Five of the seven candidates in the Courtenay-Alberni riding focused primarily on the economy, small business, and crime during a respectful all-candidates forum at North Island College in Courtenay on Tuesday (April 8).
The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted the event at the Stan Hagen Theatre on campus, as one of a handful of forums in the area, as the Comox Valley is situated in two ridings - Courtenay-Alberni and North Island-Powell River - for the upcoming federal election on April 28.
Conservative Party candidate Kris McNichol and Teresa Knight of the Animal Protection Party of Canada declined to attend the event.
During his closing remarks, NDP incumbent candidate Gord Johns directed some of his message to the two absent candidates and noted that "skipping out on (the forum) is disrespectful. Showing up and being accountable matters."
The candidates received five questions in advance of the forum, and audience members were able to submit questions at the end using an interactive app.
Candidates spoke about potential legislative changes to reduce crime and ways to improve safety for businesses.
Both Johns and Green Party candidate Chris Markevich addressed crime and theft in small businesses as it lies in addressing the root causes: mental health, poverty, homelessness and colonization.
Johns suggested having parity in coverage for both mental and physical health in the healthcare system, and Markevich noted he supported having a guaranteed livable income.
Christian Heritage Party of Canada candidate Jesse Musial said he believes one of the root causes of crime in communities is the breakdown of community and family.
"(It's) one of the leading causes that lead to mental health issues. Drug addiction, homelessness are childhood trauma, due to the breakdown of families. And I believe that we can do more to support communities, to support families, to stay invested in one another, to address some of the issues that are currently facing families, whether it be affordability, housing ...and more we can do in our education system."
Liberal Party candidate Brian Cameron referred to his government's recent increased protection at the Canada/U.S. border, Black Hawk helicopters and the addition of a fentanyl czar to keep streets and communities safe.
"It started with the border, but the Liberal Party is going to work from the border and hone in with local communities, working in concert with the provincial government as well as our local government."
Thomas Gamble of the People's Party of Canada prefaced his answer by noting, "This is going to be a little different than most of the others."
He explained the PPC's platform does not believe in 'catch-and-release' for criminals and looks to enforce laws properly, not in a two-tier justice system.
"Contrary to popular belief, self-defence is a God-given right in this country ...the People's Party platform includes measures to promulgate the measures of self-defence as well as enabling Canadians to carry the means by which to do that."
As for ways to reduce governmental red tape and encourage investment and job creation, Markevich suggested shifting away from tax and personal income, to taxing excess profits of large corporations, and focusing on paying employees living wages.
"We also want to look at closing loopholes on corporate taxation rules that benefit large tech companies and banks."
Musial also stated that he would advocate for tax breaks for individuals creating jobs through small and medium-sized businesses, while emphasizing that he would first consult extensively with constituents to understand the concerns hindering local economic growth.
Cameron said he would build off the Liberal platform of breaking down inter-provincial trade barriers, while Gamble advocated for a simplified tax code along with a zero per cent inclusion on the capital gains rate.
Johns spoke about his experience advocating to implement the merchant fee reduction on credit cards.
"I helped, along with your chamber here, lead that charge to cap merchant fees. Never did you hear a Conservative take on Visa or MasterCard - you will never see that happen; they will never call out corporate greed."
He added that Canada has the lowest corporate tax in the G7, which needs to change, as he noted small businesses are job creators.
"If the NDP aren't (in Parliament), the government will look like a corporate boardroom."
Audience questions included protections for LGBTQ2S+ rights and inclusive workplaces and plans to address climate change in ways that support sustainable growth.
For the full reply of the forum, visit the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce's social media pages.
