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Candidates say minimum wage hike not sole solution continued from p.4 expenses," said Flynn. "Dental care is something we've also been able to make available to about 70,000 more children in the province who couldn't afford it before. So minimum wage is important, it's part of the package, but it's not the entire answer." NDP candidate Che Marville said it's a difficult question to answer when you're talking about people's livelihood. She said many people are working two or three minimum wage jobs in their community. "This is not a situation where we can afford to say I don't agree in having a living wage, or this is not a way to change things. We have to have multiple solutions because people are diverse," she said. "When you have wealth, your wealth compounds and you gain more. When you have poverty, your poverty compounds and you have less. This is a reality." Marville said she personally believes minimum wage should be higher. Green Party candidate Andrew Chlobowski said raising the minimum wage to help tackle poverty is something he'd like to see. "I myself would say, `yes', we (Green Party) are OK with this kind of raise. I wouldn't trust too much the social research that my colleague quoted. I studied both science and social science and I don't have the highest opinion of social science ways of research. Basically, you can find any kind of answer anywhere, that's the problem with that." The audience was given an opportunity to pose their own questions to candidates, with about 10 people lining up for their turn. A number of questions centred around more local and social issues, such as how to make Ontario a healthier place for everyone, how to address youth mental health issues and make sure it's voiced, and what parties can do to help seniors get the care they need in their own homes. But not all residents who lined up got to ask questions because of time constraints. One was even asked to leave by moderators because in trying to ask a question, he criticized one of the candidates for not returning several of his phone calls. On the topic of making Ontario help seniors get the care they need in their own homes, both Chlobowski and Clement said they would be supportive of increasing the funds that are allocated to helping people live better and making changes and reductions in other areas so that there's a balanced budget. Scott said he'd increase the supply of longterm care, which is a fraction of the cost of keeping people in the hospital. Flynn said seniors prefer to stay at home and it's something the Liberals are investing in. "We've also committed in the 2014 budget to a $270 million increase in home and community care to do exactly what you're asking and that's to bring those services out there right to your home so you don't have to worry about long-term care or going to the hospital," said the candidate, "the service comes to you." Marville said the NDP would immediately release funding so there could be more home care and more homecare providers into the healthcare system. "There's something profoundly wrong with society when the people living the longest, who should be valued the most, have to be scrimping and begging for support," she said. Marville added how all politicians should sit down after the election to talk about how they can create a new housing model for people who are retiring and are sick. The night concluded with each candidate's closing remarks. While Flynn focused on the Liberal party platform, the others took a few shots at the current government before offering their own platform proposing change. 5 | Friday, June 6, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com A STEP BEYOND IN CARE DO YOU HAVE: Salima Kassam Reg. Chiropodist · Foot/Arch Pain? · Ingrown Toenails? · Diabetes? · Swollen Ankles? · Corns, Calluses? CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT 905-632-1414 728 Burloak Drive www.footandhealthclinic.com Same or Next Day Delivery to oakville Great big Super Sac black soil Delivery iNcluDeD Green bulk Delivery available! 3 Items up to on 1 truck! only $ buy 2 SacS Save $20! 1 1 9 4080 Fairview Street, Burlington (between Walkers & Appleby) 905-633-7226 Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10-6 · Thur.-Fri. 10-8 · Sat. 10-6 · Sun. 12-5 AMERICAN EXPRESS 1.866.465.8657 available in Super Sac & bulk Delivery! black Soil, Mulch, Decorative StoNe, SaND aND Gravel! + $5 refundable deposit on sac