Questions for Provincial Election Candidates

To help subscribers to Cobourg News Blog decide on who to vote for, I have asked all candidates four key questions.  Starting on May 14 and continuing for about 10 days, I will publish their answers and you will be able to assess their policies.  To keep it fair, the length of each answer will be limited to 250 words and each post will cover just one topic.  In the event a candidate does not respond by the deadline, I will instead publish my best effort on determining their party’s policy on the subject.  In addition to looking for these posts in the next two weeks, there are at least two all Candidate meetings where you can put your own questions to the Candidates.

Questions and Posting Dates

  • What are your Policies to improve the Province’s Health System?  Answers published May 14
  • How will you make Housing more affordable? Answers published May 17
  • What are your policies on the Environment and Sustainability? Answers published May 20
  • How will you ensure Seniors get good Long Term Care? Answers published May 23

Resources

Cobourg Internet has a page with up-to-date election facts. Includes candidate information and Contact details. Also listed are the “All Candidate Meetings” and the results of previous elections.

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Opinions
1 year ago

Plans for improving our local classrooms – capping class sizes? Increasing number of teachers?
Protection of green spaces – eliminating the development of more highways and instead improving/upgrading public transportation? Reduction of carbon emissions strategies for Northumberland?
Indigenous relations and social services included in their plans and budget?
Any plans to improve high speed internet in Northumberland?

cornbread
1 year ago

What sre thier plans to promote Ontario as the place to build your manufacturing plant, your distribution warehouse, etc. We must offer educated workers…in the trades for businesses to locate in Ontario. How about less provincial “red tape” and less municipal “red tape”. How many refineries does Ontario have…we don’t need more good land grab solar farms or bird killing windmills in this province.

Keith Oliver
Reply to  cornbread
1 year ago

Cornbread

To keep to the subject and intent of this blog put your concerns in the form of a direct question such as “what is your party ready to do to increase well paying jobs in Ontario that other have not proposed?'”

You offer a good question but then you answer it.

John has put forward four questions. Wait to hear the answers. His second question about creating more affordable housing might be an important factor in attracting more employers to Ontario.

cornbread
Reply to  Keith Oliver
1 year ago

Hi Keith…Over the past 50 years, federal and provincial politicians have piled billions of dollars of debt onto the people of Canada. Perhaps our politicians are not as smart as they should be. Perhaps they need the questions and answers as well. How come our dollar is only worth 76.5 cents US…how come no pipeline from the west to the east? How come our gadoline is about 36% higher than south of the border? How come politicians pensions are so much better than the average worker?

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Keith Oliver
1 year ago

Why would we want to attract employers whose employees must depend on “affordable” housing? Wouldn’t employers with highly paid employees be vastly preferable?

Keith Oliver
Reply to  Ken Strauss
1 year ago

Ken

” …employers with high paid employees … ” vastly preferable to what?

A healthy, sustainable and interactive coimmunity made up of individuals from all income levels which produces a local economy in which all members participate and interact with each other?

You may be surprised but there are many whose goal in life is not to become the richest or most powerful on the planet. Their goal is to enjoy life, community, raise a family.

I consistently advocate for housing that is affordable-to-all and I mean ALL.

If Cobourg could offer that along with our well run schools, natural resources, extensive industrial lands, vibrant arts community, easy connection by road and rail to major cities, accessible and responsive local government … employers would flock here.

What they value most is a community of employees at all wage levels who want to live locally and are willing to be faithful employees in order to be able to achieve the life style they value.

Last edited 1 year ago by Keith Oliver
Ken Strauss
Reply to  Keith Oliver
1 year ago

Keith, is attracting employers who want employees “at all wage levels” the goal or do we want employers planning to pay superior wages?

Keith Oliver
Reply to  Ken Strauss
1 year ago

Ken

I believe my post just prior to yours gives you my answer.

Ken Strauss
Reply to  Keith Oliver
1 year ago

Keith, based on the historical successes of our Economic Development Department it is extremely unlikely that a significant new employer will move to Cobourg. There is no need to be concerned with what employers may favour!

Cobourg taxpayer 2
1 year ago

Thank you John for once again providing an invaluable, non-partisan service

Anne
1 year ago

Thanks for providing this coverage John!

sandpiper
1 year ago

-HOW ABOUT SENIORS GETTING AFFORDABLE CARE
-TAX DEDUCTABLE TO THEIR FAMILY
-ANNUAL COST OF LIVING INCREASE TO THEIR CPP & OAS AT MARKET RATES
-A CATCH UP FOR THE LAST 10 OR SO YEARS OF NO INCREASES

Bryan
Reply to  sandpiper
1 year ago

Sandpiper;

This is a provincial election, not federal.
The province isn’t responsible for or control CPP, OAS, GIS or the cost of living increases.

Same for taxes: mostly controlled by the Feds

That leaves “affordable care” whatever that is. Perhaps you could expand on this.

Sandpiper
Reply to  Bryan
1 year ago

May not be a Federal Election But the requests and suggestions
have to come from some where and if not from the Bottom up then
where . ?? We can at least speak to our Provincial members .
We need some one with the correct mind set .
or else You will own Nothing and Like it. .
Where have you heard that before ?

Keith Oliver
Reply to  Bryan
1 year ago

Sandpiper

As Bryan states, in our. Federal system of government, conflicts brought about by which level of government has jurisdiction is a concern often addresseed at Federal Provincial Conferences.

It’s inevitable that issues will overlap. John’s questions are very specific. Best to wait for the candidates’ answers before expressing your concerns.

Last edited 1 year ago by Keith Oliver