Over 100 people showed up to hear the federal political candidates at the Chamber of Commerce’s election forum on June 16. Some were clearly there to support their favourite candidate or party. Others perhaps wanted help making up their minds. Some represented a particular cause, such as the fellow who spoke up about the high cost of living for senior citizens.
“What can you do for the seniors? ” he asked of all the candidates.
Conservative candidate Brian Jean said his party would look at tax credits and would establish a ministry specifically to handle seniors’ affairs.
Following up, Green Party candidate Ian Hopfe said his party would increase fuel taxes, and hoped some of that money might go to seniors.
Liberal candidate Doug Faulkner blamed the provincial conservatives for the difficulties of seniors in Alberta, and pointed out a recent federal government announcement of a seven per cent increase to supplementary pensions.
Speaking for the New Democratic Party, Robert Cree suggested that money wasted on the sponsorship program and the gun registry could have been better spent on seniors. He also said that the NDP could redirect taxes to seniors’ programs.
Other questions were for individual candidates, and some were friendlier than others.
Citing the gun registry, sponsorship scandal, the flip flop on removing the GST and others, one questioner asked Faulkner: “How can we believe any Liberal promise?”
“I’m as fed up as you are,” said the three-term Ft. McMurray mayor. “This is going to be a new government, new people, and we’re going to ensure that this is never going to happen again. I’m as disgusted as you are, sir.”
Faulkner found himself in a similar position – having to answer for the Liberal government – more than once, and it didn’t show him in his best light. He seemed much more confident, comfortable and articulate when speaking out on issues that are close to his heart as a municipal politician. Housing, economic growth and infrastructure are Faulkner strengths and he showed it.
The other candidates were in the relatively easier position of not having to defend a government in power. Jean came across with well-organized statements of both party policy and personal philosophy on topics such as gun control, health care and homelessness. The questioners may not have agreed with Conservative policy, but they got the straight goods, without much in the way of embellishment or invention.
Responding to a question about policy on homelessness, Jean said: “We have no specific policies for homelessness, but we support social programs that deal with it.” A Conservative government would consider tax credits for groups who deal with homelessness, he said.
If anyone was giving out points for charisma, Cree was the loser. On the other hand, the NDP candidate was sincere and dignified in his efforts to make his party look good, if somewhat vague in many cases.
Hopfe’s inexperience showed, but his unrehearsed wisecracks served to keep him in the game.
“I’m going to scare you,” he said. “If the Green Party gets into power we are going to increase the gas tax.”
Responding to a beachball question to all candidates about their policies on preserving air and water quality, Hopfe said: “Well, that’s the name of our party!”
One of the toughest questions of the night asked each candidate how they would vote in a minority government – according to their constituents’ wishes or the party line.
Faulkner said he would “absolutely” consult with his people before voting.
“I’m glad to hear that the Liberal policy on free votes has changed,” quipped Jean.
In fact all the candidates said or implied they would vote according to their constituents’ wishes.
In his closing remarks, Cree promised to be accountable to the people, and stressed NDP policies such as reducing taxes and a national child care policy. Jean urged voters not to be satisfied with government waste, and to elect a government that listens to Canadians. He also said he’s been learning French, and gave an example.
“Bon voyage, Team Martin,” he said.
Hopfe promised “The most open and democratic government that Canada has ever seen,” if the Green Party gets into power. He appealed to Aboriginal voters.
“I want Native people to grab this party and make it their own,” he said.
Faulkner used scare tactics in his summation.
“You can choose between a government that can keep this country working and a government that will put this country back into recession,” he said.
Faulkner also suggested that a Conservative government would put the country into debt. On a more positive note, he promised that if elected he would open an office in Slave Lake and visit four times a year.

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