Last night at the WAC a federal election debate was held, featuring all the candidates for the Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa riding.
Each candidate had 2 minutes for opening statements before a mixture of questions from a panel and the public were asked.
The panel featured CKDM’s James Blake, the Dauphin & District Chamber of Commerce’s Stephen Chychota, the Brandon Sun’s Drew May, and the Dauphin Herald’s Shawn Bailey.
Kerry Auriat moderated and Matt Goerzen coordinated audience questions, both are with the Brandon Sun.
The main topics from the evening were agriculture, developing industry, Indigenous issues, and cell service.
Right before the first commercial break, the candidates were asked their stance on the ag situation with China.
Green Party candidate, Kate Storey answered by saying similar canola numbers were still sold, and instead of canola, more wheat went to China. She added we need to be smart and careful when dealing with China.
Conservative Party candidate, Dan Mazier then had his input saying China does their own thing and we need to work on Canada's influence in the world.
Finally, Liberal Party candidate, Cathy Scofield Singh said Canada is moving forward and mentioned how canola sales haven't dropped.
Shortly after the first commercial break, the candidates were asked if in this campaign, they had visited any of the 14 first nations or reserves in the riding and if they had, how many.
Christian Heritage Party Candidate, Jenni Johnson, and Scofield Singh haven't visited any, the NDP's Laverne Lewycky, Mazier, and Storey have visited 2, and the PPC's Frank Godon has been to 6.
After the second commercial break, the candidates were asked about how they'll work to improve cell service.
Johnson said the CHP plans to defund the CBC and use the 500 million dollars towards infrastructure, including internet and cell phone service.
Godon wants to create competition for current internet and cell providers, which could ultimately lower prices.
Storey started her answer by expressing a need for the CBC, adding that the Green Party will look into 5G technology, but it costs to put up towers.
Scofield Singh also started by saying CBC is important, and that the Liberals plan to improve infrastructure which covers internet and cell phone service.
Lewycky made a point that improving rural cell service is 1 of 6 main priorities for the NDP.
Mazier ended the question by saying the Conservatives want to improve rural broadband service.
All candidates say they will vote for the people and won't allow themselves to be whipped into blindly voting for their party.
The debate ended with each candidate getting 2 minutes for closing remarks and a meet and greet with the candidates hosted by the Dauphin and District Chamber of Commerce.
