the facility. Without the approval of CATSA we will not be able to get carriers such as WestJet in to service the Airport. There are a multitude of benefits for both local citizens and tourism for the riding. As the MP for the Yellowhead I would be a strong leader in terms of advocating and facilitating for the creation of a CATSA approved site. This project just makes sense for the riding.
Conservative candidate: Jim Eglinski
1) Resource extraction is a huge part of the Yellowhead’s economy. How will you balance the need for resource extraction with the needs of communities, like Jasper, that depend economically on the beauty of our natural resources?
The Conservative government has a strong record of responsible resource development and part of that record is ensuring energy projects proceed only if they are determined to be safe for Canadians and safe for the environment after a thorough independent, scientific, environmental and regulatory review.
Our resource development generates significant revenues that help support critical social programs including health care, pensions and education. Conservatives have stood up for our resource jobs time and time again while the Liberals and NDP attacked us for our staunch support. We have been strong advocates for Keystone XL and the Northern Gateway pipelines—both would create millions in economic growth and thousands of quality jobs.
2) Are you comfortable with current level of funding given to Canada’s national parks? Why or why not?
As I presently understand it, the annual budget of Parks Canada is at a higher level now than under the previous Liberal government. This has allowed our Government to protect our country’s National Parks, and we’ve done more than any other government—in fact, the total area of lands we have protected is an area that is nearly twice the size of Vancouver Island. Since we’ve formed government, Conservatives have created two National Marine Conservation Areas, three Marine Protected Areas, three National Wildlife Areas, two National Parks and one National Historic Site.
We also launched a National Conservation Plan earlier this year, in addition to tabling a new Bill to create the Naats’ihch’oh National Park Reserve in the Northwest Territories and another to create the Rouge National Urban Park in the Greater Toronto Area.
3) If elected, would you lobby the federal government in support of Edson’s proposed regional airport?
I would support the proposed Edson Regional Airport only after a thorough, independent, environmental and regulatory review was done to see if such a proposal would be economically viable. There are many issues that would emerge from such a proposal, such as non-designated airport screening. Where screening is not required for security purposes—an alternate source of funding would need to be identified. My understanding is the Minister has asked her officials at Transport Canada to develop a mechanism to enable non-designated, low risk airports to obtain security screening services on a cost-recovery basis.
NDP candidate: Eric Rosendahl
1) Resource extraction is a huge part of the Yellowhead’s economy. How will you balance the need for resource extraction with the needs of communities, like Jasper, that depend economically on the beauty of our natural resources?
After 34 years at the West Fraser pulp mill in Hinton, I understand as much as anyone how important natural resources are to our communities. When it comes to natural resource development New Democrats understand that better decisions are made when communities are adequately consulted and when there is a strong, open, and transparent environmental assessment process. New Democrats judge major resource projects on their merits—we look at issues like environmental sustainability, community consultation, and economic benefit through things like value-added jobs.
This is not only important because it protects the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the wilderness all around us but it also makes good economic sense. The Conservatives’ rip and strip mismanagement of our natural resources has hurt our reputation world-wide and actually made it harder for us to take our products to the global market.
Being responsible and understanding the need for a long-term plan are the only way we can protect the kind of beauty we all know exists in Jasper AND at the same time protect our jobs.
2) Are you comfortable with current level of funding given to Canada’s national parks? Why or why not?
The Conservative and Liberal cuts to Parks Canada are not only upsetting, they’re dangerous. Last December, the Toronto Star reported that there’s an almost $3 billion backlog in deferred maintenance at Parks Canada. A third of all Parks Canada staff have been cut and there are 39 high-risk dams that are in need of rehabilitation.
Sadly—but not surprisingly—the Commissioner of the Environment highlighted a pattern of broken promises—commitments to change course and ensure protection that have not happened. In their last budget, the Conservatives made it obvious they’re not interested in changing. They promised $391 million over five years to deal with crumbling buildings, roads, and dams. But they’re only spending $5 million … yes FIVE… before the next election. The rest is just another campaign promise.
At a time when the world is closely watching how we, as a country, treat our air, water, and wildlife, and when the economic costs of inaction are higher than ever, the Conservatives are failing to act.
3) If elected, would you lobby the federal government in support of Edson’s proposed regional airport?
Yes. The Conservatives are totally mismanaging this issue too. Instead of working to support regional airports, they think Edson should invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in infrastructure before they can even apply for CATSA security screening.
Edson isn’t alone and the NDP has been working across Canada with other communities having the same problem and trying to get the government to act. We need more New Democrats in Ottawa to fix this problem facing small airports.
It just makes financial sense to have a federal government make it easier for smaller, regional airports to offer flights, pursue economic growth and bring jobs. This comes down to getting the federal government to find a model for providing security services for regional airports in a more flexible way that works for smaller communities.
Libertarian candidate: Cory Lystang
1) Resource extraction is a huge part of the Yellowhead’s economy. How will you balance the need for resource extraction with the needs of communities, like Jasper, that depend economically on the beauty of our natural resources?
We are pro natural resource extraction so long as people do not have their property rights trampled on. So, we are pro oil, pro pipeline, etc., so long as imminent domain isn’t used.
What many people do not realize is that Canadian oil is the greenest oil provider in the world. Whether it is the way we deal with tailings ponds, or the reclaim process, our oil and gas industry is a world leader in sustainable development.
Moving forward, we would ensure that the environment is protected by making sure that resource extraction is not offloading their environmental costs onto the community.
See our environment section on our platform for more information.
2) Are you comfortable with current level of funding given to Canada’s national parks? Why or why not?
National parks are one of Canada’s most valuable assets and I fully support them. The parks need to find ways to be more self-sufficient and a Libertarian government would welcome local ideas on how to do that.
So at a time that Canada’s national debt is growing at a rate of $863 per second I need to say that the funding at its current level is acceptable until we can find ways to make them more self-sufficient.
3) If elected, would you lobby the federal government in support of Edson’s proposed regional airport?
I would be in complete support of a regional airport in Edson and would convey that need to the federal government. But I must point out that a private, locally and provincially funded airport is by far more desirable.
A Libertarian government will strive to lessen the involvement of the federal government. In doing this we can decrease federal expenses which will considerably lower the tax burden on all citizens and the province. We believe that local government and the local people are best suited to decide where their money goes rather than the federal government.
Independent candidate: Dean Williams
1) Resource extraction is a huge part of the Yellowhead’s economy. How will you balance the need for resource extraction with the needs of communities, like Jasper, that depend economically on the beauty of our natural resources?
Balance, I believe, comes through stringent consultation with all affected parties or constituents, but we now better understand the relationship that needs to be struck and negotiated between preserving environment, and progressing our current economies... So, that being said, I shoot the question back... at Yellowhead constituents...
How do you want to balance our needs.. can there be a better job done of it, than exists now...?
I argue of course, that there can be.
If we take steps to move forward together on this, then so do we also all progress and prosper.
2) Are you comfortable with current level of funding given to Canada’s national parks? Why or why not?
Absolutely not. I’ve seen first hand the necessity of wardens and stewards of the land... specifically for our vast and wholly unique National and Provincial Parks.
As with the Military, more money needs be allocated. It’s important to protect these places... they are our Heritage.
3) If elected, would you lobby the federal government in support of Edson’s proposed regional airport?
Absolutely... I think high speed and high efficiency air travel is definitely a big part of the region’s future, and we all know transportation has always been a key issue within the riding... hence our highway...
The faster, more efficient transportation that can be built, the better.
So, yes, I think we need to look to the future of this region with a bold independent vision and run, and also fly... with it.
Polling takes place from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 at the Jasper Activity Centre.
Eligible voters are Canadian citizens 18 years and older that have lived in the electoral district since Oct. 15, 2014.
In order to vote on Monday, you must prove your identity and address. This can be done with a piece of government issued photo ID, for example a driver's licence, or with two original pieces of authorized identification, like a health card and hydro bill with your name and address on them. The final option is to take an oath and have another voter—who has the proper ID—vouch for you.
