In a forum held by The Saint John Region Chamber on Tuesday, candidates from Saint John-Rothesay answered several questions.
When asked about drawing more healthcare professionals to the local area, Liberal candidate Wayne Long said the Liberals will do two things.
“We’re going to immediately invest $3 million to hire 7,500 doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners across the country, and #2, we’re going to make changes to the Canada Health Act.”
Meantime, Green Party candidate Ann McAllister mentioned collaborative community healthcare clinics would bring more services to the local area.
“For me, this is a way to provide primary healthcare to a larger proportion of the population.”
When the conversation turned to creating more local jobs, PPC candidate Nicholas Pereira said by investing in oil and gas pipelines a PPC government can bring more jobs to the region.
“There’s also the spin-off that comes from that, the service industry and other industries start to flourish when we support oil and gas.”
Conservative candidate Mel Norton brought up Canada’s shrinking economy, and how the Tories plan to address it.
“In our plan to secure the future we have set it as a goal and priority to make this country the best place to invest, and build a business.”
Another topic discussed was housing, and McAllister said a green government would invest in more cooperative non-profit affordable housing.
Meantime, Pereira said when it comes to housing, there is an immigration angle that has not been addressed.
“By reducing our immigration to sustainable immigration, we reduce and cool the market, which allows Saint Johners to get up on their feet, and make adjustments when needed.”
On the same topic, Long added the Liberals will invest in a rent-to-own program, as well as ban rent evictions, while Norton said the Conservatives plan to build 1-million new homes in the next three years.
NDP candidate Don Paulin did not take part in the forum.
Our Saint John and Rothesay forum has begun. We encourage you to tune in on Facebook live to watch this forum and to submit any questions you might have. Forum is from 1 PM – 2:30 PM. #saintjohnnb pic.twitter.com/9MJxGU4Y1p
— The Chamber SJ (@TheChamberSJ) September 14, 2021
