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Thursday, O ctober 15, 2015 - The IFP - H alton H ills - w w w .theifp.ca Page 11 Federal election 2015 Monday, Oct. 19 Michael Chong Conservative Profession: Member of Parliament Political Experience: First elected in 2004; re-elected in 2006, 2008 and 2011. 1. What makes you the best candidate for Wellington- Halton Hills? An MP needs to stand up for their constituents, stand up for their convictions and make tough, principled decisions. My record demonstrates that I'm prepared to do exactly that. I'm also part of a Conservative team that promised last election to create jobs and economic growth. That prom- ised to make smart, targeted investments. That promised to cut taxes. That promised to balance the budget. We've delivered on those promises. Canada's economy has created 1.3 million net new jobs since the global reces- sion-- one of the best job creation records in the G7. The majority of these new jobs are full-time positions in high- wage, private sector industries. That's why regional unem- ployment sits at 4.4%. We've increased the Universal Child Care Benefit $720 per year for each child under 18. We've introduced income splitting for seniors and for families with children. As a re- sult, federal taxes are their lowest levels in 50 years. We've done all of this while balancing the federal budget one year ahead of schedule and taking the federal debt-to- GDP ratio to its lowest level in generations. With our low-tax, balanced budget plan, we have set a job creation goal of another 1.3 million net new jobs by 2020. 2. What do you think is the biggest issue facing the riding? People have told me the biggest issues facing this riding are job creation, economic growth and managing the popu- lation growth from the GTA. Conservatives have a plan to create jobs and economic growth by keeping taxes low and budgets balanced. We've set a job creation goal of another 1.3 million net new jobs by 2020. Conservatives are the only party that will not raise taxes. In fact, Conservatives will further reduce federal taxes, to spur growth and job creation. For small businesses, we'll lower the tax rate from 11 percent to 9 percent over the next four years, providing $2.7 billion in tax relief to nearly 700,000 small businesses. For families and seniors, we'll keep in place income splitting and the enhanced Universal Child Care Benefit. We'll keep in place the enhanced Tax Free Savings Account at $10,000 per year. We'll reduce the minimum withdrawal rate out of RRIFs, so seniors can reduce their taxes and keep more of their own money for longer. Regarding the population growth from the GTA, I'm committed to continuing to work with Mayor Rick Bon- nette and Halton Hills Council to manage the growth in a way that preserves our high quality of life. Anne Gajerski-Cauley NDP Profession: Ordained Minister in The United Church of Canada Political Experience: I organized the fundraising for the former seat of Stanley Knowles [Winnipeg North Center] in the 1984 federal election after Rev. Knowles received a permanent seat in Parliament. I have worked on municipal, provincial, and federal campaigns, riding associations, and community organizations across the country ever since. This is my first time running as a candidate. 1. What makes you the best candidate for Wellington- Halton Hills? Canada lags behind many countries in the numbers of women representing citizens in national governments. The low ratio of women to men in Parliament thus shuts out the voices of half of our citizenry and the issues that are particu- lar to gender inequality. Issues of concern to women such as childcare, pay equity, violence against women, the shut down of many clinics and Status of Women offices across the country has been a particular set back for the advancement of women in Canada. In addition to this, women who serve in our mili- tary forces are particularly vulnerable to pervasive and system- ic sexual harassment and abuse that our top military leaders have turned a blind eye to. More women in Parliament would greatly address these problems that women in the country face. As a minister I have served many vulnerable people and understand how government austerity measures have deeply hurt them. I will be an advocate for those who have been left behind by this government. I am hard working, honest and in- terested in hearing peoples' experiences and opinions. What is more, I believe in the governance of common sense to solve many problems. 2. What do you think is the biggest issue facing the rid- ing? The Trans-Pacific Partnership is the biggest threat to this riding's economic well being. We have already seen the impact the European trade agreement has had on dairy farmers in Canada as well as the illegal importation of whey protein that violates our laws. This has been a real concern from the dairy farmers and allowing American milk into our market without giving our farmers equal access to their market is unfair and will have an absolutely devastating impact on our farmers. The same with our poultry and egg producers. Farmers do not be- lieve the Conservative Government's assurances. That is why they brought their cows to Ottawa. The Liberals have said they will support supply management but their website indicates that they wish to avoid barriers to trade, one of which is supply management which the Americans and New Zealanders want on the table. They have not explained how they square their promises with this. The NDP is saying very clearly in any trade deals that supply management is off the table. We will protect these industries, just as the Japanese protect their rice and the Americans their sugar sectors. Don Trant Liberal Profession: Retired family doctor and corporate executive Political Experience: Advisor to many government bodies. 1. What makes you the best candidate for Wellington- Halton Hills? I entered this race to achieve change and return to the best of Canadian values; those now offered by Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party. One year ago, entering politics was not on my mind. Newly retired as a family doctor and hospital CEO, I didn't need a job and was not a politician. But under Harper's government, sup- ported by Mr. Chong, the decline in our democratic processes is alarming. Policies are based on ideology, not evidence. Veterans are disrespected. The economy sputters while the national debt has grown by over $150 billion. We've seen inaction on climate change, muzzled scientists and the long form census shut down. Our once proud international reputation is in tatters. Our current representative may claim to speak against these wrong-headed policies, but he has been either unwilling or inef- fective. Mr. Harper is not listening and our interests and aspira- tions aren't served. Having lived and worked here for 35 years, I understand Wel- lington-Halton Hills. This contrasts with the NDP candidate who does not live in this riding. In this riding, a vote for Don Trant will really count to create change. A split among voters who want change will return Harp- er to Ottawa. 2. What do you think is the biggest issue facing the riding? We need a government and a local MP committed to mak- ing Canada a better place to live. The Liberal Party will restore fair and open government, act on climate change, bring tax fairness, and stimulate economic growth and job creation. Liberals will introduce the most significant infrastructure in- vestment in Canadian history-- an additional $60 billion over 10 years-- to build environmental projects, roads, bridges and se- niors' housing. In this riding, the investment will be greater than the Conservatives have delivered and much more than the other parties have promised. The Conservatives and NDP offer austerity and cuts. The Lib- eral plan is for growth and responsive government. The Liberal plan offers lower taxes for the middle class. The Liberal Canada Child Benefit will give nine out of ten Canadian families more money each month, tax free, than the Conserva- tive plan. Youth employment will be a priority and seniors will be secure with an enhanced Canada Pension Plan and no change to their pension income splitting. Under Harper and Chong we are losing the Canada we cher- ish. A Liberal government will bring real change. We can do so much better for our children, our grandchildren and for our place in the world. Visit dontrant.liberal.ca