Federal candidates discuss issues important to women

Borgerson was the first to respond, saying his party plans to introduce affordable and accessible child care. He said the plan is to create 1-million spaces over two terms with a cost of no more than $15 a day per child.

Kirkby responded saying the NDP’s plan was a “Swiss cheese plan,” full of holes and that a balanced budget could not be achieved under their childcare plan.

According to Kirkby, his party would work with the provinces to develop a national childcare program and would create the Canada Child Benefit for families earning less than $150,000 annually.

Both candidates were also asked their thoughts on a national housing strategy.

Kirkby said the Liberals would invest in all sorts of housing, including modestly priced senior’s housing and rental accommodations.

He also stated the Liberals would provide $125 million in tax incentives for developers.

Borgerson said he was aware of an affordable housing crisis in Canada, specifically among First Nations people. To solve this, he stated the NDP would invest $4.8 million towards First Nations education stating, “Education is the key to lifting people up.”

The candidates were also asked about an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Both Kirkby and Borgerson stated their parties would call for an inquiry and create an action plan based on those findings.

Kirkby also added the Liberals would comply with all recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Report.

Borgerson said his party would not only have an Aboriginal Affairs Minister, but an entire committee.

Other questions covered such topics as environment, retirement security, national pharmacare strategies, and the long form census.

Moderator, Randi Arnot, said she was pleased with the turnout and that none of the questions were skirted by the candidates.

She said this forum was mostly presented as a way to inform candidates on what issues are most important to women.

“I guess I was impressed,” said Arnot, “And a little bit surprised at the level of knowledge that they did showed us on some of those issues.”

The federal election is on Monday.

jsperling@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jnsperling

by Jill Sperling

Federal candidates discuss issues important to women

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