From left: Bob Chamberlin, NDP, Jennifer Clarke, PPC, Michelle Corfield, Liberal, John Hirst, Conservative, Paul Manly, Green (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

big picture

Local candidates grapple with Canada-wide issues at Chamber debate

Oct 10, 2019 | 2:58 PM

NANAIMO — The focus remained firmly on big-picture issues, challenges and successes at the major Nanaimo-Ladysmith election debate.

For 90 minutes the five invited candidates, Bob Chamberlin (NDP), Jennifer Clarke (PPC), Michelle Corfield (Liberal), John Hirst (Conservative) and Paul Manly (Green) loosely sparred over questions of veterans benefits, the high cost of prescription drugs, the Phoenix payroll system and pipelines.

The first Nanaimo-specific issue raised was overcrowding and a lack of doctors at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

“We have the largest number of seniors over the age of 75 right here in the mid-island,” Manly rebutted against Corfield and her claim the federal government should not have a hand in expanding the hospital. “They have needs…which have to go to Vancouver and Victoria. We should have that right here in the mid-island.”

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Several questions later, when asked specifically by moderator and NanaimoNewsNOW reporter Ian Holmes what they can do locally to address the ongoing addictions and overdose crisis, no local solutions were presented by the candidates.

Clarke discussed tightening Canada’s borders, Hirst reminded everyone of the importance of reaching out if they need help, Manly attacked the war on drugs, Corfield referenced Canada-wide fatalities but not local numbers and Chamberlin brought up more intake services and de-criminalization.

The first time a candidate directly rebutted another was when Hirst took aim at Manly about comments on transitioning workers into clean energy industries.

“I don’t believe you Paul,” Hirst said. “You’re expecting people who have worked for decades and have built up very particular skills…to transition to a whole new career, start a whole new apprenticeship, start a whole new field of working and it’s not going to affect their families? No way.”

The final question, “Do you really think Canada would be better without pipelines?” drew the most varied responses from candidates and enthusiastic response from the full crowd at Beban Park Social Centre.

Nanaimo-Ladysmith residents go to the polls on Oct. 21.

Advance voting begins Friday, Oct. 11 until Monday, Oct. 14. Voting information can be found on the back of voter registration cards and also online.

You can find full information on the election and local candidates here.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit