Federal election questions: Round 1 (West Vancouver)
Every week leading up to the May 2 election, The Outlook will be asking the federal candidates three questions. Do you have a question you’d like to ask? Email editor@northshoreoutlook.com.
What are the main election issues facing the residents of North Vancouver?
Terry Platt (NDP):
Local employment, affordable housing and seniors’ healthcare.
Dan Veniez (Liberal):
Accountability and trust must be the bedrock of all good government, and that is why I am running. No matter what promises or decisions a government makes, if our current elected officials hide the facts from the public, deny information that citizens need to make informed decisions, and act in contempt of Parliament and our democratic values, then all else falls by the wayside. I am running to reclaim democracy and restore trust in elected government
John Weston (Conservative):
The main issue we face is why we’re having an election at a time when Canada is leading the developed world in emerging from the recession. You and I who (unlike two of the candidates) live in the riding, have witnessed six straight quarters of economic growth; 480,000 new jobs nationally arising from 26,000 timely, targeted investments in projects that reflected local priorities and updated our infrastructure. Stephen Harper and I have the plan for Phase II of the economic recovery - it’s called the 2011 budget - but Michael Ignatieff committed to oppose it - even before it had been written!
How will you ensure that these issues will be addressed by the federal government?
Terry Platt (NDP):
If I am elected to Parliament, the needs and concerns of the people in the riding will be my priority. It will be what I am elected to do, my job. Right now, my main duty is to be the face of the NDP to the voters of West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky. If elected, I will be the face of the people of West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky in the House.
Dan Veniez (Liberal):
The quality of government is a reflection of the people we elect, and I am passionate about my role being a spokesperson and advocate of my constituents, not merely a mouthpiece of Ottawa telling citizens to like what they get. I am here to put the public back in public policy, and ensure that Ottawa is accountable to our needs.
John Weston (Conservative):
If you give me your precious vote, I will commit to continue to be part of the successful response to global economic uncertainty. Our Conservative Government has modeled “listening” as a theme in the way we have served the Canadian people. Here on the North Shore, I have worked diligently to collaborate with local, provincial, and Aboriginal leaders to ensure that what Ottawa heard was what the people here deemed to be important. The results have been an unprecedented amount of federal investment in our community.
How would you explain politics to your eight-year-old niece or nephew?
Terry Platt (NDP):
Running for office should not be a popularity contest. It is a matter of the people deciding who would be the best person to do the job of looking out for the best interests of everyone. Sometimes leaders do not make popular decisions when it comes to tough issues, but the leaders do their best and take full responsibility for the choices they make. A good leader thinks about others before themselves and will often do without so that his/her people can benefit. Good leaders work hard and discipline themselves to be good example to others.
Dan Veniez (Liberal):
Politics is how people come together to make decisions that are fair to all. If you don’t take part in politics, then your needs aren’t known, and if you are lucky enough to live in a country where your voice is heard, I believe you have the responsibility to speak for those who need you to be helped. Politics is not just about ensuring you get what you want, but ensuring that all your neighbors get what they need, and that everyone is treated fairly, with compassion, and honesty.
John Weston (Conservative):
My young children are a big part of what I do and why I do it. They understand increasingly the virtue of seeking common ground and pursuing goals in accordance with key values. They’ve seen me work closely with opposition party members, firstly to create a Parliamentary Fitness Initiative to promote health for all Canadians, then, building on that teamwork, to push through the House my recently enacted bill to tackle crystal meth and “ecstasy” drugs. They are learning how to disagree agreeably, and to get things done they could never do on their own.
Look for part two in next week's North Shore Outlook.
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