The polls are open today for the federal election. Find out where the Churchill Keewatinook-Aski candidates from the national parties stand on issues in the North.
First Nations Issues
Incumbent NDP Niki Ashton says her party has committed to $2.3 billion in new funding for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, with $1.8 billion of that going entirely to education.
Liberal candidate for the riding Rebecca Chartrand, says the Liberals are committing $2.6 billion for First Nations education.
Both Ashton and Chartrand say their parties are committed to a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.
August Hastmann, Green Party candidate for our riding says he would advocate for housing and education for First Nations people. The Green party supports the restoration of the $5.1 billion commitment from the Kelowna Accord.
Health Care
Niki Ashton says they’re committed to hiring 7,000 health care professionals, and opening 200 new community health clinics, across the country. She says the NDP are also committed to make prescriptions more affordable with a universal drug plan.
Rebecca Chartrand says health care is at the top of the list when looking at issues in the North. She says she would fight very hard to ensure essential health services are available, and would work in partnership with different levels of government to do so.
August Hastmann says there is a critical shortage of doctors and nurses in the North and says he would work on medical assistance. He says that his party is the only one with a costed out program for medication for seniors.
Economic Development and Diversification
Niki Ashton says her party is committed to creating 54,000 good jobs in construction, infrastructure, and transit operation across the country.
Rebecca Chartrand, Liberal Candidate says she would create the types of partnerships that will grow the economy in the North by investing in things like natural resources and green technology.
August Hastmann, Green party candidate says he would like to see more tourism, eco tourism, and cultural eco tourism.
Kyle Mirecki, Conservative candidate for the riding did not respond to requests for an interview.
