It was a chance for local candidates to have their say.
Perth-Wellington MPP candidates gathered at the Rotary Complex Thursday night for a debate organized by Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce.
Four of seven candidates showed up and shared their party platforms.
Debate moderator Craig Thompson said winter campaigning is difficult and noted the riding’s 49.9 per cent voter turnout during the 2022 provincial election.
He explained that threats from the U.S. are putting extra pressure on this election.
“It’s a very concerning time I think, and we need to exercise our democratic right to vote,” said Thompson.
Small business, tariffs, farming, transportation, healthcare, and housing were hot topics.
NDP candidate Jason Davis had a fever of 102.5 degrees. The debate was the first time he was out of bed in 48 hours, and he said he was going to be “brief and to the point”.
There was audience appreciation for Davis’ pointed statements and comments surrounding the Conservative government, such as Highway 413.
“Obviously cancelling the 10 billion dollar highway that will dave drivers 30 seconds but really just actually improves the property value of land speculators that are at Doug Ford’s daughters wedding,” expressed Davis.Â
Davis said the community needs affordable housing options.
Conservative candidate Matthew Rae took a verbal beating at times, in regards to Premier Doug Ford’s deals, policies and actions.
“Investment has cooled because of the U.S. tariff threat, and so we are going to work hard to ensure that we continue to see that investment in Perth-Wellington and across Ontario,” said Rae.
Ashley Fox, Liberal candidate, could be heard lightly laughing during Rae’s explanations.
Fox was vocal surrounding her passion for healthcare funding and the Liberal’s “back-to-basics” platform.
Ian Morton, Green Party candidate, went over allotted time constraints, joking that he had too much content to share. Morton was focused on community and individuals in the riding and “taking care of them”.
The debate can be watched on Wightman’s Youtube channel and will be available for viewing on Wightman Television and Rogers TV at a later date.
Election day in Ontario is Feb. 27.
