By Ron Giofu
Candidates in the Essex riding continue on the campaign trail with one of them coming to Co-An Park in McGregor.
Liberal candidate Audrey Festeryga was on hand with several of her supporters recently distributing frozen yogurt from Nuccelli’s to voters as well as talking issues. Festeryga said she is hearing a lot of good response on Liberal policy proposals, including recently announced proposals such as flexible parental EI insurance, Canada child benefit and the flexible working arrangements in federal jurisdictions.
Liberal candidate Audrey Festeryga distributes frozen yogurt to Mark and Katelyn Bovenkamp during a recent campaign stop at Co-An Park in McGregor.
As part of their platform, the Liberals have also been touting increasing infrastructure funding by $60 billion over ten years. Liberal leader Justin Trudeau has also vowed to repeal Bill C-24 and cut the middle class tax rate.
“We are knocking on doors and people are very receptive,” said Festeryga. “We’re getting a lot of people asking for signs.”
Festeryga pledged to fight for the people of Essex, if elected Oct. 19, and used a theme that is becoming common in this campaign about what people are wanting.
“I am hearing it’s definitely time for change,” she said.
Noting her background as a lawyer, the Liberal candidate added she has experience in both negotiations of multi-million dollar deals as well as labour relations thus is qualified for the job as Member of Parliament and wouldn’t have to learn on the fly.
“I can hit the ground running,” she said. “People understand that when I get to their door.”
Festeryga added voters are seeing that she is willing to work hard as she is campaigning daily in the riding. She has also been holding meet-and-greets around the area and has appeared at several festivals in the region.
“The voters are seeing I’m working hard and I’m working hard for them,” she said, adding she is hopeful Trudeau will visit Essex at some point this election campaign.
NDP candidate Tracey Ramsey reported that her campaign is “going very strong” and that she believes people are willing to shift the way they vote and go with Tom Mulcair and the NDP.
“The momentum is building and building. It’s getting stronger as we go along, which is so positive,” said Ramsey. “I think there is a deep desire for change. People are excited about going in a different direction and that means the NDP in Essex.”
Jobs continue to be an issue, she added, stating the NDP has a “clear” plan to create jobs by cutting taxes for small and medium-sized businesses. She said she has been hearing people are opposed to a $36 billion cut in health care transfer payments to provinces, something she said the Conservatives favour. The ongoing Mike Duffy trial has also having an impact locally, added Ramsey.
“It’s tough to escape from and people are tired of corruption in the government,” she said.
Treatment of veterans is another issue Ramsey said she is hearing as she accused incumbent MP Jeff Watson of having a “lack of commitment” and an inability “to stand up and fight for the people who fought for our country.” The NDP would reopen veterans affairs offices in Canada, she added.
People are coming to her campaign office and asking how they can help, Ramsey continued, and that there is an excitement in the riding for her campaign.
“More and more Canadians are putting their trust in Tom Mulcair and in Essex, we want to bring that change to Ottawa,” said Ramsey. “It’s very exciting for the NDP in Essex.”
Ramsey has been campaigning with Essex MPP Taras Natyshak and Ramsey said the provincial member is “doing a fantastic job standing up for the people in Essex” and that is being seen at the door.
“The difference is the NDP cares about the people in Essex and is helping them,” she said.
Watson, the Conservative candidate who has served the last 11 years as Essex MP, said his campaign is going well.
“The longer campaign is giving us far more opportunity to engage people at the door. More conversations are a good thing,” said Watson.
The longer campaign allows voters to become better informed, he believed, and allows candidates a chance to be more accountable. He speaks to voters about his record, he said, with the record including delivering billions to the area including “tens of millions” in Amherstburg for such projects as the wastewater treatment plant, the Libro Centre, and road rehabilitations.
The campaign is also about which leader has the experience to keep the country safe and the economy growing.
“The NDP and Liberals promise risk, not change.”
Watson said the Liberals and NDP both feel Canada has “no role to play” in combating ISIS and would bring in higher taxes that could potentially drive out jobs.
Canada has a balanced budget, said Watson, adding “there is no other major economy in the world that can boast that.”
The Conservatives have a “low tax approach,” and has an “enviable” record of job creation. Canada has created 1.3 million new jobs since the last recession, he said. Farmers have experienced the best years of revenue the last two years, low income seniors have been assisted. On the environment, local accomplishments include establishing a priority natural area in Essex County. A permanent home tax credit and improving benefits for veterans are among the planks of the party platform, he added.
Watson, who is adopted, said he has championed the issue in Ottawa starting with a motion in 2008, a report on the motion in 2012 and three straight federal budgets assisting families.
“All of these areas are to help Canadians step forward and adopt the 30,000 Canadian children waiting for adoption,” he said.
Watson said he has stood strong for Essex.
“Windsor, with two NDP MPs, has a loud voice but has delivered zero results,” he said. “I’ve had a credible and influential voice that has delivered billions to Essex County. Essex County has, in me, a strong and influential voice in Ottawa.”
