The riding’s first candidate forum last week in the run-up to the June 2 provincial election zeroed in on social issues.
Hosted by the Elgin-St. Thomas Coalition to End Poverty, the two-hour session at St. Thomas Public Library featured 10 questions from coalition members relating to poverty, homelessness, a living wage and mental health issues.
NDP candidate Andy Kroeker said his party’s goal was to eliminate chronic homelessness in the next 10 years.
Liberal candidate Heather Jackson stressed Ontario families deserve better when it comes to affordable housing.
When it comes to homelessness, the provincial government has been putting its money where its mouth is. And, that is clearly evident in St. Thomas, stressed Rob Flack, Elgin-Middlesex-London PC candidate in the June provincial election.
Flack was referring to the Railway City Lofts above the transit terminal and the 45 apartment units now under construction at 16 Queen Street.
Not present for the forum but who have now declared their candidacy are Matt Millar from the New Blue Party of Ontario, Brigitte Belton of the Ontario Party and Amanda Stark of the Green Party of Ontario.
Written by Ian McCallum
