Candidates in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding detail how they plan to represent the region in Ottawa on national issues such as the environment and economy. (Wikimedia Commons)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

election 2019

Nanaimo-Ladysmith representation in Ottawa on major national issues

Oct 14, 2019 | 12:49 PM

NANAIMO — As part of NanaimoNewsNOW’s continuing coverage of the 2019 Federal Election, we reached out to each of the nine candidates running for election in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding with a series of questions.

Each were given up to 200 words to respond in written form, along with 30 seconds to articulate their response on video. Candidates are featured alphabetically. “No response” indicates a candidate did not submit their answers prior to publishing. The written responses are unedited by NanaimoNewsNOW in any way.

NanaimoNewsNOW will update answers as quickly as possible up to Sunday Oct. 20 at 11:59 p.m.

Question Four: How do you feel you can successfully represent the interests of Nanaimo-Ladysmith constituents on major national issues such as the economy and environment?

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Bob Chamberlin (NDP):
I’ve worked with government at all levels and have created real action and solutions for people. Before I was elected Chief of my First Nation, we had a do-not-consume order for the water and had mold in our homes. I saw a problem and got to work fixing it. We bought a water treatment plant, built a new subdivision, and 20 brand new homes. People were suffering and something needed to be done so we did it.

Because of this work, I’m a known commodity in Ottawa. I’m known as straight shooter who is only interested in getting things done.

Consecutive Liberal and Conservative governments have been more interested in giving subsidies to major corporations than improving the lives of everyday Canadians. The Green Party doesn’t have a viable, actionable plan – even the former Parliamentary Budget Officer said their proposal literally doesn’t add up.

Even when in opposition, the NDP has been the party who has improved the quality of life of Canadians. It was the NDP that created universal healthcare during a minority government. The NDP can get results for people and the environment they rely on.

James Chumsa (COM):
We are currently heading towards an economic recession and climate catastrophe. Only through socialism can we make a quick and just transition away from fossil fuels while maintaining a stable economy and decent standard of living. This would involve reducing federal military spending by 75% and ending government subsidies to fossil fuel companies, reinvesting the money into clean energy and free post secondary education.

We must also fight the drive to war by promoting peace and disarmament. This would be done by pulling Canada out of NATO, signing the Treaty to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, and ending the export of arms to Saudi Arabia. NATO invasions in the Middle East has topple stable governments, allowed extremists like ISIS to thrive, and created a refugee crisis. We must also respect the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people and allow them the right to self-determination without foreign interference.

Jennifer Clarke (PPC):
No Response

Michelle Corfield (LIB):
I believe I can represent the interests of Nanaimo-Ladysmith by listening to what the constituents are saying. I believe community engagement is a necessary element of elected officials’ role and I would continue to seek advice and input from constituents. The economy through infrastructure directly into municipalities enabling the municipality to drive economic growth. The environment through the Climate Action plan implementation, raise awareness of environmental issues right here in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, and advocating for the single-use plastic ban and supporting initiatives that look at protecting the health of the ocean.

John Hirst (CON):
For too long we have been sending the same party to Ottawa getting the same result. This Fall we have a clear choice to make. Either continue with the same backbench MPs who look at government from across the aisle or elect a Conservative MP who can garner real results for our community. We need an MP who can represent the mid-island in government and get the funding we need; to get infrastructure projects built, to get the national attention of the government and someone who can represent our west coast views and values.

Paul Manly (GRN):
One of the great advantages of being a Green MP is that I am free to seek every opportunity to speak on behalf of Nanaimo-Ladysmith. During my four weeks in the House of Commons I spoke 42 times on behalf of our communities on a wide range of issues, including affordable housing and health care. I was responsive to the issues affecting our communities and took action. On affordable housing, as outlined in my response above. On the environmental damage being caused by freighter anchorages in our waters. On the urgent need to expand Nanaimo Regional General Hospital to serve our growing mid island population. And on the Department of Defence rifle range lands. My actions on these issues are laid out in detail on my website. I am committed to being an open and accountable representative. I published weekly reports about my work in Ottawa, and hosted ten non-partisan community meetings throughout our riding, where I reported back to the community, then opened the floor for anyone to ask a question or raise an issue. I will continue to publish these reports and host two rounds of community meetings per year, because you deserve nothing less from your MP.

Brian Marlatt (PC):
The role of a Member of Parliament is to be the voice of their community in national affairs and a voice for their community in parliament. The Speaker in the Commons will address our MP as “The honourable member for Nanaimo-Ladysmith.”

As the voice of our community in national affairs your vote is a mandate to address complex issues in an informed way, informed by the evidence, understanding of diverse views in the community, party and political outlook, and consultations with sources of knowledgeable advice.

We elect Members of Parliament for our riding, not parties or movements nor is an MP slave to party or any other opinion. We are a representative and parliamentary democracy.

As the voice for our community, our MP, I will be an advocate for our interests.

This means identifying present need and opportunity, building infrastructure, investment in human resources, building trading relationships, understanding that government picks winners and losers by acting and also by not acting, protecting interests.

Climate change and environment policy need to be informed by environmental science and natural hazard and disaster research, within my areas of knowledge, not misuse of IPCC reports, protest politics, bans, and the politics of “climate crisis.”

Geoff Stoneman (IND):
As the only candidate who has a platform that actually balances both the economy and the environment I feel strongly that I am the best choice in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith race. We currently have an MP who sits in the house with the same abilities as an Independent, so I dont feel that this is a valid argument against voting for me. Because we are looking at a very good chance of a minority federal Government this is the perfect time to have an Independent represent our communities, the party who forms this next government ( Conservative or Liberal) is going to need every possible vote in the house to pass budgets and other important legislation.

As an Independent I am free to work accrosss party lines to do whats best for Nanaimo-Ladysmith, free to vote for or against any bill proposed by any party with only one thing in mind ” Does this benefit my riding?”. I can vote in favor on topics like cutting the taxes on parental benifits, regardless of who tables the bill simply because it would benifit countless families in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith riding. This is the time to change how we vote and how we are represented, now is the time to have an Independent MP.

Echo White (IND):
I am not a politician and don’t care about left or right. I am directly accountable to the people in Nanaimo-Ladysmith. You can trust that your interests will be fully represented and will NOT be compromised by the party interests. This election will likely result in a fragmented parliament. I will have great negotiation power for my constituents on all the major issues.

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