It was three against one Sunday night as federal candidates faced off at an all-candidates meeting in Wasaga Beach.
Candidates running for election in Simcoe-Grey agreed to disagree with the Harper government’s policies on everything from omnibus bills and the disposal of nuclear waste to the removal of the Nottawasaga River from the Navigable Waters Protection Act and Syrian refugees.
The crowd of about 200 people was somewhat hostile towards Conservative candidate Kellie Leitch at times starting when man was escorted from the auditorium at the beginning of the meeting for heckling Leitch during her opening remarks.
Opposition candidates disagreed with Conservative policies on secrecy around the negotiation of the trans-pacific partnership and supply management because of its adverse effect on Canadian farmers, doing away with the long-form census and accused Conservatives of fear mongering through the creation of Bill C-51, anti-terrorism legislation.
Candidates for the Green Party, NDP and Liberals said their parties would support the creation of a pharmacare, a national program that would provide universal access to necessary prescription medicine, while Leitch said Conservatives have increased transfer payments to the provinces, who are responsible for health care.
They also made a point of saying they would be full-time candidates.
When asked to state their top three priorities Green Party candidate JoAnne Fleming said, ensuring natural resources are protected, electoral reform through proportional representation and implementing a green economic model.
NDP candidate David Matthews said ending poverty through job creation, increasing environmental standards and fair taxation.
Leitch said lower taxes, increased trade and job training.
Liberal Mike MacEachern said reestablishing a commitment to veterans, cutting middle class income tax and enhancing the child tax benefit.
“Change is inevitable, positive change is chosen,” said Fleming in her opening remarks. She closed with, “I have a big vision for Canada and I want to step into it now, not living in fear.”
Matthews said he is not a party whip so he could vote how the constituents want him to.
“I want our Canada back. For 150 years we have elected Liberals or Conservatives who have been doing the same thing continually and what is the definition of insanity? It’s doing the same thing and expecting different results,” said Matthews adding poverty is at record levels, seniors struggle to afford housing, veteran suicide rates are on the rise and the environment is being ignored.
Leitch defended the government’s position throughout the evening.
“It comes down to who has the experience to manage the economy and keep the country safe,” said Leitch.
MacEachern said he was drawn to run for the Liberals because he believes in hope and hard work.
“I believe better is possible,” he said. “Government is about putting tax dollars to work and making sure the riding gets its fair share.”
MacEachern vowed to be a full-time member of parliament with real roots in the community. He said he has good, on-the-ground, practical knowledge of what the riding needs.
A fifth candidate, Len Noordegraaf of the Christian Heritage Party, was not in attendance.