Three candidates from a local riding shared their stances on some crucial topics surrounding the federal election.
The event took place at Trinity Hall, featuring Tracey McKinnon (Green Party), Marcus Powlowski (Liberal Party), and Yuk-Sem Won of the NDP.
Conservative candidate Adelina Pecchia did not attend while PPC candidate Alan Aubut did not get an invite.
The topic that got the most attention from the candidates was reconciliation, something on the minds of all voters heading into election day.
Green Party Candidate Tracey McKinnon
McKinnon began her opening statement stressing she would ensure safe, affordable housing for the community, calling it a fundamental right.
Green Party Candidate Tracey McKinnon (STAFF PHOTO)
The candidate went on to mention she has the experience to do so saying she has spent time in Thunder Bay trying to break down the barriers people face in getting out of poverty.
When the discussion turned to reconciliation McKinnon stressed the importance of strong political action, after recent events have caused many Canadians to wake up to the horrid actions of the past.
“I think Canada has realized, or has been made aware of, issues especially around the loss of the children, something Indigenous people have been trying to say for many years,” says McKinnon. “Finally, the horrors and the reality has been brought to light. As a mother of four this deeply disturbed me, as a grandmother as well. My heart was broken.
Liberal Candidate Marcus Powlowski
Powlowski began by stating his background can be essential during a pandemic.
Liberal Candidate Marcus Powlowski (STAFF PHOTO)
He was an emergency room doctor, also spending time in Indigenous communities and developing countries as a doctor. He has also studied law, health, and worked for the World Health Organization.
In discussing reconciliation Powlowski believes the Liberals have done great work since coming into power.
“It’s a terrible legacy to have, and certainly the Truth and Reconciliation Committee finds that the Liberals have implemented or gone quite a long ways of implementing 80 per cent of those recommendations,” explains Powlowski. “The reality is this is a two horse race, it’s either going to be a PC or Liberal government. We know that if the PCs come into power, this isn’t going to be good for Indigenous people.”
NDP Candidate Yuk-Sem Won
Won began her opening statement by questioning the election, calling the Liberals “disconnected with the rest of us” because of the timing of it.
NDP Candidate Yuk-Sem Won (STAFF PHOTO)
She stressed that she has exceptional experience and understands the north, both the strengths and the challenges.
Won when discussing reconciliation believed past governments have failed.
“We haven’t done enough, and there was a lot of harm done, and we need to do better,” says Won. “We need to advance Indigenous people’s and all Canadians down the path of reconciliation. We need to build a new nation to nation relationship now. Successive governments have denied basic human rights, stolen children, forced people off their land, claimed land without compensation or consent, and spent millions of dollars fighting in courts on chronic underfunding of Indigenous children and communities.”
Thunder Bay-Rainy River Full Candidate List:
Marcus Powlowski (Liberals)
Adelina Pecchia (Conservatives)
Yuk-Sem Won (NDP)
Alan Aubut (People’s Party of Canada)
Tracey McKinnon (Green Party)
Election day is Monday, Sept. 20.
