The second debate this week for local provincial election candidates.
At a debate tonight hosted by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and SHIFT, candidates in both city ridings were on hand to answer business related questions.
Questions were asked on issues such as rising energy costs, the Ring of Fire, provincial debt, and northern development.
When asked about plans to develop the Ring of Fire, Thunder Bay-Superior North Liberal candidate Michael Gravelle says 1-billion dollars in funding for infrastructure for the Ring of Fire will benefit the north.
PC Candidate Harold Wilson says the Liberals are taking too long with the development of the mine, while NDP candidate Andrew Foulds says the mining needs to get underway.
On a question about the growing provincial debt, PC candidate Derek Parks says it’s getting out of control, adding that Ontario now has a greater debt than all other provinces combined.
Liberal candidate Bill Mauro says a stronger federal partner will help reduce the deficit, while NDP candidate Andrew Foulds says several Liberal scandals have contributed to the growing debt.
When asked about how to keep mining and forestry related income in the region, NDP candidate Andrew Foulds says training is essential. He says it’s important to have the right workers with the right training.
PC candidate Harold Wilson says the mining needs to get started in order to create income, while Liberal candidate Michael Gravelle says the province continues to make significant progress with mining in the region.
Thunder Bay-Atikokan NDP candidate Mary Kozorys was not at the debate.
(Photo by Matt Pascuzzo)
