www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, October 16, 2015 | 6 The winds of change can bring a new start, a fresh focus. We believe it's time for such change in Ottawa. With the Oct. 19 federal election Monday, we are endorsing change -- at both the national and local level. Nationally, Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau has become symbolic of a fresh approach. Conversely, Conservative Party Leader Stephen Harper has had three mandates as Prime Minister and yet his party's campaign is not rooted on its record. Rather than using this historically-long campaign to focus primarily on issues that matter to Canadians -- jobs, the economy, and the environment -- the Conservatives have instead dragged out their tired repertoire of endless attack ads, sprinkled with a heavy dose of fear mongering on everything from terrorism, to refugees, and the niqab. Somewhere during the Conservatives' time in of ce, the fact our federal government exists to serve all Canadians -- including those struggling to get by -- seems to have been lost. We believe new tactics are needed to boost our languishing economy -- one in which Ontario has become a have-not province, people are struggling to hang onto jobs, investment offers few returns, costs keep climbing, businesses continue cutting and the spectre of a growing seniors population, and the demands it will bring, is looming ever larger daily while many young people remain unemployed. Health care, too, needs attention. Many don't have a family doctor, prescription medication is out-of-reach for many and mental health issues are mushrooming. Locally, Oakville incumbent Terence Young has heralded federal investment into the community and led the charge on prescription drug regulation through Vanessa's Law. Still, Oakville constituents would not be shortchanged on the health care front should Liberal John Oliver, former CEO and president of Halton Healthcare Services, take the ballot. Health care and prescription drug accessibility and affordability are high on Oliver's radar. Inclusiveness is the Canadian way forward and in the new Oakville North--Burlington riding, Liberal Pam Damoff has proved herself to be a community champion and dedicated local politician, who would represent her Burlington and north Oakville constituents well. While Damoff has been a familiar face on the local level for many years, Conservative Ef e Trianta lopoulos has recently moved to Oakville after having thrown her hat in the ring of provincial politics in Mississauga. Both Damoff and Oliver, we believe, could work well with local of cials and interest groups. Acrimony is not productive. To her credit, Oakville riding NDP candidate Che Marville is an impressive contender, while Green Party David Doel appeared to give up toward the end of the campaign. North Oakville--Burlington NDP candidate Janice Best was not strong in debates, but Green Party Adnan Shahbaz did his party credit. Oakville Libertarian candidate David Clement should also receive credit for putting his name forward. Canada and Oakville have challenges ahead -- from national security, the economy and health care, to airplane noise, the intermodal facility, jobs and local infrastructure. It is time for a fresh plan, new lens and still familiar faces who, though untried in the federal forum, are not unfamiliar to voters. We hope both would represent local voters in Ottawa while being accessible to them at home. It's your call. Whether you agree with us or not, exercise your democratic right and vote for the candidate of your choice Monday. Time for change Editorial T I M E A N D T I D "Connected to your Community" E 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington ON L7L 5Z1 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 53 | Number 83 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production SANDY PARE MARK DILLS The Oakville Harbour stood strong in rough waters as heavy winds ushered in the cooler weather two weekends ago. The winds also took their toll on trees, bringing some branches and many leaves down... which meant some early raking for many Oakville residents. | photo by Ray Peacock MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager Make an informed decision Oct. 19 On Monday (Oct. 19), Canadians will choose the next Prime Minister and select Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent their communities in the House of Commons. Here, in Halton Region, this decision is especially important -- your ballots will determine our partners in advocating for a strong Halton at the federal level. MPs act as your voice in the House of Commons, and we need their support to ensure that our taxpayers are not burdened with the high cost of growth. Provincial legislation mandates our population must grow to 780,000 by 2031, and this growth is placing an increased demand on our local services and infrastructure. In order to grow, we must ensure the infrastructure and human services required to support development are well planned and adequately nanced in advance of need. This means long-term, predictable funding commitments from both our federal and provincial partners. On Sept. 23, Halton Region sent a questionnaire to every federal election candidate running in our community. It asked candidates how they would help us address some of the local challenges associated with provincially- Proud Official Media Sponsor For: Gary Carr Halton Region Chair Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association mandated growth. These challenges include infrastructure, climate change, affordable housing, economic development and child care. The questionnaire also asked about municipal engagement and putting Halton constituents rst. As their responses came in, we posted them on our website for you to review before Election Day. Your vote counts this Federal Election, and I encourage all residents to visit the polls on Oct. 19. A strong Halton helps build a strong Canada, and this election is your opportunity to shape the future of our region and our country. I look forward to working with your elected MPs to help keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. To view candidate responses and learn more about the issues facing the Region, please visit halton.ca/election2015. Canadian Community Newspapers Association Proud Official Media Sponsor For: The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 5046 Mainway, Unit 2, Burlington ON L7L 5Z1 or via email to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. 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