Tuesday night’s Thunder Bay-Superior North debate was at times feisty, at times thought-provoking and at times a little repetitious.
Here’s a synopsis of some of the more interesting things said by the four candidates: Andrew Foulds (NDP); Patty Hajdu (Liberal); Richard Harvey (Conservatives); Bruce Hyer (Green Party); Robert Skaf (Independent).
“At the end of the day what most of us are looking for are good paying, secure jobs." – Conservative Richard Harvey, opening statement.
"We need to keep on the course of low taxes and balanced budgets." – Richard Harvey
"For the first time there are more people working for minimum wage than at any time in history." – Robert Skaf, Independent.
"If we make a commitment to rebound from this quagmire, we can do it." – Robert Skaf
"The Conservatives have failed ... The Liberals, big talk, no substance." – Andrew Foulds, NDP
"This election clearly is about change, but what kind of change do we need." – Patty Hajdu, Liberal
"We will move away from the austerity budgeting that both the Conservatives and NDP are promising." – Patty Hajdu
"There are three main issues here. The first is the economy .... Second, democracy, including electoral reform.” – Bruce Hyer, Green Party
"Now is not the time for that." – Richard Harvey, on deficit spending
"We are proposing to invest a cent of the gas tax into municipalities so they can close their infrastructure gap." – Andrew Foulds
"It's morally repugnant for the Conservatives to claim we have a surplus when we have 30,000 people sleeping on the street." – Patty Hajdu
"I think we all know the Harper government has had a poor record on the economy." – Bruce Hyer
"We are not doing well with the economy." – Robert Skaf
"Our commitment begins now." – Patty Hajdu on infrastructure spending
"The best affordable housing strategy is helping people afford their own homes." – Richard Harvey
"Affordable housing is critical for housing, especially in Thunder Bay." – Bruce Hyer
"We need to bring back the eco-energy program that the Conservatives killed.” – Bruce Hyer
"Canadians are compassionate people. It's an affront to our values to see people suffering and sleeping on the street." – Robert Skaf.
"Let's all remember that it was Paul Martin and Jean Chretien who stopped the national housing strategy." – Andrew Foulds
"We have increased by 35 per cent, funding to veterans." – Richard Harvey
"We're very committed to supporting veterans in their communities.” – Patty Hajdu
"We ask our veterans ... to do very difficult things. Many, many of them carry a a very heavy burden." – Andrew Foulds
"Closing veterans’ offices was shameful." – Andrew Foulds
"If the veterans have asked for their office in Thunder Bay and other places to stay open, be it." – Robert Skaf
"I see very clearly how we have been most unkind to people who put their lives on the line for us." – Bruce Hyer
"There is no way I would run for a party that would (tell) me what to do." – Robert Skaf
"I believe you vote for the person and I do believe you vote for a party." – Andrew Foulds, on floor crossing
"If TBSN wants to elect an independent voice, they have an option here.” – Patty Hajdu
"I will not apologize for my desire to serve the public," – Andrew Foulds, called out by Andy Wolff for not resigning his council seat to run federally
"We would double CPP immediately for everyone." – Bruce Hyer
"We will roll back the age of retirement from 67 to 65." – Andrew Foulds
"Without affordable housing seniors spend a disproportionate amount of their income on (rent)." – Patty Hajdu
"I saw many Liberal MPs sobbing, sobbing.” – Bruce Hyer on whipped Bill C-51 vote
"I stand shoulder to shoulder with my NDP colleagues in opposing Bill C51 .. This is bad legislation and bad for Canadians." -- Andrew Foulds
"You can disagree with your team ... but you have to be prepared for the consequences and move on." – Patty Hajdu, criticizing Bruce Hyer for crossing the floor
"No candidate stands alone. No MP stands alone." – Richard Harvey
"I don't think people of TBSN want people who won't stand up for principles when it's time for that to happen." – Richard Harvey
"The real root cause of mental health problems is poverty." – Patty Hajdu
"We are in desperate need of funds and it's because of a lack of affordable housing in Thunder Bay." – Patty Hajdu
"Basically it's a reset button," – Richard Harvey on prorogation
"Absolute power corrupts and it certainly has corrupted Mr. Harper.” – Bruce Hyer
"Prorogation is a normal parliamentary process ... What becomes difficult if it's done for political purposes.” – Andrew Foulds
"I don't trust the NDP or the Liberals to implement electoral reform." – Bruce Hyer
"Within 5 blocks of the CN Tower there are more votes than in all of North. Ontario ... Simple proportional government is not the answer.” – Richard Harvey
"It does come down to do we study further or do we place emphasis on prevention and prosecution?" – Richard Harvey on murdered and missing women indigenous women
"We certainly do need a national inquiry into murdered and missing Aboriginal women." – Bruce Hyer
"All I can tell you is the wheel of justice moves very, very slowly." – Robert Skaf
"In my view First Nation people should be more active and more vocal if they want to accomplish anything," -- Robert Skaf, encouraging Aboriginals to keep speaking out about the lack of a murdered and missing women inquiry.
"I think by and large people are OK with paying taxes, as long as they see value in the spending.” – Andrew Foulds
"In some cases the advertising has been well spent. In some cases it's questionable.” – Richard Harvey
"It's very clear that Mr. Harper is a very dangerous man who will do anything to seek and hang onto power." – Bruce Hyer
"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.” – Robert Skaf
"I'm concerned about all those cars with oil going through this community. That scares me." – Richard Harvey, on Energy East
"I also believe we need to have a thorough environmental assessment.” – Patty Hajdu on Energy East
"The environmental assessment has been absolutely gutted by omnibus bills.” – Andrew Foulds
"We are committed to a $1 billion investment to the Ring of Fire over the long term.” – Andrew Foulds
"We will enshrine water as a basic human right.” – Andrew Foulds
"I have a vision for a Thunder Bay and Canada that's more prosperous ... and no one is left behind." – Bruce Hyer
"Just wear a poppy for Nov. 11," -- Veteran Roy Lamore, after audience member outburst at moderator cutting him off.
"For the first time in history our children are not better off than us." – Robert Skaf.
"Right now, everybody seems to want to beat me, which is an interesting position to be in.” – Richard Harvey
