For a packed church of 300 plus people, the Oakville Chamber of Commerce All Candidates Debate was well run, interesting, and informative. This federal debate took place on Tuesday, October 7, 2015 at the Glen Abbey United Church. Almost all the candidates were in attendance from both the Oakville and Oakville North Burlington Ridings, with the exception of the Green Party’s Oakville Candidate, David Doel.
Candidates were given two minutes each at the being and end to talk about their party’s policies, themselves and ask for your vote on October 19, 2015. The remainder was a question and answer session. Each party was given 2 minutes to answer and the time allotment was divided between the two ridings’ candidates.
Tensions heated up a couple of times. The first was when NDP’s Janice Best responded to a question about the Canada’s role in world. She indicated that during a conversation with a new Canadian, the constituent was embarrassed about the position that the current government had taken Canada. The answers from all candidates helped to outline a major difference between the parties. Conservatives response was that Canada should take part in military action with our NATO allies; where as the NDP, Green and Liberals believed Canada's role has been diminished, and that our country should take on the role of a peacekeeper and respected negotiator.
The other topic that led to an increase in audience attentiveness happened when Conservative MP Terence Young indicated that Marijuana use among young people was an issue when answering a question about youth unemployment. However, a little later a question about Marijuana was asked. It was another point where the parties differed noticeably. The Conservative position is that Marijuana will remain an illegal drug; the Liberals and Greens believe it should be legalized, regulated and taxed, and the NDP believe that police should not charge individuals who are in possession of small amounts of marijuana.
There were so many excellent questions and responses over the evening, and thankfully Cogeco was taping the debate. It will be aired on the following dates and times:
- Wednesday, October 7th at 3:00 PM
- Thursday, October 8th at 10:00 AM
- Sunday, October 12th at 7:00 PM
Co-ordinating an all candidates debate as professionally as it was accomplished last night by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce takes a great deal of work, money,and dedicated partners. Last night’s debate was sponsored by Oakville Milton District Real Estate Board, Glen Abbey United Church, and Tim Hortons.
The next all candidates debate for Oakville’s Riding will take place on Thursday October 8th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Unifor 707 Banquet Hall, which is located at 475 North Service Road East.