We posed six questions to the candidates and requested that they choose two to answer.
1. Why did you choose to run in this election?
2. Give a brief description of your political history.
3. State the main issue that you see as a deciding factor for voters.
4. What is your opinion on a minority government?
5. What is your opinion on coalitions?
6. What personal skills do you bring to the team?
Here are their chosen questions and answers.
Conservative - Ted Menzies (Incumbent)
2. Give a brief description of your political history.
I was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004 and served as Opposition Critic for International Cooperation and for International Trade. In 2006, when the Conservatives formed government, I was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation and in 2007 International Trade was added to my portfolio. Later in 2007, I was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and just recently, I was sworn in to Cabinet as Minister of State for Finance.
3. State the main issue that you see as a deciding factor for voters.
Our government remains focused on jobs and the economy. This was reflected in our last 5 budgets. The opposition's only economic plan is to tax you more and spend more on Big Government. The majority of constituents that I have spoken with tell me "we want a stable majority Conservative government that has the interests of Canada and the economy at heart". Budget 2011, A Low Tax Plan for Jobs and Growth, was drafted through extensive consultations with thousands of every-day Canadians, not-for-profit groups, industry leaders, university presidents and students, and ordinary families. This plan contains no major new spending but continues to support provinces and municipalities, and maintains critical social programs, while investing in the future. Our track record is proof of our commitment to wise spending and quick return to a balanced budget by 2014.
Green Party - Attila Nagy
4. What is your opinion on a minority government?
Minority governments can be both functional and effective. For all my criticism of the Harper government, they have shown that.
Arthur Meighen, Lester Pearson and Diefenbaker had all formed minority governments and Pearson in particular had a long list of achievements.
6. What personal skills do you bring to the team?
I feel I have a fair understanding of the economy and I view each responsibility of the government as not separate issues but part of the same whole. For example, there can be no meaningful discussion of the Health Care system without a thorough understanding of the Economy or have a powerful grasp on Crime without understanding the value of the Education system.
Independent - Brad Carrigan
1. Why did you choose to run in this election?
I find it unacceptable as a Conservative party member, that for the first time in Canadian history, our Government was found in contempt of Parliament for not disclosing mandatory budget information. Our economy is also in a tailspin but Mr. Menzies is in Ottawa acting like everything is fine, refusing to debate ANY issues in a public forum. Our Health care also needs attention now, as our seniors suffer, this while the big multinational corporations push our farmers around, doing what they want without real accountability. This abuse and suffering will end with me in Ottawa.
3. State the main issue that you see as a deciding factor for voters.
We the people of the Macleod riding, must stand up, and be on guard for true democracy, freedom and respect for the parliamentary process. We need a Conservative MP that represents the riding not a secretive Government that only gives lip service and Governs behind closed doors. There are rough times ahead and we need a Conservative MP we can trust, not a “yes” man MP who sits silent and nods yes when told to. Someone forthright and honest with the people he/she represents. That is my mission and promise to the Macleod riding - More info www.bradcarrigan.ca.
Liberal - Nicole Hankel
1. Why did you choose to run in this election?
A. I am concerned about our future. I am concerned about issues that impact our lives. The environment. Child care. Education. Health care. The economy. Equal opportunity for everyone. But it is not enough to be concerned -- it is time to make a difference. Politics is not just a spectator sport. I can make that difference by engaging with people in their communities and bringing their views and concerns forward. It's time for Macleod to have a passionate, engaged, community centred representative in Ottawa. I believe that it is time for a Liberal voice to step forward as an advocate for the families, farmers and ordinary Canadians living in Macleod.
3. State the main issue that you see as a deciding factor for voters.
A. There are many issues facing voters during this election. One of the major concerns that I am hearing across the riding from people of all ages is concern about their future, and the future of their family. People are asking how they will take care of their children. How they can afford to send their children to university or college. How they will be able to afford to retire. What impact will the rising deficit have on jobs and their family. People are not happy with the direction Canada has been going. They have valid concerns and are looking for action and a viable solution. The Liberals are offering a viable solution which is fiscally responsible and puts the needs of ordinary Canadians and their families first.
NDP - Janine Giles
4. What is your opinion on a minority government?
I am a fan of minority governments because it was Pearson's minority governemnt which passed public healthcare insurance at the federal level. As well, minority govenrments have the best fiscal records -- just look at our recent economic recovery as one example. In fact, minority government across industrialized democracies tend to be more fiscally responsible than majorty governments because there tends to be more compromise on budgetary matters than majority governemnts.
5. What is your opinion on coalitions?
My opinion is that minority governments are the norm in Canada, not coalitions. I think the word coalition has been used rhetorically to scare voters and it is the exception and not the rule, even in the current political situation. I prefer to discuss issues with voters and not focus on the small probability of a coalition government.
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