Forests, fish and carbon fuel taxes were just some of the issues at all-candidates meeting Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in Port McNeill and Port Hardy.

All five federal candidates for Vancouver Island North made the trip to answer questions from the electorate.

In Port McNeill, candidates faced tough questions from the crowd of about 55 North Islanders, some of whom called out or commented from the floor over responses to forestry and fishing issues.

In Port Hardy, more than 50 people politely listened, and rarely ignored the organizers warning to leave their reaction to the end. There were, however, sparks between NDP incumbent Catherine Bell and former MP John Duncan (see related story, page 3).

Forestry

When asked about how they and their party would address the crisis in the forest industry, all but Conservative John Duncan said they would scrap the current softwood lumber agreement.

“Harper sold out our ability to protect the resource,” said incumbent NDP MP Catherine Bell. “We would cancel the softwood agreement, restrict raw log exports and encourage value-added.”

Duncan replied that tossing the deal would not solve problems in the forest industry.

“Scrapping the softwood agreement would be devastating to forest workers,” said Duncan, who noted he worked on the softwood file as an MP. “There are companies that would not be operating today without that agreement. If we went to zero tariff tomorrow, it would not put one person who is not working back to work.”

All the candidates had ideas for easing the economics in the forest industry.

Philip Stone said the Green Party is “not into these big trade treaties”. He said companies are too large and his party prefers smaller-scale operations.

Liberal candidate Geoff Fleischer said his party is committed to $250 million to reduce costs to the forest and fishing industries. He added the Conservatives have failed in trade markets and international markets must be expanded.

Fisheries

Candidates were queried about the future of wild salmon and salmon enhancement in Port McNeill by veteran hatchery volunteer Ray Bentley.

Bell pointed out that hatchery funding is nearly 10 years out of date, and that “hatcheries are in disrepair.”

Aside from increasing funding, Bell said habitat must be better protected and Fisheries and Oceans Canada restructured.

“DFO has mismanaged salmon almost into extinction,” said Bell.

Fleischer said his party would return responsibility for fish farms back to DFO. He also said the fishing fleet would be reduced because of better technology and for conservation.

“We would buy out core licenses to give fisherman retirement with dignity,” said Fleischer.

Stone said the Green Party believes fish farms must be looked at before any solutions can be reached.

“The science is in and fish farms do have an impact,” said Stone, who also said DFO needs restructuring. “If aquaculture is going to be part of the North Island economy we have to put millions of dollars into making it work.”

Duncan agreed more funding is needed.

“The budget is not adequate for what needs to be done,” said Duncan. He explained a study he conducted while working for the DFO has resulted in a plan that would double the salmon enhancement program on the coast.

“I want you to know that is a commitment I am making,” said Duncan of implementing the plan. “Number one was funding for Quatse (hatchery) and we got that funding.”

Carbon tax

The Liberals and Green Party see carbon taxes as necessary, but both said their parties would change the structure so that big polluters pay the big taxes. Income tax and small business taxes would be reduced.

Bell promised to spare general consumers but agreed big polluters should pay.

“We would get tough on big polluters,” said Bell. “We would take that money and produce alternatives like wind, wave and solar generation.”

Duncan was opposed to a carbon tax because it “increases the cost of everything, including the price at the pumps.” He said other ways must be found to reduce greenhouse emissions, and cited the Port Alice mill where they have reduced their use of Bunker C fuel by about 40 per cent.

Draper’s Independent Party believes global warming is a myth.

“It’s not about global warming, it’s about global politics. It’s garbage,”said Draper.

Marijauna

With the exception of the Conservative Duncan, all the candidates say they would like to see marijuana regulated like alcohol or tobacco.

John Duncan stood alone on the issue.

“It has been made legal in Holland and has been a failed project,” said Duncan. “Marijuana in B.C. is a hard drug. We are sending the wrong message to kids when we say it’s okay.”