Three of the five candidates running in the Battle River-Crowfoot constituency had the opportunity to outline their positions at an all-candidates forum.
The Drumheller District Chamber of Commerce hosted the forum on Thursday, October 3 at the Badlands Community Facility. In attendance were Damien Kurek of the Conservative party of Canada, David Michaud of the People’s Party of Canada and Geordie Nelson of the Green Party. Missing from the forum were Liberal candidate Dianne Clarke and NDP candidate Natasha Fryzuk.
Each had a chance to introduce themselves and their party’s platform.
“I am running because I believe in the democratic process,” said Nelson of the Green Party who spoke first. “I believe that it works and it is important that we have variety in democracy so people have an option as an alternative to the status quo.”
He says the environment is the most important issue in the election. "In my lifetime I have seen ecological damage that has exceeded the two previous generations. I am running for the green party because it is the only party that has a real plan to face this climate emergency based on science,” said Nelson.
Michaud of the PPC spoke second. He says his children and grandchildren are the driving force behind his political aspirations.
“I feel the People’s Party of Canada is the only party with the moral and ethical courage to stand up to those responsible for the bad in the world.”
Michaud received spontaneous applause when he outlined the PPC’s position on climate change.
“Climate change is happening, but it always changes and had for millions of years,” he said.
CPC candidate Kurek focused on his party’s fiscal plan.
“We need a government that understands we shouldn’t be ashamed of our regions, and shouldn’t be ashamed of our energy on a world stage. We need a government that stands up for Ag and the world-class industry we have. We need a government that understands it is not the government’s money it spends, it’s Canadian’s money and there has to be accountability in that process.” said Kurek.
Kurek also said he believes the election is about trust.
“There is a question that every Canadian asks when they go to the ballot box, and that is ‘who do you trust?’” he said. “Well folks, you can trust the Conservatives."
