Three contenders are facing off for the chance to represent Lakeside in the Manitoba legislature.
Two of them shared their thoughts at a provincial election forum, hosted by the Stonewall and District Chamber of Commerce, on Monday, Sept. 18.
Liberal candidate Neil Stewart and Progressive Conservative candidate Trevor King fielded questions at the well-attended forum, held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Stonewall.
LakesideLiberal candidate Neil Stewart, left, and Progressive Conservative candidate Trevor King fielded questions at the well attended election forum
NDP candidate Dan Rugg didn’t attend the event due to a prior commitment. Long-standing MLA Ralph Eichler isn’t seeking re-election after serving the community for two decades, so the seat is up for grabs.
Robert Price-Lewis, president of Stonewall and District Chamber of Commerce, moderated the event. The mood was cordial, and the candidates were respectful of the audience and each other.
The evening began with several questions posed by Price-Lewis, followed by questions from the public and then an opportunity for debate and rebuttal between the two candidates in attendance.
After opening remarks from each candidate, Price-Lewis asked them how they would champion the fight for economic growth.
King said the PCs promise to eliminate the payroll tax over the next eight years, with 50 per cent taking place in the next four years.
“What that means for any business wanting to start in Manitoba is, No. 1, possibly hiring more people because they can afford to do that without the payroll tax,” he said, “or possibly maybe pay the people that they have employed a better wage.”
He also commented that more Manitobans are working now than ever before, with recruitment underway internationally. He aims to maintain current workers in Manitoban with a focus on keeping young people in the province while also bringing others back from elsewhere.
Likewise, Stewart agreed that economic growth is the key to success. He stressed the importance of co-operation at all levels — locally, inter-provincially and with the federal government. At the same time, he said Manitoba must be competitive with other provinces tax-wise.
“We have tremendous potential in Lakeside because of where we’re situated. We’re close to the trade corridor,” he said.
“We are close to a labour source. I think one of our issues will be to create housing for that labour force because I think we have tremendous potential here.”
An audience member from Rockwood posed a question about carbon tax, asking King why the PCs want to fight with the federal government about it. She also asked Stewart how the Liberals would prepare the constituency for climate change.
King said the PCs are battling the carbon tax for Manitobans to save on fuel.
“I hope it doesn’t turn into something that will cost the taxpayers a lot of money,” he said.
“But it’s certainly something worth fighting for. … People are having a hard time making ends meet right now due to the high cost of fuel, and we’re going to fight that to the bitter end to see that people can continue to make ends meet and then some.”
On the flipside, Stewart disagreed with King’s stance on carbon tax. He suggested the Manitoba government could collect a tax to use towards green initiatives, particularly those that could sustain the agriculture industry.
“Whoever is in government has to realize we are facing climate change, and carbon taxes are one method to fight that — and that has been proven around the world and most countries are agreeing that’s the way to go,” he said.
“Unless you have a different better solution, then we have to carve out our own solution that’s going to work for Manitobans. … The purpose of the carbon tax is to get us off fossil fuels so that we will be able to farm 20 or 30 years from now, that we won’t have floods and droughts that will affect our ability to eat.”
In his closing comments, Stewart said the Manitoba Liberals have the best plans to fix health care, create safer communities and make life more affordable.
“This election, you have a real choice for real change. You don’t have to vote for more of the same. In fact, you have the opportunity to elect the party with the most trusted leader, Dougald Lamont,” he said.
“As your MLA, I’ll work to ensure all possible business partnerships are cultivated, local financial resources are unlocked, and that the business and agriculture sectors are supported in a sustainable manner that will improve competitiveness and ensure market access.”
He encouraged voters to elect an MLA who will work with all parties and choose paths that are non-divisive, inclusive and innovative.
“If elected, I will address the labour shortage in home care and daycare services; collaborate with all levels of government to increase the number of physicians and nurses in our area and develop a strategic retention strategy; work with municipal, federal and provincial representatives to establish adequate reliable funding for the RCMP; ensure our schools, colleges and universities are properly funded to ensure our children can compete in the global market; and work with all Lakeside stakeholders to grow our economy in Lakeside,” Stewart said.
In his closing remarks, King emphasized how much he believes in Lakeside communities.
“I believe Manitoba can be the best province. We are the fastest growing, we are the most competitive, and we are on our way to two million people,” he said.
“What we are doing is working. We’re making progress with record population growth. We’re tracking billions in potential private investment, which will be good for all of us. We’re seizing opportunities ahead, such as the Sapphire Springs in our own backyard. There’s more of that to come.”
King said the Progressive Conservatives are the only party with a plan and vision to grow the economy.
“Growing the economy is the only way to pay for improved health care, infrastructure and the social services that we all want and need,” he said.
“So let’s continue the momentum with a strong and experienced PC team, the only ones who can keep the growing going. Imagine what we could do with another four years.”
Election day is Oct. 3, and advance voting takes place until Sept. 30. Visit electionsmanitoba.ca for more details.
For those who would like to view the entire event, the Lakeside provincial election forum was live-streamed and is posted on the Stonewall and District Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
