The St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce held a virtual all-candidates meeting Thursday with five of the six candidates in Elgin-Middlesex-London participating.
The Chamber encouraged residents to submit questions for the debate, with many focusing on the small and medium sized business community.
The 2 hour debate hosted by Chamber CEO Paul Jenkins gave each candidate a chance to get their final messages out to the community before we go to cast our votes on Monday.
Conservative Party incumbent Karen Vecchio noted one of her strengths is engaging with constituents, particularly those in the business community.
Another major focus for Canadians, which became a heightened issue during the pandemic, is access to good, affordable childcare. Vecchio says the Conservatives have a plan in place for families paying out of pocket.
Party of Canada candidate Chelsea Hillier stressed now is the time to stand up for small business owners who have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hillier added a major focus of the People’s Party of Canada is on individual freedoms, which she said are quickly being eroded under the Trudeau government.
Green Party candidate Amanda Stark advised there are three pillars in her party’s platform.
The St. Thomas resident and co-owner of a local business said during her time out speaking with constituents, one thing she continues to hear is the need to come together as a community.
Afeez Ajibowu representing the Liberal Party stressed this campaign is all about building a cleaner, greener future for all Canadians.
He is a first-time candidate who says the Liberal Party has a clear commitment to provide dedicated infrastructure funding and affordable high-speed internet for rural communities.
NDP hopeful and first-time candidate Katelyn Cody advised quality rural internet service, as evidenced through this pandemic, is a critical plank in her party’s platform.
The Strathroy native was initially approached by the NDP to run in 2019, but with her attending the University of Ottawa, the timing wasn’t on her side.
To rewatch the full debate, you can visit the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
