Prince George, B.C.- Two of the candidates for the federal riding of Prince George, Peace River, were guests on the Meisner program today on 93.1 CFIS.

First to be behind the mic was Jay Hill, the Conservative incumbent. When it comes to the market melt down in the United States, Hill says economically, Canada is not an island “But we have prepared Canada’s economy as best we can”.

Hill says there needs to be confidence in the market, and there needs to be a positive attitude. “I think it would be foolish to suggest that as the Americans face these massive challenges we won’t be affected, but I think people need to think that when they mark the ballot, who will best steer our ship through these troubled waters.”

On the matter of a carbon tax, Hill admits the Federal Government is benefiting from the carbon tax in B.C. as the gst is applied to the overall amount so Ottawa is getting extra on those carbon taxed bills.

New Democrat candidate Betty Bekkering says she sees Health care as the most important issue heading into the election. “There was a story this morning about a man who waited 34 hours in an emergency ward and died before anyone saw him, that is not acceptable to me”. She says the Conservatives had promised to reduce wait times, but that hasn’t happened.

On the issue of gun control, she says she favours clamping down at the border and on internet sales, as those are the two main ways illegal firearms are getting into the country. 

On the matter of crime, Bekkering says Judges should be empowered to deliver stiffer sentences, but that there should also be more rehabilitation programs for those who serve time. “When they are released, they should have some skills and self esteem.”

Bekkering also says there needs to be more affordable, quality  daycare so single parents don’t have to work two and three jobs to cover the bills.

 

Hilary Crowley, the candidate for the Green Party in the Prince George –Peace River riding will be a guest on the Meisner program one week from tomorrow. 

Meantime, tomorrow evening at the Universityof Northern B.C., all candidates for the riding will be taking part in a candidates forum.