Members of the Leduc/Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce got up close and personal with candidates running for election in the federal riding of Edmonton Wetaskiwin.
A luncheon was held at the Nisku Rec Center Sept. 4 that featured most of the candidates running for the Member of Parliament badge in the local riding.
Present were Travis Calliou of the Veterans Coalition Party of Canada, Neil Doell of the People’s Party of Canada, Mike Lake, incumbent, of the Conservative Party of Canada and Richard Wong, Liberal Party of Canada.
Not present were Emily Drzymala of the Green Party of Canada and Noah Garver of the New Democratic Party.
The session started with opening statements, proceeded to questions from the floor and finished with closing statements.
Neil Doell of the People’s Party of Canada
Doell said the PPC wants to be more straightforward than others and encourage free speech. He noted a U of A staff member resigned this week when they said something positive about climate change, rather than sticking to negativity.
He noted the PPC wants to focus on Canada, and less on international problems, wants Canadians to keep their tax money, promote innovation
Richard Wong, Liberal Party of Canada
Wong, who noted he is from Calmar, stated he’s been a resident of this area for decades and has a strong small business background.
He said the Liberal Party realizes small business is the engine of the economy and has a massive effect on the average Canadian.
Travis Calliou of the Veterans Coalition Party of Canada
Calliou stated he served 10 years in the Canadian armed forces and said the Veterans Coalition is a true “people’s party,” it represents all Canadians and wants to hold career politicians to account.
He said the party values truth, duty and honour and believes the current federal government system is corrupt.
Mike Lake, incumbent, of the Conservative Party of Canada
Lake said the Conservative Party’s platform is focused on the affordability of life in Canada. He said Canadians have become frustrated that life has become unaffordable.
He said while campaigning recently he met a homeowner in millet who has been unemployed for two years and is very worried he’s going to lose his home. Lake said the Conservative Party will address these issues.
Q & A
Questions posed to the candidates included can a vibrant oil and gas industry co-exist with climate change measures, how will you handle Canada’s relationship with the United States, how will you ensure Alberta’s cities get the proper attention, how will you ensure Canadian sovereignty in international affairs, describe an effective MP and how will your party handle a minority government.
Candidates then made their closing statements.