Timmins-James Bay candidates squared off in a business-focused debate today.
The lunchtime event was hosted by the Timmins Chamber of Commerce and featured NDP Charlie Angus, Liberal Michelle Boileau, Conservative Kraymr Grenke, and PPC Renaud Roy. Green Max Kennedy was invited but was unable to attend.
For more than an hour, the candidates fielded questions on everything from climate change to housing, Indigenous strategies, jobs, and more.
Several questions talked about climate change, including its impact on seasonal transportation infrastructure when winter roads provide access to remote areas of the riding. Candidates were asked how they'll advance work with stakeholders in Indigenous communities.
Roy was the first to respond and said all the factors need to be taken into consideration. He noted the government has provided billions of dollars toward the work of Indigenous people.
“We need to reevaluate how that money is being invested with the Indigenous community,” he said.
Boileau said transportation, whether it's the train or flights, needs to be more affordable, and levels of service should be representative of the realities.
“One of the things we would have to look at seriously would be working with Indigenous communities that are looking to be relocated and to really advance files on the relocation of certain communities,” she said.
Having just returned from a five-day trip to the James Bay Coast, Grenke said he had a discussion with Grade 5 students about this issue.
He said they were able to identify the need for the all-season road infrastructure to ensure food viability.
“Through economic development and working with the stakeholders to ensure that that road can be built is exactly what all community members need at this point,” he said.
Angus, who is the incumbent, said he has worked extensively with Mushkegowuk to establish a permanent road, and said Kashechewan needs to be relocated. Cuts to things like the Polar Bear Express also need to be stopped, he said, adding it damages the viability of northern communities.
“We have to stop building crappy infrastructure in the northern communities. The crappy housing, the substandard infrastructure that begins to fall apart as soon as it’s built. We need to start working with communities on sustainable construction,” said Angus.
With housing supply being a significant issue as well, one question focused on what the federal government should do to help.
Grenke said it's a prevalent issue.
“As we look to expand our markets here in the north and we look for new industry, we have to ensure the housing supports are with those that want to move here,” he said.
Angus said there needs to be a national housing program, first-time homeowner credits need to be doubled, there needs to be 30-year mortgages, and HST has to be taken off new housing starts to kickstart housing investment.
“But we need to start putting new housing projects on the ground, particularly in Timmins where we see the seniors, young families and with Indigenous families as well,” Angus said.
When immigrants come to Canada, Roy said they are going to cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
He suggested establishing development that aren't completely under the control of government.
“Governments should be a facilitator and not so much the provider,” he said.
Boileau said the Liberals have introduced a national housing strategy and it's a question of maintaining and building on that.
She said there has been an additional investment for seniors housing as well.
The final question was simple.
It asked candidates why people should vote for them.
Grenke, who moved back to Timmins after his post-secondary education, said he is the opposite of out-migration.
“I love the north,” he said.
“This region is something special in my heart. There is so much opportunity here in the north, it’s unbelievable, whether you look at industries that we have, industries that we can penetrate and open up here."
Grenke wants to be a strong voice in Ottawa to ensure that the riding's goals are being met.
“This isn’t my plan, this is our plan to move forward,” he said.
Angus, who has been in office since 2004, said people need someone with experience who knows how to work Ottawa.
"I worked under minority governments, I worked under majority, I worked under Stephen Harper, I worked under Justin Trudeau. You can choose to have someone on the backbench or you can choose someone who week in, month out, is recognized in Ottawa as one of the most effective voices in Parliament because I get things done because I never lose sight of the ball,” he said.
Roy said Angus probably started at the bottom and is where he is now because of experience. He said that can happen for any of the candidates at the table.
“The main reason why people should vote for me is because a vote for me will be a vote for you. The reason I got involved in this race is that because government is overreaching on our freedoms and I want to just basically give back the power to you within your hands,” he said.
Boileau said people should vote for her because it's time.
“I’ve been hearing it on the ground that it’s time for a change and I can be that right voice,” she said. “I’ve often found myself in a room where I was the only person under the age of 35, where I was the only female, where I was the only linguistic minority, and yet I’ve still made it to the point where I’m sitting here in front of you.”
The federal election is Oct. 21. Follow our local coverage here.
Mark Rogers of Near North Media broadcast the full Timmins Chamber Debate.
That stream is available here:
