To the editor:
As a candidate in the upcoming election for one of the four parties which is running candidates in all 107 ridings I find it quite insulting that the local Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce has told me that to be at the debate I must pay to get in and will not be allowed to participate in the debate itself, just at the reception.
Clearly they are insulting both the people of Thunder Bay by charging admission to hear what candidates have to say, and insulting the entire political process by leaving out a group that has been shown in polls, at times, being ahead of their ex-president (see the latest EKOS poll putting the Green Party ahead of the Progressive Conservatives in Northwestern Ontario).
I find it amazing that they think their membership doesn't want to know about the one party that is pushing to reduce payroll taxes, by far the easiest, cheapest, and best way to get cash into the pockets of small business quickly and to encourage them to hire more employees.
That they feel it is better to promote parties that failed to fully cost out all their promises rather than the one party that does have all promises costed and explains exactly where the cash will come from for each and every one.
The one party that would put in electrified rail to the Ring of Fire to save on long term costs while being environmentally friendly and enabling the largest amount of ore to be transported at the quickest pace.
The only party to push for water power from Manitoba to ensure Northwestern Ontario has more than enough power to handle anything, while reducing the cost to both business and consumers.
We are a serious party with a full platform and we have support, a local MP federally, and a determination to do what is right for the Northwest. We should be heard and not told to pay while the others get free, subsidized publicity from the local Chamber.
John Northey.
Green Party candidate,
Thunder Bay-Atikokan
