THE RIDING: Surrounding the City of Guelph, it contains the Town of Halton Hills, Townships of Centre Wellington, Guelph/Eramosa and Puslinch and the Town of Erin. FAST FACTS: Manufacturing is the mainstay of the economy. The 2006 census shows an average family income of $110,505 and an unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent. HISTORY: Wellington-Halton Hills riding was created in the 2004 redistribution from 31 per cent of Halton, 21 per cent of Waterloo-Wellington, 13 per cent of Guelph-Wellington and nine per cent of Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey. POPULATION: 111,241 (2006 census; an increase of 10.6 per cent since 2001) POLITICAL HISTORY: In 2006, Conservative Michael Chong won this riding after he received 50 per cent of the vote and defeated Liberal Rod Finnie by a margin of 11,842. Chong also won Wellington-Halton Hills in 2004, capturing 2,306 more votes than Liberal Bruce Hood. Liberal Julian Reed served three terms in Halton riding from 1993-2004. PC Garth Turner, a minister of national revenue, was elected there in 1988. Liberal Lynn Myers won in Waterloo-Wellington in 1997 and again in 2000, when he defeated Chong, who was then running as a Progressive Conservative. Myers won a third term in 2004 in Kitchener-Conestoga riding. About Wellington-Halton Hills The candidates Age: 42 Personal info: Single Residence: Georgetown Previous elected political experience (if any): None Why Im running: I am look- ing to represent Wellington- Halton Hills voters in Parliament, to be able to provide them with principled leadership and deci- sion making based on sound moral principles. Unlike most other parties that are populist and change their policies on the fly as public opinion changes, I and the CHP stand up for what is right. I am the only pro-family candidate who also is aligned with a pro-family political party. Thus I am providing voters with an opportunity to vote for me and a party that represents their principles and convictions. All political decisions are based on certain values as there is no such thing as neutrality. We simply come right out and let everyone know the principles we stand for. Age: Not provided Personal info: Not provided Residence: Fergus Previous elected political experience (if any): None Why Im running: For many years, land, air and water have been contaminated. Farmers are making less and less profit and urban sprawl and highways spread out across the land increasing the traffic congestion, fuel consumption and pollution. I cannot stand idly by and watch the beauty and health of our environment unravel. The Green Party offers a set of integrated policies that work together to provide a clean envi- ronment and a strong economy at the same time. Over the last 22 years, we have developed a comprehensive set of policies covering all the topics of govern- ment. These policies, when implemented, will turn the tide to a better future and offer us hope and opportunity. I believe this is what we need in Canada. It is for those reasons that I am running. Age: 49 Personal info: Wife Julia, two daughters Robyn and Jenny Residence: Glen Williams Previous elected political experience (if any): None Why Im running: My years of community experience and run- ning a successful Canadian com- pany have taught me that you cant make a difference unless you roll up your sleeves and give it your all. Thats why Im here. Im working hard to earn the confidence and support of the people of Wellington-Halton Hills because I think we deserve a higher standard from govern- ment. We deserve a government that stands up for Ontario. We deserve a government that pro- tects jobs, puts money back in our pockets and makes it possi- ble for communities to prosper. I believe my skills and experience will benefit this community and truly make a difference. Age: 36 Personal info: Wife Carrie Davidson; two sons William and Alistair. Residence: Township of Centre Wellington Previous elected political experience (if any): First elected to Parliament in 2004 and re- elected in 2006. Why Im running: Last election I promised to represent the peo- ple of this riding with integrity, to put Canadas interest ahead of my own. I believe Ive delivered on that. This election is a chance for people of this riding to say that, in a democracy, Members of Parliament are elected to voice and to articulate the opinions and beliefs of constituents and the dreams and aspirations of all Canadians. We need people in Ottawa who have a strong understanding of local matters and a clear national vision. We need people in Ottawa who are nation- builders, who are willing to set aside narrow interests and stand up and defend Canadas interests, so that we, as Canadians, can build a better Canada for our children. Age: 59 Personal info: Separated with four children. Residence: Fergus Previous elected political experience (if any): Served as a member of the Provincial Parliament 1990-1995. Why Im running: I am run- ning for the New Democrats because I want to join Jack Layton and our team who are fighting to make life better for families by supporting a vision of hope and optimism and who will put the priorities of the kitchen table ahead of the board- room table. As well, for real change for the economy, health care and for the environment. To build a Canada that looks after one another that is as compas- sionate at home as it is competi- tive abroad. Brent Bouteiller (Green Party) Bruce Bowser (Liberal) Michael Chong (Conservative) Noel Duignan (New Democratic Party) Jeffery Streutker (Christian Heritage) 8 Acton/Georgetown, Friday, October 3, 2008