Six out of seven of the candidates running in the provincial election in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke attended a virtual debate this week hosted by the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce. The virtual event was followed by an in-person meet and greet at the Clarion Hotel in Pembroke, on Thursday, May 19th, 2022, exactly two weeks ahead of the provincial election set for June 2nd, 2022.
The only candidate missing from the virtual zoom debate was Murray Reid of the Ontario Provincial Confederation of Regions Party. Each candidate had 90 seconds to answer a variety of questions about labour shortages, community partnerships, bringing funding to the region and aspirations for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke.
Anna Dolan of the Green Party focused her responses on protecting the environment and natural resources of Renfrew County for future generations to come. Dolan talked about putting people and planet first with priorities such as healthcare, education, support for elders and people with disabilities with pharma care and dental care plans. Dolan says the Green Party is focused on preserving the land and adds you can’t pave over good land and hope to have an economy in the future. Dolan talked about attracting young people and immigrants to the riding by making sure we have all the services the city has such as equal access to healthcare and strong education. Dolan says it’s also important to promote the many benefits of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke such as the lakes, rivers and forests.
Liberal Oliver Jacob talked about how his party wants to invest in rural Ontario. Jacob says the Conservatives want to spend $10-billion on a new highway that would save drivers in the GTA less than one minute. Jacob also talked about how recent projects, such as the Highway 417 twinning and expansion at St. Joes High School in Renfrew were prepared under the Liberal government, but announced, by the Conservatives in the final stages. In terms of supporting businesses, the Liberal candidate mentioned supports for businesses and employees and providing 10 paid sick days with up to $200 a day in provincial funding to support the initiative. Jacob also talked about reversing cuts and supporting mental health and addictions supports in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke.
Kade MacWilliams of the Ontario Party says he decided to run because he saw a lack of accountability in politics and wants to represents local residents instead of towing the party line. He says infrastructure in the province is crumbling, 4-lanes of traffic through Renfrew County is important to attract business, with access to high speed internet an issue for many. MacWilliams says the Ontario Party will promote skilled trades and more opportunities closer to home. He talked about streamlining OSAP funding for the most in demand programs and offering more programs to address the lack of workforce. MacWilliams wants to bring business back to Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. He says manufacturing buildings are empty and a lot of small businesses can’t afford fuel and insurance rates.
New Blue candidate Thomas O’Conner was born and raised in Renfrew County and has worked as a paramedic for over a decade. O’Conner talked about the terrible roads in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke and how injured patients would bounce up in down in the back of the ambulance. The New Blue candidate raised concerns about cramming 30 to 40 kids into a classroom or portables, rising hydro costs and poor internet connection in the riding. O’Conner also talked about getting rid of the carbon tax, removing red tape around small and medium sized businesses and staying open long enough so kids can receive a proper education.
NDP Candidate Kurt Stoll talked about healthcare, education and keeping elderly in their homes longer. Stoll says schools need physical upgrades and the NDP wants to invest in upgrades such as handrails, lifts and additional funding so people can get the care they need at home. Stoll says it’s important to get education right and talked about a plan to cancel interest on OSAP loans and create paid internship and co-op positions so trained students can work their way into the workforce. The NDP candidate also talked about improving partnerships with agricultural producers and creating ties with universities and the campus at Chalk River.
Incumbent Conservative John Yakabuski talked about his track record in municipal politics since he was elected to represent the riding almost 20-years ago. Yakabuski talked about the importance of transportation and referenced the expansion of Highway 417 between Renfrew and Arnprior. In terms of worker shortages and demand for skilled trades, Yakabuski spoke about the recent investment to Algonquin College in Pembroke to train skilled workers in the forestry industry. Yakabuski also talked about a plan to ensure every home in the province has access to high speed internet by 2025 annd referenced the many connections he’s made with local residents during his time in office.
Advance voting is now open for the June 2nd provincial election.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)
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Voter information cards mailed to residents in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke