​Huron-Bruce federal candidates square off at debate in Kincardine

Four of the six candidates, vying for the position of Huron-Bruce MP, squared off at a debate in Kincardine, Wednesday evening, April 7.

Joining incumbent Conservative Ben Lobb, were Liberal James Rice, New Democrat Melanie Burrett, and Caesar Salad Pella running as an Independent. Absent, were Gregory McLean of the Green Party, and Independent Justin Smith.

About 120 people gathered for the all-candidates meeting, in the fellowship hall at Kincardine United Church, organized by the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Kincardine, and the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce.

Moderator Linda Bowers welcomed each candidate to give a brief introduction, followed by prepared questions, closing remarks, and then questions from the floor.

Pella said he would bring in emergency measures to help every sector counter the United States (U.S.) tariffs. He wants to see improvements to social programs with proper taxes paid by the billionaires in society. He was urged to run years ago, but now is the time for him to do so.

Rice said Canada is under attack by U.S. president Donald Trump’s tariffs, and federal Liberal leader Mark Carney is the fighter Canada’s needs to take on Trump. In his job as a Crown Attorney, Rice fights for justice every day and would do the same for the riding of Huron-Bruce.

Lobb said the past 10 years of Liberal government have resulted in an increased cost of living for all Canadians trying to make a better life. The past decade has seen more debt added than any other time in the history of Canada, as well as soaring inflation. The Conservatives would bring common sense back to the country and put money back in your pocket.

Burrett said the New Democratic Party (NDP) brings hope to Canadians, fighting for proper health care, and helping to bring in universal dental care. She urged people to take a good look at parties, and see what has been promised and what has been delivered.

The prepared questions ranged from affordability and social programs to long-term care, health care and food insecurity.

Rice said Canada needs a strong economy and the Liberals have the best plan. He said Carney got rid of the consumer carbon tax and would increase wages to make earnings work for everybody. “We need to build Canada strong."

Lobb said a Conservative government would lower income taxes by 15 per cent across the board, and eliminate the industrial carbon tax to make it fairer for farmers.

Pella said the problem is the outrageous division of wealth in society. “We’re trying to cover our social costs with a blanket that’s too small,” he said. “We need a fair levy for the rich and distribute to those in need.”

With respect to long-term care and healthy aging, Pella said aging at home should be the standard, and could be paid for through the proper distribution of wealth.

Burrett said the provinces decide what happens with long-term care. “There’s not much we can do at the federal level, unless we give more money to seniors.”

Rice said the Liberals would reduce the retirement age back to 65, increase old age security by 10 per cent, and increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors.

“The Canada Health Act has to be enforced,” he said. “A strong federal government can work with the provinces to see that seniors retire with dignity.”

Lobb agreed that this is a provincial issue, but there is a role that the federal government can play.

A Conservative government would push for more licensing of doctors and nurse practitioners, more spaces at medical schools, and graduate more general practitioners, as well as work with community colleges to increase the number of public support workers (PSWs) and registered practical nurses (RPNs) in nursing homes.

“We could have an entire debate on this topic, alone,” he said.

After the prepared questions, each candidate offered some closing remarks, followed by several brief questions from the audience.

To view the entire all-candidates meeting, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpncMShdxLk.



Attending the federal Huron-Bruce all-candidates meeting in Kincardine, April 7, are Independent  candidate Ceasar Salad Pella (left), Conservative Ben Lobb, NDP Melanie Burrett, and Liberal James Rice

Election Day is Monday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check your voter information card or use the Voter Information Service to find your polling station.

The advance polls closed today (April 21) at 9 p.m., and advance voting continues tomorrow (April 22) until 6 p.m.

For more information about the federal election, visit: www.elections.ca.