By-election candidates speak
Candidates meet and greet
By Sean MacKay, Managing Editor
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: News
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Conversation topics were diverse, and the atmosphere was friendly and informal as the candidates from five of Ontario's political parties - Conservative, Liberal, NDP, Green and Libertarian - and two independents mingled with students in the foyer of Old Vic. The seven hopeful politicians are competing for the seat left vacant in the Queen's Park legislature by Liberal George Smitherman, who resigned in order to run in Toronto's October mayoral election.
Catering to their audience, the candidates were eager to speak about post-secondary education. Some pointed out the perceived failings of the McGuinty government in ensuring that all Ontarians have easy access to a college or university education.
"Our education premier came with good intentions, but he learned quickly about the politics of Queen's Park, and now he's had to make some compromises," said Raj Rama, one of the independent candidates.
"Students are struggling academically and financially, and they're torn between picking up courses during the summer or getting a full time job," he explained. With many baby boomer politicians nearing retirement, Rama expressed hope for a generation of young politicians who will focus on the issue of accessible post-secondary education.
The Liberal candidate, Glen Murray spoke more broadly of Canada's aging population and the effect it will have on the younger generations. He emphasized the importance of creativity and innovation in Ontario's traditional industries, such as auto manufacturing, in further developing the province's ailing economy.
Murray is considered to be the favourite in the race but has been criticized for lacking any roots in Toronto. He has spent a great deal of his political life in Manitoba, serving as the mayor of Winnipeg from 1998 until 2004. Instead of downplaying his past, Murray cited his strong record of funding and advocating for the construction social housing during his time as the mayor of Winnipeg.
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KngofthePaupers
posted 2/07/10 @ 2:52 PM EST
Sean MacKay: "A more peculiar presence at the meet-and-greet session was independent candidate, John Turmel, who holds the world record for most elections contested. (Continued…)
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