Debate night

Wellington Rotary Club hosts federal election debate

On Monday evening, the Rotary Club of Wellington hosted a federal election debate in the Highline Hall at the Wellington and District Community Centre. Evan Nash, Chair of the Wellington and District Business Association moderated the event, and was happy to see the hall filled with over 150 residents. “I want to thank everyone for attending tonight. I’m sure everyone has a lot on their plate these days, but your attendance is very much appreciated,” said Nash.

The night opened with five pre-determined questions focusing on climate change, foreign policy, the County’s flooded shoreline, pharmacare and Canada’s national energy policy. All of the candidates believed that the International Joint Commission needed to scrap the controversial Plan 2014, which many believe is the cause of high water levels since 2017. Neil Ellis told the audience he has been working diligently to make sure eroding shorelines and flooding is a thing of the past. “Plan 2014 has to be reviewed, or scrapped,” said Ellis. “If I get back to Ottawa I plan on starting an all-party caucus with all the MPs affected from the flooding. Hopefully we can implement change and convince them that we can’t take any more flooding.”

The issue of climate change and its effects on the environment was a hot topic. Bloomfield resident Parker Gallant asked the candidates what would happen if the science behind climate change models is false. “I want to know what has got everyone so worked up that climate change is really going to happen?” he asked. Liberal candidate Neil Ellis answered the question quickly. “If we’re wrong, we have a clean planet. If we’re right, we save our planet,” said Ellis, to a room full of applause. People’s Party of Canada candidate Paul Bordonaro referenced climate activist Greta Thunberg, claiming that people are taking climate change too seriously. “She’s too uptight!” said Bordonaro to a chorus of boos. “Young people are being alarmists. We have a high suicide rate in youth as it is. I don’t think a child should suffer like that and have their little minds destroyed,” said Bordonaro.

One of the more direct questions of the night was asked by Wellington resident Gil Fabish. “Let’s get away from party platforms. I have one question. Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament?” Green Party candidate Danny Celovsky joked that the last thing he wanted to do at age 61 is run for a seat in Parliament, but he is concerned for his children’s future. “I’ve got kids and we discussed it over the Christmas holidays. They’re scared for their futures,” said Celovsky. “The point is we haven’t been aggressive. Decade after decade the facts have been put on the table and they haven’t been addressed. So enough is enough. We have to address it. This is science, these are the facts. Our kids’ futures are at stake. The only way that I can do anything for them is to do this.”

NDP candidate Stephanie Bell told the audience wanting to make sure there was a female candidate in the riding was only one of the reasons. “I live a lot of the struggle of being young here and trying to afford housing, afford bills, and trying to make it work to live here,” said Bell. “We need to have the diversity of our society at the table.” Bell also commented on the patriarchy in Canada’s current government. “I wanted to make sure there was a female candidate. We’re not only just a bunch of men,” said Bell, looking at her competition. “I love you guys, you’re cool, but I’m really tired of hearing from you.”

Although Tim Durkin had originally declined the invitation due to a conflicting event, he did make an appearance, albeit near the end of the evening. “About 10 weeks ago I had booked an event that happened to fall on the same evening. I sincerely apologize to those of you who came out tonight wanting to hear from five people, not four,” said Durkin. He claimed that bloated bureaucracy is affecting Canadians, and his party is promising to leave more money in the taxpayer’s pocket. “The main goal we have as a party is to leave more money with you. Fifty per cent of homes in Canada are $200 a month or less away from not being able to pay their bills. The cost of living isn’t sustainable. We are seeing the cost of living way outpace the cost for these jobs,” said Durkin.

The night ended with closing statements from each of the candidates. Celovksy thanked the attendees and urged everyone to get out to vote as it is a right. “I’d like to say a few things about democracy. We need to fix a few things, like electoral reform for example,” said Celovsky. Durkin shared some quick numbers with the audience. “Each person in this room owes about $45,000 in provincial and federal debt. That’s a fact. We need to elect a government that is going to be accountable to your money.”

Event organizer and Rotarian Barry Davidson was happy with how the evening unfolded. “I was pleased so many people came to take advantage of an open forum. The candidates were very animated and they engaged the public. I believe they responded as well as could be expected, especially having to answer audience questions on the spot,” he said.