Yorkton This Week sent a list of ten questions to each of the five candidates running in the Yorkton-Melville riding in the 2019 Federal Election. Every day for ten days, we will post their answers. Yorkton-Melville heads to the polls on Oct. 21.
Outside of general party policy, is there one issue that you personally will make a high priority if you are elected?
Connor Moen, Liberal Party:
As a proud Canadian of Ukrainian origin, I would like to see our multiculturalism programming strengthened in this country. Typically we think of ethnic communities in this country as limited to an older demographic or only for newcomers from the origin country. In my work and volunteer experience, this isn't necessarily the case. There are a lot of youth who would love to learn more about their heritage, but are finding ways to connect with it. This is where I genuinely believe community organizations can play a key role in helping Canadians better understand where they come from, and how that strengthens their multicultural Canadian identity.
Ryan Schultz, People's Party of Canada:
My Biggest issue is the rising cost of living. While I don't have a specific party policy, my main goal is to make life cheaper for all Canadians. I will fight to lower federal taxes after the budget is balanced in 2 years. I will fight to eliminate the carbon tax this is tax on everyday items all Canadians use. I will fight to eliminate Supply Management to lower the costs on milk, eggs, cheese and chicken. I will fight to eliminate the capital gains tax.
Cathay Wagantall, Conservative Party:
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As Deputy Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs I have been a leading voice in the fight for research into the anti-malaria drug Mefloquine, which has caused considerable harm to many of our veterans. I will continue to work with our veterans until they are provided the care they need to recover from the effects of this drug. I am really pleased that three of my recommendations for the Veterans plank of our platform were introduced: Continued support from DND while transitioning from active duty due to a medical release until all veterans’ programs are in place; an independent inquiry into Mefloquine’s impact on our soldiers; more service dogs provided and national standards set.
Stacey Wiebe, Green Party:
I am a very passionate supporter of regenerative and organic agriculture. I also am very in favour of a return to local food, and in order to achieve that we need better infrastructure for processing. I would advocate strongly for more local, small butchers for example.
Carter Antoine, New Democratic Party:
I absolutely detest corruption. I see it as one of the main causes of the economic woes many of us feel. Lobbyists and corporations see it as their right to try and influence the government for their benefit. I find this to be fundamentally undemocratic. I believe that if you are not strictly serving the people who elected you, you have no place in the Canadian government.
