Candidates Speak for 3 Hours at Debate: Here’s a Recap

The recent three-hour federal candidates’ debate, hosted by YourTV and the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce, moderated by Todd Lalonde, featured lively discussions on several topics, including interprovincial trade, international relations, immigration, healthcare, indigenous services, and climate change. Here’s a short recap highlighting key points from candidates Sarah Good (Liberal), Eric Duncan (Progressive Conservative), Gordon Kubanek (Green Party), and Mario Leclerc (New Democratic Party).

Interprovincial and International Trade: Green Party candidate Gordon Kubanek emphasized the need for an electrical grid to replace expensive pipelines and criticized subsidies for oil industries. Liberal candidate Sarah Good highlighted the importance of diversifying trade away from reliance on the U.S., citing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to strengthen relations with Europe. PC candidate Eric Duncan focused on reducing provincial trade barriers and enhancing international trade, specifically advocating for liquefied natural gas exports. NDP’s Mario Leclerc stressed protecting Canadian jobs from U.S. tariffs and promoting local procurement policies.

Immigration: Debate on immigration saw the Conservatives advocating for capped, sustainable immigration levels, citing recent backlogs and chaos. The Liberals argued for better integration and credential recognition, aiming to resolve systemic issues, particularly in healthcare. The NDP opposed capping immigration, emphasizing family reunification and improved staffing resources. The Greens, represented by Gordon Kubanek, supported careful immigration levels, critiquing overemphasis on growth without sufficient infrastructure.

Healthcare: All candidates supported universal healthcare but diverged in approaches. Sarah Good (Liberal) rejected tiered healthcare, emphasizing funding and reducing healthcare worker burnout. Eric Duncan (PC) promised sustained funding and modernization, advocating for reduced bureaucracy in technology approvals. Mario Leclerc (NDP) sought expansions into mental healthcare, improved seniors’ care, and removing profit motives from long-term care. Gordon Kubanek (Green) suggested looking at successful international mixed-model healthcare systems, highlighting the need for better rural healthcare support.

Indigenous Services: Candidates agreed on the importance of improving relationships and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities. Sarah Good (Liberal) stressed consultation and self-governance; Eric Duncan (PC) focused on practical local solutions, like relocating toll booths affecting Akwesasne residents; Mario Leclerc (NDP) prioritized implementing Truth and Reconciliation recommendations; Gordon Kubanek (Green) advocated for supporting economic independence and rectifying past environmental harms.

Climate Change: Sarah Good (Liberal) advocated balanced economic and environmental sustainability through diversified clean energy projects. Eric Duncan (PC) rejected the carbon tax, proposing global solutions and promoting Canadian natural resources as cleaner alternatives internationally. Mario Leclerc (NDP) focused on East-West clean energy projects and stringent environmental safeguards for resource projects. Gordon Kubanek (Green) was strongly against oil sands projects due to environmental impacts but open to cleaner LNG development if economically and environmentally balanced.

Throughout the debate, the parties presented distinct visions and often challenged each other’s effectiveness, highlighting significant differences in priorities and approaches as voters consider their options. A “Good constructive and civil debate.”

Watch this debate hosted by YourTV and the Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce, here.

It is crucial for citizens to participate in democracy by voting in the upcoming election on April 28th. You can also vote in advance from April 18th to the 21st. Make sure your voice is heard—exercise your right to vote and help shape the future of our country. Visit https://www.elections.ca to find out voter information.