Yorkton This Week recently sent a list of six questions to the Yorkton-Melville federal election candidates representing the Green, Liberal, NDP, and Conservative parties. Candidates were invited to reply by the end of April 4 and to restrict their responses to 350 words per question. Only Conservative candidate Garry Breitkreuz and Liberal candidate Kash Andreychuk replied by the deadline. Two of their responses are printed below; the rest will be printed over the coming two issues of this newspaper.
1. What is the biggest issue facing the country this election, and how do you intend to address it?
Garry Breitkreuz:
The biggest issue facing the country in this election is the economy. We must stay on course to secure our recovery. Lower taxes result in stronger revenues that keep our economy running smoothly. We need stable leadership. The Conservative government under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper has an excellent track record of bringing our country through the most difficult economic downturn since the Depression. A strong economy addresses most concerns. Funding for health care, education and agriculture will continue to be available for Canadians if our economic recovery continues on its current path.
Kash Andreychuk:
Getting people out to vote is one of the biggest issues facing this great country.
I can understand there being cynicism around politics. Even the current government doesn't seem to respect democracy, having recently been found to be in contempt of Parliament. But we need to find a way to put respect back in the process. Democracy should not be taken for granted.
Voting is the only effective way to indicate which political party best represents your views. For the average Canadian, it's the only way to influence the governments' priorities. And those priorities translate into real programs and real services, so there's a lot at stake. Do we spend money on jets, jails and corporate tax cuts? Or do we invest in a vision for this country that puts family first.
How do we address voter apathy? One voter at a time.
2. What is the biggest issue currently facing the Yorkton-Melville constituency?
Garry Breitkreuz:
The biggest issue facing Yorkton-Melville in this election is the economy. [Repeats comments on economy]
In the immediate future, it is important to attract and retain qualified doctors as many families are without a physician. Budget 2011, which could not be voted on before the opposition brought down the government, helped to address this issue. It proposed loan forgiveness for new doctors and nurses in under-served rural and remote ridings. The well-being of the agriculture industry remains vital to our area. The Conservative government is committed to the bio-fuels industry and increasing market opportunities for our producers. We must continue to find innovative ways to support the long-term profitability of the agricultural sector.
Kash Andreychuk:
Particularly in urban areas, affordable housing is a huge issue. I was pleased to see that the affordable housing problem was addressed in the recent provincial budget. If I become your member of parliament I look forward to working with the provincial government and the local MLAs to see how a Liberal government in Ottawa can help the people of Yorkton-Melville.
Recognizing that the Yorkton-Melville constituency is largely rural, I would also add that farmers in this part of the province are uneasy. For the second year in a row they may not be able to plant a crop. A Liberal Government can't make the rains stop, but we will work with our provincial counterparts and our local MLAs to address this crisis.
Look for more responses next week.
