Q & A with election candidates

What can you do for the people of the Prince Albert riding if elected?
As a member of a re-elected Conservative Government, I will focus immediately on implementing four key priorities for Canadians. These priorities are (i) our low-tax plan for jobs and economic growth to complete the recovery and protect and create jobs now; (ii) our low-tax plan for families that focuses on supporting Canadian seniors by enhancing the Guaranteed Income Supplement and cracking down on elder abuse (iii) our low-tax plan to eliminate the deficit while protecting Canada’s universal health-care system by maintaining 6 per cent annual increases in federal transfers to the provinces and territories; and (iv) to bundle and pass within Parliament’s first 100 days the key crime reduction bills that the Layton/Duceppe/Ignatieff Coalition has obstructed.

What do you see as the most important aspect of being an MP?
The most important aspect of being an MP is assisting constituents on both the local and the national level. I made a conscious effort following my election in 2008 to provide federal assistance in all areas of our riding, including those areas which are distant from our province’s urban centres. I have provided passport application services through onsite passport clinics throughout our riding. I have also worked very closely with our riding’s health regions to ensure that foreign doctors’ working visas proceeded through the immigration process in a timely manner.
My offices in Prince Albert and Nipawin provide a variety of federal services to constituents. An example of service which I and my office were proud to undertake was assisting adoptive parents during the Government of Canada’s rescue of Haitian children following Haiti’s devastating earthquake. The resiliency of the children and their adoptive parents during this very stressful time was truly remarkable.

When it comes to health care, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions,
With regard to health care, the biggest issue the Prince Albert riding continues to face is an ongoing shortage of health professionals. To address this shortage, we announced in Budget 2011 that we will attract new doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners to our community by forgiving a portion of federal student loans for those who agree to practice in under-served rural or remote areas. Unfortunately, Jack Layton’s NDP, the Bloc Québécois and the Ignatieff Liberals chose to have a useless election instead of improving health care in rural Canada.
A re-elected Conservative Government will therefore reintroduce this program through the tabling of its budget. We will also increase federal funding for health care by 6 per cent annually beyond 2014 to protect Canada’s universal public health care system.

When it comes to the environment, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for this riding?
In regard to the environment, I am very proud that Darryl Hickie, Jim Scarrow and I worked very closely to secure $24 million through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to upgrade the existing water treatment plant in Prince Albert to ensure the safe quality of the City’s drinking water.
Unlike the NDP, a Conservative Government will not implement environmental policies which transfer natural resource wealth out of Western Canada. Mr. Layton’s cap-and-trade carbon tax system will cost Canadians $21 billion over five years.

When it comes to crime, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for the Prince Albert riding?
Our law-abiding citizens expect to live in a community where they don’t have to look over their shoulders as they walk down the street, and where their children are protected against predators. In spite of NDP/Bloc/Liberal obstruction, we passed a number of important measures to protect the vulnerable, and to hold criminals accountable.
Prior to this unnecessary election, our Government was attempting to pass other pieces of legislation to protect society and hold criminals accountable, including bills to end house arrest for serious and violent criminals, eliminate pardons for serious criminals, establish tougher sentences and mandatory jail time for sexual offences against children, strengthen the handling of violent and repeat young offenders, and streamline long and complex trials to ensure justice is delivered swiftly.
A re-elected Conservative Government will bundle and pass within Parliament’s first 100 days the key crime reduction bills that the NDP, Bloc Québécois and Liberals obstructed in Parliament.

The long-gun registry, what should be done with it and how does it affect people in the Prince Albert riding?
Unlike Jack Layton’s NDP, I and the Conservative Party believe the long-gun registry treats honest law-abiding hunters and farmers as common criminals, and therefore must be scrapped.
To date, our efforts to scrap the long-gun registry have been blocked in Parliament by Jack Layton’s NDP, the Bloc Québécois, and the Ignatieff Liberals. Conservative MP Candice Hoeppner’s bill to end the long-gun registry was defeated by two votes, as NDP MPs from rural ridings broke promises to their constituents, and voted with Jack Layton to keep the registry.
A re-elected majority Conservative Government will therefore introduce legislation to scrap the long-gun registry once and for all.

If elected, how will you bring forward the needs of the Aboriginal community as you represent the riding?
I am proud to have been a member of a Government which took action to strengthen the rights of Canada’s aboriginal peoples, including a formal endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in a manner fully consistent with Canada’s constitution and laws, an independent tribunal with the power to make binding decisions on specific claims and compensation, part of our successful efforts to speed up the resolution of outstanding specific claims, extension of protection under the Canadian Human Rights Act to people on reserve, and legislation to extend to women living on reserve the same matrimonial property rights held by other Canadian women.
Building on the steps we’ve taken to ensure that aboriginal Canadians enjoy the same rights as other Canadians, we will introduce, as government legislation, Conservative MP Kelly Block’s bill requiring the publication of the salaries and expenses of First Nations Chiefs and Councillors.

Describe your relevant background
Born in Prince Albert, Randy received a business administration certificate through the University of Saskatchewan, and a Chartered Director’s designation (C.Dir.), which he completed through McMaster University’s Chartered Directors College.
He worked in the farm machinery business for 14 years, all the while maintaining an interest in his family’s farm. Randy purchased his family’s business in 2000, expanded it, and established a custom spraying and trucking business. He firmly believes in supporting farm organizations which benefit the growth of agriculture in Canada.
First elected to the House of Commons in 2008, most recently Randy served as a Member of two Standing Committees — Agriculture and Agri-Food, and Natural Resources.
Active in his community, Randy served as the former Chairman of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association (WCWGA), as well as represented the rural municipality of Canwood as the agent to the Agriculture Producer Association of Saskatchewan.
Randy and his wife, Jerri, have raised two children.

Valerie Mushinski, NDP

What is/are the biggest issue(s) facing the riding?
The two most important issues facing the Prince Albert riding are the sustainability of the health care system and the restoration of infrastructure.

What can you do for the people of the Prince Albert riding if elected?
My commitment is to engage with people and communities throughout the riding to address the issues that face them in their everyday lives. My role will be to bring people, programs and various levels of government together to identify how best to resolve issues in a meaningful way. I would advocate for federal programs and policies that are practical, doable and effective..

What do you see as the most important aspect of being an MP?
Engaging with people with varying perspectives to address local, regional, provincial and national issues with results that benefit the people and the country.

When it comes to health care, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for the riding?
The escalating demand on health care services and the shortage of physicians and nurses are of paramount importance. The utilization of hospital beds for long term care needs is creating a crisis in our health care system. The NDP will establish a new federal home care transfer to guarantee a basic level of home care services and also initiate a new federal long-term care transfer to address the shortage of quality care spaces. The NDP will double the funding for forgivable loans under the Home Adaptation for Seniors’ Independence Program. In addition an Intergenerational Home Forgivable Loan program up to $35,000 to retrofit homes for senior family members. The NDP will also work with the provinces to address the cost of prescription medications.
The shortage of doctors and nurses will be addressed through training an additional 1,200 doctors and 6,000 nurses plus increasing training spaces for other health care professionals.

When it comes to the environment, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for this riding?
Climate change is being realized in our everyday lives and being talked about at our kitchen tables. People want to make a difference in their approach to the environment so that their children and grandchildren have a clean, sustainable environment. The NDP will adopt the Climate Change Accountability Act that will significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will be done by using a cap-and -trade system that ensures a level playing field for North American businesses. Revenues realized from this system will be re-invested in green technologies, home energy efficiency retrofits, cleaner energy production, and green jobs. As this transition will take time oil and gas will continue to play a role in the medium term. Bulk exports of oil and gas will be discouraged and value added products will be encouraged to maximize economic benefits here in Canada.

When it comes to crime, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for the Prince Albert riding?
The feeling of safety is the primary issue for the community. The NDP will invest in a balanced approach based on prevention, policing, and prosecution. There will be an increase in funding for crime prevention programs to $100 million per year. There will be an increase of up to 2,500 new police officers. Legislation will be introduced to make gang recruitment illegal.

The long-gun registry, what should be done with it and how does it affect people in the Prince Albert riding?
The long gun registry is a controversial issue. In my discussions with long gun owners there are some that believe the gun registry should be maintained and other long gun owners who believe it should be discontinued. Regardless of the sentiment there seems to be agreement that the registration process is fraught with problems and that non-compliance with the registration should not be a criminal offence.

If elected, how will you bring forward the needs of the Aboriginal community as you represent the riding?
As the MP I will meet with the various Chiefs and Councils, as well as aboriginal organizations and people. Through these engagements, issues and potential solutions will be identified. As the MP my responsibility will be to champion these potential solutions to a positive conclusion.

Describe your relevant background
I have extensive experience working with various local, regional, provincial, and national entities to address issues that affect people, communities and sectors. These experiences have resulted in practical and cost effective processes and results. I have significant experience in managing multi-million dollar budgets. My extensive leadership experience is one of enabling visions to become realities. I was honoured to receive a Centennial Merit medal for my contributions.

Ron Wassill, Liberal

What are the biggest issues facing the riding?
In terms of the role that the federal government can play in the lives of local residents of Prince Albert, the Liberal Platform (which is available at www.liberal.ca) is centered on addressing the needs of Canadian families, and I believe the most important federal issues facing the Prince Albert region are 1) increasing federal funding to protect universal Medicare and 2) providing families with financial support for childcare, care for seniors, and post-secondary education.

What can you do for the people of the Prince Albert riding if elected?
A Liberal government has committed to a significant increase in healthcare funding, to create the Learning Pass to help Canadians in post-secondary education, to create a Family Caregiver Program program (similar to EI Maternity Leave Program), and I will support those Liberal initiatives.
　
What do you see as the most important aspect of being an MP?
As an MP, I will always be happy to help local residents with any problems they are having, and I will faithfully represent Prince Albert residents in Parliament.

When it comes to health care, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for the riding?
The Liberal Party has committed to increase funding for healthcare across the board, and locally, we have to ensure that sufficient funding is made available to attract and hire more doctors and nurses, so that more medical services can be provided locally in the Prince Albert region.

When it comes to the environment, what are the biggest issues and some suggestions solutions, for the Prince Albert riding?
We have to make protecting the Canadian environment a higher priority. We have to ensure that we continue to protect the fragile environmental resources of Prince Albert and Northern Saskatchewan, and the Liberal Platform details the many initiatives which a Liberal Government would undertake to improve protection of our environment.

When it comes to crime, what are the biggest issues and some suggestions solutions for the Prince Albert riding?
Lower local crime should be a priority and we need to ensure cooperation between all levels of government on crime prevention strategies, including funding youth programs that will deter gang recruitment and give young people an opportunity to be more involved in their community.

The long-gun registry, what should be done with it and how does it affect people in the Prince Albert riding?
Most police forces in Canada support the gun registry, and attest to its value in reducing crime and protecting officers dealing with dangerous situations, but more should be done to simplify the registry process.

If elected, how will you bring forward the needs of the Aboriginal community as you represent the riding?
Prince Albert has a strong Aboriginal community and I would work closely with local Aboriginal groups and First Nations & Metis Leaders to ensure that federal government initiatives are properly coordinated to efficiently deliver services in the Prince Albert region.

Describe your relevant background.
As a municipal politician and long-time activist in various community and charitable organizations, I have provided a lifetime of public service to residents of the Prince Albert region, and I have diverse business experience. I was a long time councillor and mayor of Zenon Park, and as an MP, I will provide a strong voice for local Prince Albert regional issues in Ottawa. I have lived in the Prince Albert region all of my life and am fully bilingual, and I share the values of local residents. I have a solid record of community advocacy which includes being one of the founding members of the Economic Development Committee of Zenon Park, and I am also a board member and past president of the Pasquia Regional Provincial Park.
At my core, I hold deeply traditional family values. I am as a husband, a father, an uncle, a great-uncle, and a grandfather. Providing greater opportunity and financial support for families is my number 1 priority. I am a member of the 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus and currently serve as the Faithful Controller for the Zenon Park Assembly. I have played and coached in various hockey leagues, as well as having been involved in baseball and curling.

Myk Brazier, Green

What is/are the biggest issue(s) facing the riding?
Water , Air and Soil quality – Cost of living.

What can you do for the people of the Prince Albert riding if elected?
Work to create a more sustainably sourced decentralized and dependable power grid, Develop a diversified local food economy which in turn would renew the small scale organic family farm – which is our birthright in Saskatchewan.

What do you see as the most important aspect of being an MP?
Listening

When it comes to health care, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for the riding?
We need to focus on prevention and education – a healthy diet is the best medicine – period. We also need to ensure that incentives are in place to keep doctors in our rural locations and broaden our health care system to include – homeopathy, naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic etc. which takes the emphasis off solving all problems with pharmaceuticals.

When it comes to the environment, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for this riding?
Water , Air and Soil quality – ensuring everyone has clean drinking water (not selling off our water rights with free -trade scams).
It is important that we protect our environmental heritage from corporations who would profit off the exploitation of the land and leave us with a mess.

When it comes to crime, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for the Prince Albert riding?
Prevention and Education are key to preventing crime. We need to strengthen communities and make sure people don't have to struggle to make ends meet to the point where they must rely on desperate acts to try to get some relief . Rehabilitation in a Farm setting would be far better than a harsh prison environment.

The long-gun registry, what should be done with it and how does it affect people in the Prince Albert riding?
The Long-gun registry is a huge waste of money!

If elected, how will you bring forward the needs of the Aboriginal community as you represent the riding?
I believe the aboriginal communities (as well as other communities) must have access to tools and information to build strong, healthy communities where everyone has good food , affordable – efficient housing and clean drinking water. The tools for independent living are the key to self -sufficiency – we need a healthy environment to make our living from the land!

Describe your relevant background
I'm a hard workin' homesteader who sees the results of his labour everyday – I want everyone to be able to see the results of their labour – and not to struggle so hard that you have no time for your beloved families.

Craig Batley, Canadian Action

What is/are the biggest issue(s) facing the riding?
0. Illiteracy.. and balancing progress with ethical behaviour.
1. Rising costs in general. Taxes, Food, fuel, energy, health, basic needs, real estate, infrastructure and little things are becoming hardships for many, notably in the public sector. An obvious lack of fair exchange for labour.
2. Personal debt and government debt at the City, municipal, provincial / federal levels.
3. GMO crops and wheat, rising costs, flooding and a myriad of frustrating problems in agriculture / forestry.
Prices in the stores rise but producers remain in debt / receive unequal profit for their labour / large corporations like Monsanto, etc. make out like bandits internationally.
More attention needs to be given to ideas and solutions from the people draining the swamp, instead of ivory tower folks in Ottawa the U of S and the banks.
4. Globalization (international reg.) the “global food distribution system” is a mess.
Finance mini-business and individuals. Support local.

What can you do for the people of the Prince Albert riding if elected?
My policy and that of the Canadian Action Party is that..”we deliver what we promise.”
Concrete assurances of prosperity are out of the question presently.. We will not smile in your face, promise the moon, then stab you in the back.
We advocate banking reforms that would easily get Canada out of debt.. almost immediately by utilizing the Bank of Canada's intrinsic ability to do so and controlling our own $ supply.
I can swear to be worthy of trust and put the well-being of your children and your children's children ahead of mine and yours. As opposed to sending them to war. “We will be sending our children's chlildrens grandchildren to this war.” Stockwell Day (on CPAC as Minister of Public Safety)

What do you see as the most important aspect of being an MP?
Empathy. Period. Real leadership is followed because of the example it sets.
One sided logic sees one side of the game.
Two sided logic delves in the stances taken by both sides.
Pan determined logic is more concerned with the welfare and possibilities for everyone on the board..and future consequence for all the players.
Empathy. Period.

When it comes to health care, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for the riding?
“The cholesterol myth”, proper diet and a less vicarious lifestyle amongst the public, over prescription of pharmaceuticals; “The most astonishing disaster in Health” is not its demise as a just social program it's the vested interests & fixed ideas amongst the old guard in the system …from WHO, WHMO to the AMA & NIMH in the states and our own Canadian Health Authorities.
First and foremost people must take responsibility for their own physical and mental well-being.
Not leave it to the experts: and mandates from international 'authorities.'
We should listen more to the common people on the 'front line.'

When it comes to the environment, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for this riding?
1. Lack of any firm ecological policy or reliance / hasty Ivory tower decisions “PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS,” that will not ensure fair change for the use of our resources PERMANENTLY guarantying minimal pointless ecological damage.
2.Concerns re: Nuclear power or waste storage. http://www.chrisbusbywhyuraniumisbadforyou
Profit over the short or long term must be subjugated to concerns for the land and natural systems.
(Our Northern Boreal is classed scientifically as rainforest..btw)
Big corporations can lease immense quantities of resource filled land and reap profit with minor enumeration for the province. (Ceo's earn? nearly as much as the province takes in tithe?
But common people are no longer allowed to homestead / develop it themselves?
Research and development should explore local entrepreneurship and funding. Back to the land programs?
3. Fixed ideas and vested interest are being passed off as pragmatic.
Find out what the people need & want. Do and or produce it. Tax reform / 'Share the wealth.'

When it comes to crime, what are the biggest issues and some suggested solutions, for the Prince Albert riding?
The real issue is stopping crime at the grass roots. Just because something is legal does not make it right.
Banks, Big Corporations, politician’s..professionals “get away” with things. The common criminal gets bigger penalties. “No End in Sight”
Any decent lawyer freely admits that there is precious little if any “justice.”
No bonuses raises or funding to programs and individuals who are not getting results.
We should not have to fear the law & CSE or face undue hardship to support unjust infrastructure.
The good men in our security and police forces are frustrated at the hopelessness. There should be more viable solutions.
Is honesty a thing of the past? http://www.theworldaccordingtomonsanto

The long-gun registry, what should be done with it and how does it affect people in the Prince Albert riding?
“Everybody knows” this is not the real issue. The registry should be scrapped. And real concerns should be addressed. An unarmed populace, especially in rural areas is a bad precedent anywhere in the world where it has been instituted in the past and there is no statistical proof (quite the opposite) that it lowers violent crime in the least.
Well meaning or not it.. leaves the door open to totalitarianism and makes it hard to feed herself in a pinch. 😉
Our people can be trusted with weapons of any kind..for the most part.

If elected, how will you bring forward the needs of the Aboriginal community as you represent the riding?
With as much empathy as possible. They need no sympathy or pity. Throwing $ has only compounded and cemented fixed ideas and rewarded non-productive endeavour.
I grew up in the north. In a community of 20 families.
Their concerns are not so much different than anyone's.
In the wings are 'rare Cree & Hopi Prophesy'.. extolling the brotherhood of man…& a wealth of knowledge misunderstood by many, even commonly ridiculed.
I suggest that their needs are no different in essence than mine or anyone else's… Literacy- paramount for all of us / the real key to their travails.
Many consider themselves “Rainbow Warriors.” They deserve support.
Government is “Unrepentant”.
'Splitting the Sky' & other leaders deserve voice.
Eg: an end to war via the “Criminalize War” initiative. (U.N.)

Describe your relevant background.
Extensive, but.. I have an understanding of the plight of the common people. I am one. As a concerned citizen with an exterior, apolitical viewpoint, my concern is with the defenseless, the poor and the disenfranchised.
Those who have prospered are thankful for what they have / would like to see others live comfortably with dignity at very least.
Most of all. It's something I would really like to do. I can think of nothing more rewarding.
I have no agenda other than betterment of conditions for all of us.
Someone on the job who really wants to get it done, ethically and asap is easier to train than someone vested in status quo solutions that have failed each consecutive attempt.
My interest is vested only in getting out of this mess. http://www.crisisbydesign

by paNOW Staff

Q & A with election candidates

paNOW posed nine questions to candidates in the Prince Albert riding. Here are there responses:

Randy Hoback, Conservative

Valerie Mushinski, NDP

Ron Wassill, Liberal

Myk Brazier, Green

Craig Batley, Canadian Action

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