LAKELAND - An all candidates forum took place virtually on Tuesday night, offering constituents of the Lakeland riding a chance to hear from five of the six names that will be on the ballot for the Sept. 20 federal election.
The forum was hosted by the Bonnyville & District Chamber of Commerce and live streamed through Zoom.
Opening the event, Chamber of Commerce executive director Serina Parsons said the theme of the evening forum was "respect." She referred to how other election forums in the province had been cancelled, and affirmed that she wanted to ensure candidates only had to worry about responding to the questions being posed.
Starting the forum, each candidate in attendance had an opportunity for a brief introduction. Not in attendance was Green Party of Canada candidate Kira Brunner.
Candidates who took part in the forum included Des Bissonnette of the New Democratic Party, who described herself as a proud Métis woman, and noted that she wanted to be a voice for those facing poverty. She also spoke about the fight against the climate crisis, supporting seniors, and making sure "no one is left behind."
Ann McCormack was up next with her introduction. McCormack is a candidate with the People's Party of Canada. She spoke to how she felt Western Canadians continue to be taxed, but not heard. McCormack believes in decentralizing decision-making from Ottawa, and giving provinces more control. In her opening remarks, she also spoke to how she believes the carbon tax is ineffective.
Fred Sirett of the Maverick Party explained how his party is a solely Western Canada party, and will never have MPs in the East. The Maverick Party is focused on levelling the playing field for Western Canadians.
John Turvey is with the Liberal Party of Canada. In his opening comments, he noted that he felt the current election taking place is a necessary exercise to hear the voices of Canadians. With the COVID-19 pandemic and economic duress facing the country, Turvey said the government needs to take action to change the course, and to do that, feedback from Canadians is necessary.
Incument Member of Parliament Shannon Stubbs, who is with the Conservative Party of Canada, was also in attendance during the virtual forum on Tuesday night. She said that tackling rural crime will continue to be a priority for her. Agriculture and fairness for Alberta are also on the top of her priority list. She believes the Conservative Party is the only party in a position to defeat the current Liberal government.
Questions posed throughout the evening focused on the pandemic and views around mandatory vaccines and vaccine passports; federal debt; the oil industry and diversifying the economy; affordable childcare; and truth and reconciliation. A few direct questions were posed to specific candidates before the two-hour time limit was up.
"A lot of questions came through," said Parsons, while apologizing for not being able to get through all of the questions that had been submitted. She encouraged voters to continue to educate themselves and commended those who put their names forward as candidates, describing each of them as "courageous."
"As we head to the polls in an election that promises to divide us, let's not let that happen. Let's remember that understanding and love is at the heart of everything we do. We all want the same outcomes and that's togetherness," said Parsons.
The forum has been posted online by the Bonnyville & District Chamber of Commerce for all to view.
