West Niagara candidates debate the issues
In many ways, Monday’s candidates’ debate for the Niagara West riding mirrored what the polls are saying about the overall race to become Ontario’s next government.
Candidates Curtis Fric of the NDP and incumbent Sam Oosterhoff of the PCs spent much of the evening taking aim at each other’s positions, while Liberal Joe Kanee defended his government’s record as one that has put Ontario in a good position going forward.
Libertarian candidate Stefanos Karatopis and Green party’s Jessica Tillmanns, meanwhile, tried to promote themselves as viable alternatives during a time when change is needed.
It was a fairly cordial evening, where the candidates fielded questions from members of the Lincoln, Grimsby and West Lincoln chambers of commerce, the audience and each other. Transportation, energy and finances dominated most of the evening.
On the economy and the government’s finances, Kanee defended his government’s record and plan moving forward as something between the NDP’s high spending ways, and the cuts he says would come at the hands of the PCs. He said the Liberals are committed to spending money where needed to keep the province economically viable.
But Oosterhoff accused the Liberals of racking up debt and lumped the NDP in as a party that would drive business out of the province.
“The Liberals have had 15 years and have barely been able to produce a balanced budget,” he said.
Fric challenged Oosterhoff to explain how the financials would break down in a PC government, given the party’s limited platform release.
The incumbent said the auditor general found $1 billion in efficiencies from 14 government agencies, and is confident billions more could be found elsewhere.
Karatopis, billing the Libertarians as “the party of choice,” had a simple formula for getting the province’s financials in order: “Less regulation, more money.”
Oosterhoff reaffirmed the PC commitment to bringing commuter GO service to Niagara, following statements by party leader Doug Ford that suggested it wasn’t a done deal.
“He’s always been incredibly caring, and willing to listen,” Oosterhoff said.
Ontarians head to the polls June 7.