By Jenn Watt
Published Sept. 17 2019
It’s that time again; election signs are sprouting up on lawns your friends are posting Facebook memes about the shocking behaviour of party leader so-and-so and you’ve got about a month to sort it all out before it’s time to cast your vote.
In Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock we’ve got a mix of new and familiar names on the ballot and it’s worth taking some time to get to know them and what they stand for.
Conservative – Our current MP Jamie Schmale is seeking re-election in his post as a Conservative choice in the election. Before successfully winning the last election with nearly 45 per cent of the votes Schmale worked for 11 years as the executive assistant to MP Barry Devolin. He started his career as a radio journalist.
Schmale has served as the shadow minister for Northern Economic Development and deputy shadow minister for Natural Resources. In a press release issued when he declared his candidacy he said: “Canada’s official Opposition has held Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government accountable for its unethical behaviour tax hikes and failure to deliver results for middle class Canadians.”
Liberal – Judi Forbes became the nominee for her party in June. She owns a bed and breakfast in Beaverton and was a senior bank manager previously. Before moving to the area eight years ago she lived in Don Mills.
“She understands the need to develop skills and create good jobs for continuous economic renewal. A great listener and full of energy Judi is committed to be a champion and trusted voice for the people of Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock” Liberal campaign materials say.
NDP – Barbara Doyle an activist from Lindsay was chosen to run for the NDP back in February. Doyle has worked in legal administration and is involved in social justice issues including in making the justice system more accessible to victims of domestic violence. She said her other priorities include affordable housing universal pharmacare and combating climate change.
Green – Carleton University third-year environmental studies student Elizabeth Fraser is running for the Green Party in this election. She was raised in Bethany and said she’s been involved with the party since she started her university education. She said she believes in the party’s financial and environmental policies which include ending fossil fuel industry subsidies abolishing post-secondary tuition and introducing proportional representation as electoral reform.
People’s Party of Canada – Gene Balfour is the candidate representing the new right-wing People’s Party of Canada. He previously ran in the provincial election for the Ontario Libertarian Party. He’s a retired professional recruiter who lives in Fenelon Falls and is a proponent of less government involvement and more personal freedom.
Any of that appeal to you? Google any of the candidates and you’ll find plenty to chew on as campaign season kicks into high gear. The Haliburton Echo will continue reporting on the candidates and their positions on key issues. What would you like to read about the candidates in this election? Let us know.
