Shut Up And Listen 171

Interviews With Politicians

Well, I told you I'd do it and I did. I e-mailed the four candidates in my riding for the upcoming Canadian federal election, asking for an interview and amazingly enough, they all said yes. The only set-back is this: only two actually answered my questions. I'd give them some more time, but the election is tomorrow, so their time is kind of up. Anyways, here are the two interviews that I did get completely. Enjoy.

Interview With Rebecca Bromwich Of The Green Party

Chad Nevett: Tell us a little about yourself.

Rebecca Bromwich: I'm 27 years old. I live in the Old South area of London with my husband and dog. We are expecting a baby in October. I work as a lawyer, practicing in the areas of family, immigration and refugee law. My husband is a doctor, doing his specialty training. I am involved in the London community as founding Chair of the Board of the Association for the Elimination of Hate and sit on the Board of the St. Leonard's Society, among other things. I am also Southwestern Ontario's Chair of the Young Lawyer's Division of the Ontario Bar Association. I have an LL.B. (law degree) and LL.M. (Masters in law) from Queen's. I also have a B.A. (Hon.) in anthropology from the University of Calgary.

Why have you chosen to run for Parliament?

I am committed to the vision of the Green party for a better Canada and a better world. Environmental concerns are not marginal but urgent. I want our baby to live in a world that has not been degraded by climate change. I was impressed by the progressive scope of the Green party on social issues and its practical economic solutions. I have chosen to run also because I believe I can do the job. I am committed to representing you and notwithstanding my age have the qualifications, dedication and experience to represent you well.

What, if any, plans do you have to highlight issues of importance to London?

I plan to highlight issues about urban sprawl, air quality, community health and health care. Of course, as a candidate, I am seeking to win, but as a Green party candidate, that is not my primary purpose. My first purpose is to raise and address these issues. If the other parties satisfactorily address environmental, social and economic issues, and win, this will be a Green victory.

If elected, how strictly will you adhere to party discipline?

The Green party is all about grassroots democracy and individual citizens' participation. Our party will not have "discipline" as it is traditionally conceived. Having said that, I would not be running as a Green if I did not sign on to our platform. I wholeheartedly endorse it and will work together with fellow Greens to ensure that our goals are achieved.

What is the single most important issue, do you think, in this election?

Health is definitely coming up most often when I speak with people. The Green party supports maintaining and reinforcing the integrity of our public health care system but also does not look at health care separately from community health. We will focus on prevention.

Honestly, do you think you have a chance of winning, individually and as a party?

We have surprised people already and I believe we will continue to do so. I am quite sure I would be taken seriously as a candidate and would have a good chance of being elected if I was affiliated with an old-line party, so individually I should have a great chance of winning. As a party, we are taking Canada by storm. But remember, for us, we will consider it a victory if we get 2% of the vote and the commensurate funding.

I've looked at the Green Party's agenda and it doesn't seem to be that different from that of the NDP. What are the differences between the two parties?

There are similarities between our platform and those of all the major parties but there are also important differences. We don't fall easily into a spot on the traditional political spectrum. Our economics focus on fiscal responsibility while our social policies are progressive. Our primary focus is on the environment. We would reduce income and property taxes and are not indentured to organized labour's interests, which makes us different from the NDP.

Do you think that not being invited to the national debates helped or hindered the Green Party considering the amount of press the party received because of it?

I think it hindered us, because we have a lot more to say. The press was great because it made clear that we exist, but I am confided Jim Harris was the "clear winner" everybody lamented was absent from the leaders' debate!

Why should the people of London West vote for you?

My party and I have a clear vision with a practical strategy for implementing it. Every vote counts for us. Voting "strategically" is accepting someone telling you that your democratic power is not real, that it is an illusion. You should vote for me if you want to send a message that you are not fooled, that you know you have personal and political power and that you believe things can, and must be, better than they are.

Interview With Sue Barnes Of The Liberal Party

Chad Nevett: Tell us a bit about yourself.

Sue Barnes: I have proudly represented my home riding of London West as Member of Parliament since 1993. After completing both my B.A. in English Literature and Language in 1974 and L.L.B. in 1977 from the University of Western Ontario, I practised law and was a teacher from 1979 to 1993. I am married to John Barnes and have 3 children.

Why have you chosen to run for Parliament?

As an immigrant, Canada has done so much for me. I came to Canada when I was 5 and obtained Canadian citizenship in my mid-teens. After practicing law, I felt the best way to give back to the country that has provided so much to my family and I was to run for Parliament and represent London West. I've been Member of Parliament since 1993 and I love representing the community.

What, if any, plans do you have to highlight issues of importance to London?

If elected, I will be part of a Liberal government that will follow through on its promise to provide, for the benefit of municipalities, a share of the federal gas tax (or its financial equivalent). This will benefit London. Similarly, with London's reputation as a leader in research and development and health care, I feel the Liberal party's track record and platform will help the region.

If elected, how strictly will you adhere to party discipline?

There are plenty of opportunities to shape government policy before legislation goes to a vote- in caucus, in Committee, speaking to colleagues. In addition to this, Paul Martin has been committed to democratic reform. Since he became Prime Minister, 72% of House votes have been free votes. As such, decisions on the direction to vote will depend on the situation and traditional party policy.

What is the single most important issue, do you think, in this election?

Health care.

Regarding the Sponsorship Scandal and the fact that is occurred while Paul Martin was Finance Minister: isn't it accurate to say that if Martin was involved then he's corrupt and if he was unaware of what was occurring, he's incompetent? I ask because Martin seems to place emphasis on being fiscally responsible, and given the situation, only those two options seem viable.

The Prime Minister answered this question on February 12th- the day of the release of the Auditor General's report. I have attached a link to his statement: www.pm.gc.ca/eng/news.asp?id=76.

How do you account for the vast ideological differences between members of the Liberal Party? It seems that you never know what you will get with a Liberal the same as you do with members of other more ideologically-based parties.

The Liberal Party is a fiscally conservative, socially liberal big tent party. We are defenders of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and have vowed not to use the notwithstanding clause. Members of our party are comfortable with these principles.

What are your opinions on homosexual marriage and marijuana laws?

I am for same-sex marriage and the decriminalization of marijuana.

Why should the people of London West vote for you?

I will continue to do what I have been doing for the past 11 years- work hard and honestly. I make keeping in touch with my constituents a priority. I endeavour to accomplish excellent research and policy work. My various roles and experiences as a Parliamentarian have allowed me to strongly influence government decisions.

And there are the interviews. Hopefully they've given you some information about the candidates of the London West riding. Next week: my discussion of the results of the election.