Open seat in Hamilton Mountain draws only two candidates to debate
Hamilton Mountain's newcomer candidates battled over which party had the best pandemic recovery and spending plan to help struggling riding residents in a back-and-forth federal election debate.
Only NDP candidate Malcolm Allen, a former Welland MP, and Liberal candidate Lisa Hepfner, a longtime television reporter, attended the Cable 14 televised debate at the Westdale Theatre to vie for support in a riding race with no incumbent.
Allen talked about the NDP promise to take the profit out of long-term care" in the wake of horrific infection rates and deaths at some private facilities earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provincial and territorial governments govern long-term care, but Allen argued worried families don't care about jurisdictional battles. This is about leadership. This is about saying we will look after those who are least able to look after themselves."
Hepfner replied the Liberals respect provincial jurisdiction, but nonetheless stepped up to push for new national standards and provide critical staffing and funding support during the early waves of COVID.
We were there with the military, we were there with funding and now we're going to be there with (infection prevention) standards across the country," she said.
Hepfner then questioned Allen about how the NDP would pay for $200 million in new proposed spending.
If I understand correctly, your plan is to tax the ultra-rich. Isn't that your plan for everything?" she asked, suggesting the plan would fail to raise enough cash and result in individuals or companies moving elsewhere. If your one solution to all of life's problems isn't going to work, what is your real plan for recovery?"
It is always amazing to me that the Liberals always defend the richest folks who live in this country," replied Allen, who then accused the Liberals of failing to close tax loopholes and excusing the country's wealthiest from paying their fair share."
Conservative candidate Al Miles and Green candidate Dave Urquhart were invited to the debate, but both indicated they were unable to attend.
Matthew Van Dongen is a Hamilton-based reporter covering transportation for The Spectator. Reach him via email: mvandongen@thespec.com