Candidates trying to win the Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding in Canada’s next Parliament plied their wares before an audience of approximately 75 people at an all-candidates meeting held at Lakes District Secondary school on Sept. 29.

Members of six political parties are contesting the seat - Hondo Arendt, Green Party, who resides in Prince Rupert; Nathan Cullen, NDP, who resides in Smithers; Mary Etta Goodacre, Canadian Action Party (CAP), from Smithers; Corinna Morhart, Liberal Party, who lives in Prince Rupert; Sharon Smith, Conservative Party, who hails from Houston; and Rod Taylor, Christian Heritage Party (CHP), who calls Smithers home.

“We should be solving problems, not trying to buy the electorate,” commented Arendt. “Thinking long-term, not just short-term, is one of our main objectives, concerning policy. The Green Party looks at all plans from a business, environmental, and social aspect. If the cost in any of these areas is too high, then maybe it shouldn’t go ahead.

For the last several elections, it’s always the same debate: should we increase social spending or decrease taxes. But new questions need to be addressed.

We live in an oil-based economy. How can we change that? Environmental issues, such as diabetes-related illnesses, have become issues in the last 20 years.”

Cullen said he was disappointed in the fractiousness of Parliament. His ideal was to get all-party agreement, which he was able to do when Parliament voted unanimously to ban cancer-causing chemicals used in kids’ toys.

He also pointed out the disparity in money leaving Skeena-Bulkley Valley in taxes paid versus what funds were funneled back into the riding.

“I asked assistants to do some research when I got to Ottawa in 2004; I was interested in finding out how much money from Skeena-Bulkley Valley went out in taxes, and how much came back. Their best estimate, which took three months to find out, was that for every $10 in taxes that went out, only $1 came back.

People in this region don’t want handouts, but we do expect fairness from the government. Average folks, when they wake up, aren’t thinking, ‘what can this party, that party, do for me? They’re thinking about what’s going on in their lives.”

Mary Etta Goodacre, CAP candidate, said that her party was worried about secret agreements

being made among non-elected officials on North American union, European-North American union, and the North American Free Trade Agreement. She blamed Americans for many of the world’s problems, and said they should stay out of Canada.

“9/11 was a hoax. We need Parliament to appoint a Royal Commission to examine 9/11. Afghanistan was a hoax. It was started on deception. We need to bring our soldiers home. We need to keep to our own business, and allow them [the Americans] to keep to theirs. The U.S. has hundreds of moles all over the world.”

Corinna Morhart, running for the Liberals, emphasized social issues and having the federal government pay more attention to Skeena-Bulkley Valley.

“I saw two mothers with two strollers the other day. They were at a dumpster. One of them was inside the dumpster, taking out bottles that they could use to get money. How can we stop something like that? It’s also important to me that this riding is noticed more in Ottawa than it has been.”

Conservative candidate Sharon Smith emphasized her experience, getting things done in Houston as a councillor and mayor, and described herself as a team player.

“I want to be your MP. I speak the same way at home as I will in Ottawa. I have watched the Conservative government responsibly manage the Canadian economy. The Conservatives gave each family a $100 Child Tax credit; improved health care, reduced taxes, including the GST.”

She told the audience that the NDP had voted against reducing the GST in 2006 and 2007, although they were in favour of reducing it in previous years.

CHP candidate Rod Taylor commented, “We live in dangerous times for family, finances, faith, and freedom. Our personal freedoms are being eroded by the courts and those in power. Taxes, such as fuel taxes, are taking half of our income. We no longer live in a democracy. We need to protect and strengthen the family. Our party would pass a law defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. In terms of finance, we would replace income taxes with a consumer tax on non-essential items.”

In his closing remarks, Arendt pointed out, “The Green Party has continued to grow despite losing. In the second half of the 20 century, the NDP was a bloc of people with ideas, who saw all of its goals achieved through Conservative and Liberal governments who made NDP policies into law. I see the Green Party assuming that role in the 21 century.”

Cullen closed off by declaring, “It’s a challenge for any of us up here to represent a riding the size of France, with people on the coast who have fish issues, and people down here, who have forest/farm issues. I am still filled with hope despite these uncertain times, for our farms, for forestry. We can make things happen. We can make Skeena-Bulkley Valley a better place.”

Goodacre urged the audience, “Look into 9/11, Iraq. Afghanistan. You need to learn the truth. We need to break free from U.S. control.”

Morhart vowed, “I will learn. I want to make Skeena-Bulkley Valley a safe place for all, especially women, so there are not more victims along the Highway of Tears.”

Smith said, “I want to make Skeena-Bulkley Valley a positive partner in Parliament to get things done. I will listen, and bring your voice to Ottawa through me.”

Taylor commented, “Some will tell you, voting CHP is a wasted vote. But think about that. Of the 18 registered political parties in this federal election, all started out with an idea. That idea brought a few members together. Those members eventually elected one or more MPs.”

The federal election will take place on Monday, Oct.13. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. People who are going to be away can vote at advance polls on Oct. 3, 4, and 6 between 12:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

New rules from Elections Canada state that when you vote, you must prove your identity and address. Go to www.elections.ca for details.