Pandemic, snap election and ‘broken promises’ dominate Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas debate
New Democrat and Conservative contenders aim to wrest Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas from the Liberals with promises of sounder paths to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Incumbent Filomena Tassi, meanwhile, says her government's plans for uncertain days ahead are best for the riding she's held since 2015, noting billions" already invested in the city. That includes funds for housing, LRT and green" steelmaking at ArcelorMittal Dofasco.
But the NDP's Roberto Henriquez and Conservative Bert Laranjo argue there couldn't be a worse time than the pandemic's fourth wave for a $600-million snap election - especially with opposition parties working with the government to pass legislation.
Those are dollars that could have gone to the most needy in our society, to the families that are really struggling," Henriquez, a lawyer, said during the candidates' Cable 14 televised debate at the Westdale Theatre.
Tassi responded without mentioning the NDP, saying the Liberals and Conservatives have presented very different plans" during the pandemic that require the electorate to weigh in and give a mandate."
Moreover, the minority Parliament was dysfunctional," Tassi added, saying there were willing dance partners," but only after delay tactics" and uncertainty in getting crucial legislation out the door.
That characterization of toxicity in Ottawa was unfair, Laranjo replied, saying his party collaborated to ensure the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was available.
In turn, the nurse and small-business owner, pointed to the Liberals' long record of broken promises," including electoral reform, a balanced budget in the first term and no more boil-water advisories on First Nations.
Laranjo also pointed to Liberal scandals, such as the SNC Lavalin affair, WE charity imbroglio and Leader Justin Trudeau's eyebrow-raising trip to the Aga Khan's private island in the Bahamas.
You have clearly broken the promise to be an open, transparent and accountable government."
The Liberals have lifted more than 100 boil-water advisories on First Nations and continue to work on the complex" task that can't be realized overnight," Tassi fired back.
And in defence of Trudeau, Tassi praised the Liberal leader's efforts to steer the country through the pandemic.
I would say that Canadians would agree that that's where the focus had to be because this was one of the biggest challenges that we've had," said Tassi, a lawyer and former trustee.
Tassi, the labour minister, questioned why NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh's platform was missing" a mobility tax credit to allow workers in the building and construction trades claim expenses accrued while travelling to job sites.
The NDP's approach to workers is holistic," unlike the piecemeal" pitches of other parties, Henriquez responded, highlighting a plan to tax large employers to create worker training programs.
He added New Democrats have pushed the Liberals for key improvements, including a $15-per-hour minimum wage and a pledge for 10 paid sick days for federally regulated workers.
The Liberal government oftentimes kicks and screams to be dragged across the line."
Green Party candidate Victoria Galea, who is helping with Leader Annamie Paul's campaign, was absent from the Westdale debate due to a prior engagement.
Teviah Moro is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: tmoro@thespec.com