EDMONTON — With five weeks to go in the federal election campaign, the candidates in Edmonton-Mill Woods faced off in their first debate Saturday afternoon.
Three candidates took part in the debate: Conservative candidate Tim Uppal, Liberal candidate Amarjeet Sohi and NDP candidate Jasvir Deol. All three said the state of the economy and job losses are important for most people living in the riding.
In front of a full house, each candidate had their turn at the podium. They all addressed the economy and slumping oil prices.
Uppal spoke primarily about his focus – to keep taxes low during a time of economic uncertainty.
“The spending plans that Trudeau and the NDP have are in the billions,” said Uppal. “their focus is to spend, spend, spend and that has to come from somewhere. It will come from raising taxes. We believe in lowering taxes, we believe in helping families.”
Sohi said job creation is the answer, as is fixing major infrastructure problems in the area like poor drainage and wait times at train crossings.
“When we talk about infrastructure, when we talk about investing into the economy to grow the economy and create jobs and keep Canadians working, that message is really resonating at the doorsteps,” said Sohi.
Deol touched on the economy, but kept his focus on what he can do for families.
“The NDP is actually introducing an affordable child care plan that the Liberals and Conservatives had actually promised a long time (ago) but never did introduce it,” said Deol.
Formerly Edmonton-Millwoods-Beaumont, this riding has shrunk to include only neighbourhoods that are above the southeast corner of the Anthony Henday ring road. The far south neighbourhoods, and the suburb of Beaumont, have moved to another riding.
MP Mike Lake, elected in this area three straight times, is now running in a new riding to the south. MP Tim Uppal, elected twice in the former riding of Edmonton-Sherwood Park, will try to keep this seat for the Conservatives.
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