Editor’s note: The Beaver reached out via e-mail to all six candidates running to be MP of Hastings-Lennox and Addington. They were asked the same set of questions. Here are their responses in alphabetical order.
James Babcock- People’s Party of Canada
Where are you from, what is your educational background and professional background prior to getting into politics?
I am from Wilton, Ontario. I went to Odessa Public School and then to Ernestown Secondary School. I recently completed my electrical apprenticeship; I did my trade schooling at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. I have also done a fair number of online project management courses on LinkedIn learning.
During my first few years in the workforce, I progressed from entry level to management at McDonald’s, dipped my toe into self-employment as a hired hand, explored insurance sales and even spent a day as an extra when Crimson Peak filmed in Kingston. Each of these endeavors solidified my work ethic and grew my knowledge base in their own way and many of the skills they left me with have been transferable to future positions. In 2013 I started on my first solar farm. I helped put up racking and solar panels for a couple of months before transitioning to a lead hand position where I was in charge of up to 20 people at a time. It was hard work in tough conditions but it was also interesting to see it all go up. After the first two projects, I got connected with the electrical union doing solar farms as a utility worker. I ended up doing eight in total. The next phase of my working career was getting into the electrical union as an apprentice. Over the course of my apprenticeship, I worked on projects that range from wiring a house to helping build a natural gas power generation station and everything in between. Right now, I am working on a new hotel that is going up in Kingston. I am also the worker heath and safety rep for my company.
What made you decide to enter the race to be MP of Hastings-Lennox and Addington?
I decided to enter the race to be a Member of Parliament for this area because I don’t feel the leadership in this country has been making good decisions. It feels like they value power and control over all else and are sacrificing the rights and freedoms of us citizens to obtain it. I tend to plan ahead a lot in life and the more you do that the more you can see patterns emerging. The patterns that I am seeing coming out of this current government worry me. As far as freedoms go, we are heading towards China or Nazi Germany levels of censorship and government control. Monetarily, we are headed towards a Zimbabwe or Venezuela style currency collapse/hyper inflationary scenario. No one in the government is talking about this and very few people have any knowledge that this could actually happen. So, I decided to stand up and say something. It felt like the right thing to do.
Why is your party the right choice for Hastings-Lennox and Addington?
The People’s Party of Canada shares some of my concerns and gives me the freedom to speak and vote for what is going to be best for this area. The Liberals, NDP and Conservatives all have whip votes where their MPs have to vote how the leader says or risk expulsion from the party. Sounds a bit like a dictatorship to me. The PPC is a true democracy. There are people out there that are worried that we might split the Conservative vote because we overlap a bit on a couple of issues but if you are in favor of freedom, financial responsibility, and democracy then we are the only choice. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a lot of PPC candidates get elected because we have a far superior platform compared to the rest. We just have to make sure people get out to vote to keep the freedoms our predecessors fought for.
What would you say are the top three issues facing Hastings-Lennox and Addington right now?
I have spoken above about some issues that are going to hit us down the road if we don’t change course. As far as immediate threats I would have to say the fourth wave of the pandemic and this government’s complete mismanagement of the pandemic thus far. This is our fourth go around at this and we have the highest vaccination levels of any other wave and yet they are predicting that this is going to be the worst one yet? I thought we were supposed to start getting herd immunity at 60 per cent of complete immunization? We blew by that and now they are saying if we don’t hit somewhere in the 90 per cent range then this is going to be a complete disaster. How could that possibly happen? And with each wave the authoritarian measures have gotten worse and each wave has been as bad or worse than the last. It doesn’t make sense. That’s where the PPC shines, our goal is to make fact-based policy that works. We have seen other countries using different strategies than us and some of them did much better than us. Why not adopt some of those strategies?
The second big issue for this area would have to be lack of mental health and addiction services access. More people have died in this area from overdoses and suicide than COVID-19 since the pandemic began. Yet hardly anyone brings this up. We need to get people the help that they need.
The third big issue for this area is the looming vaccine passport. It is the start of segregation all over again. Sept. 22 is the day Doug Ford has decreed this will go into effect. Again, I ask, is this the correct path? Or is this another arbitrary authoritarian dictate? Why can we shop at a grocery store unvaccinated safely and not at other stores? Again, it doesn’t make sense. And just because one is unvaccinated, it doesn’t mean that they are sick or contagious. It just means that if they do get sick they will likely have a worse outcome. It’s obvious propaganda and prejudice coming from the government on this issue and people are being unfairly discriminated against.
If elected, what would be your biggest priority?
The biggest priority for me is keeping our freedoms intact. If we lose them then the rest is unlikely to be addressed. Totalitarian regimes are not known for being good for the people. The ones at the top do well but the rest of us Average Joes struggle to survive.
Why are you the right candidate for this riding?
I am the right candidate for this riding because I have honesty, integrity, and believe things should be fair. I will do what is right for this riding and not what is dictated by a party leader. This will only be possible with the support of the people of Hastings-Lennox and Addington in this election. I implore you all to vote for freedom and democracy on Sept. 20.
Mike Bossio- Liberal Party of Canada
Where are you from, what is your educational background and professional background prior to getting into politics?
I grew up in Hastings—Lennox and Addington and moved back in 1994 with my wife Irene and my two children. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from York University. Prior to getting involved in politics, I owned Boscan Consultants Inc. since 1989, where I was responsible for sales, marketing, and recruitment of R&D professionals globally for the telecommunications industry.
As the Chair of Concerned Citizens of Tyendinaga and Environs from 2008-2015, I helped to lead a successful 23-year battle with the world’s largest waste company, Waste Management Corporation, which was proposing to build a massive landfill on fractured limestone. As former councillor for Tyendinaga Township, I gained the respect of my colleagues and constituents through my hard work and passionate advocacy.
What made you decide to enter the race to be MP of Hastings-Lennox and Addington?
I was and want to continue to be a constituent-focused MP, who represents the interests and needs of my constituents, advocate within government for solutions to constituents’ challenges and apply a local lens to government legislation and programs that could impact their lives. I never used the riding as a platform to pursue personal ambitions or unpopular policies. In my first term, I brought more than $217M worth of funding to benefit our riding. These investments are having a hugely positive impact, from broadband connectivity to infrastructure to economic development to protecting our environment. They are creating and preserving jobs, protecting our citizens and businesses, and promoting a healthy and safe environment.
Why is your party the right choice for Hastings-Lennox and Addington?
Our party has a comprehensive and serious platform that is targeting today’s most pressing issues. We are pursuing $10 a day childcare, a serious affordable housing plan, further investment into improving our healthcare system, the least costly and most effective plan to fight climate change and finishing the fight against COVID with mandatory vaccines for federal workers, travel, and supporting provinces with vaccine passports. These policies will keep Canadians safe, make life more affordable, and create a better future for our children.
What would you say are the top three issues facing Hastings-Lennox and Addington right now?
Affordability, climate change, and healthcare are the top issues facing Hastings-Lennox and Addington. That is why we are investing in $10 a day childcare and have a comprehensive affordable housing plan to save families money, ensure both parents can work, and make buying a home easier.
Our plan on climate change has been rated the best among all parties by leading economists and climate champions.
We are investing in healthcare to reduce waitlists and hire doctors and creating a new mental health transfer so that mental health can finally be treated as health.
If elected, what would be your biggest priority?
My biggest priority if elected would be restoring strong local representation to this riding. For the past two years that has been missing and it is impacting the communities, businesses, and families of Hastings-Lennox and Addington.
The riding deserves someone who will fight on their behalf and represent their interests in Ottawa to ensure that legislation passed accurately reflects and benefits communities in Hastings-Lennox and Addington.
Why are you the right candidate for this riding?
I am the right candidate for the riding because I have a proven track record of strong local representation and progressive values.
The majority of this riding supports the policies in our platform and know that I will work hard every day to ensure they benefit our communities and families. Voters know that what they are getting in me is someone who will show up every day and be there for them regardless of their issue or political leaning.
Matilda DeBues- New Democratic Party of Canada
Where are you from, what is your educational background and professional background prior to getting into politics?
I was born in England and moved to Canada when I was a child. I’ve lived in Peterborough and Lakefield for the majority of my life. I graduated high school in 2019 and since then I have worked at several non-profit organizations.
Currently, I work at a non-profit agency in Peterborough that helps settle and welcome newcomers to Canada.
What made you decide to enter the race to be MP of Hastings-Lennox and Addington?
I’ve always found it important to stay connected and engaged with current affairs, progressive and positive ideas and I like the NDP platform. When I saw there was an opportunity for me to promote these ideas, I took it. The riding has similar issues to those in my area. Although I’m not from Hastings-Lennox and Addington, I have spent a lot of time on roadtrips, visiting friends and exploring areas from Bancroft to Bath.
Why is your party the right choice for Hastings-Lennox and Addington?
People in HLA have had a tough time over the past year and a half. They’ve seen house prices increase and vacancy levels drop, while unemployment remains stubbornly high. Meanwhile, the richest Canadians have increased their wealth by billions of dollars.
Past governments have failed to provide adequate support for people who are struggling, and neither the Liberals or Conservatives have asked wealthy Canadians to pay more. The NDP and Jagmeet Singh will deliver on the things that people need – pharmacare, dental care, housing, clean water and climate action.
What would you say are the top three issues facing Hastings-Lennox and Addington right now?
I think the three biggest issues facing this riding are secure and affordable housing, high speed internet and cell service, and climate change.
If elected, what would be your biggest priority?
Besides sorting out the country’s COVID -19 recovery, I would immediately prioritize the housing crisis. How are we meant to build healthy and strong communities when people are unhoused or are in fear of losing their homes?
Building new homes, especially affordable rental units, to high energy efficient standards will reduce heating and cooling costs which is also part of the NDP’s climate action plan.
Why are you the right candidate for this riding?
I care about people, families and communities. I am passionate about helping people in this riding get access to the services and programs they deserve.
As your NDP Member of Parliament, I will advocate for a more affordable, equal, hopeful and secure future in Hastings-Lennox and Addington.
Shelby Kramp-Neuman- Conservative Party of Canada
Where are you from, what is your educational background and professional background prior to getting into politics?
I was born and raised in Hastings County, and have lived most of my life in Madoc. I am a graduate of the University of Ottawa, where I studied Communications and Political Science. My work experience has included time in government, public service, and the private sector.
I was the Parliamentary assistant to the late Jim Prentice and worked for Senator Con Dinino. This experience was followed by employment with Global Affairs Canada where I was selected to become a Canadian representative in Seattle, Washington.
I spent almost six years as a teacher, including time with the Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board and at Loyalist College.
I also served on the Centre Hastings Municipal Council for 15 years, being re-elected three times and serving for four years as Deputy Mayor.
For the last 12 years, I have worked for Sun Life Financial in Belleville as a Financial Advisor. I have been happily married to Tadum Neuman for 15 years, and we have two wonderful school-aged daughters, Tori and Reese.
What made you decide to enter the race to be MP of Hastings-Lennox and Addington?
I am entering this race because I am concerned about the current state of the country and the direction in which it is heading. For many Canadians, their biggest worries as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic are economic recovery, security, and prosperity; yet it is clear to many that debt loads on individuals and on all levels of government have exploded, putting businesses, jobs, and home ownership at risk. Communities and families are facing unprecedented challenges.
While Canadians are struggling, the Liberal government of Justin Trudeau is continuing to reward its friends and associates. Promises made to our veterans, seniors, and small businesses have been broken, while wealthy insiders with ties to the Liberal Party like SNC-Lavalin, WE Charity, and Loblaws line their pockets with taxpayer dollars.
I believe that Canadians deserve much better than this from their government.
Why is your party the right choice for Hastings-Lennox and Addington?
This election will be a choice between a comprehensive Conservative plan to deliver jobs for all Canadians and restore public finances, and a reckless Liberal plan that would leave Canada with high levels of debt and unemployment.
The Conservatives are the only alternative to secure the future, restore competence, transparency and accountability to government, and ensure Canada is never unprepared for a crisis like this again.
With the Conservatives, voters in this Riding will get Canada’s Recovery Plan. This plan will secure jobs, health, and Canada’s economic future. It will focus in the following areas:
- SECURE JOBS by recovering every one of the million jobs lost during the pandemic within one year. 2
- SECURE ACCOUNTABILITY by enacting a new anti-corruption law to clean up the mess in Ottawa.
- SECURE MENTAL HEALTH through our Canada Mental Health Action Plan.
- SECURE OUR COUNTRY by creating a strategic stockpile of essential products and building the capacity to manufacture vaccines at home.
- SECURE CANADA’S ECONOMY by balancing the budget over the next decade.
A Focus on Rural Canada – For the last six years, the Liberal government has ignored rural Canadians. A Conservative Government will change that. We will:
– Connect all of Canada, including rural areas, to high-speed Internet by 2025;
– Set aside a portion of federal infrastructure funds for projects in rural areas;
– Ensure that Canada’s tourism strategy supports rural tourism and encourages Canadians and visitors from around the world to explore remote parts of the country, including the hidden gems that are off the beaten path;
– Tackle rural crime by adding a sentencing consideration based on the victim’s remoteness from emergency services; and
– Appoint a Minister of Rural Affairs to Cabinet, so that your voices are heard and your concerns are addressed.
What would you say is the top three issue facing Hastings-Lennox and Addington right now?
The most important issue facing the riding is the ongoing pandemic and how we can emerge from this experience. I strongly believe that together we have always been able to overcome adversity and emerged stronger and better for the experience, and we can do so again as long as we have the right vision to Secure our Future.
A key part of that plan is securing well-paying jobs so that people can afford the cost of living and be able to buy a home. To do that we need to support small businesses as they recover. Small- and medium-sized businesses have been hit hard during this pandemic and they need our help if we, as a community, are to succeed! Why? Because they employ at least 70 per cent of the Canadian workforce and create 85 per cent of all new jobs. That is why Conservatives have a plan to rebuild Main Street by providing support to our local businesses.
We need to continue moving to get the Riding fully connected to high-speed Internet and reliable cell phone service. We will never be able to realize our full potential as a Riding until this vital infrastructure is in place.
If elected, what would be your biggest priority?
My top priorities for Hastings-Lennox & Addington: are working towards achieving the following:
- Establishing critical cell phone & broadband internet infrastructure in rural communities
- Rebuilding Main Street by assisting small businesses and providing incentives to invest in, rebuild, and start new businesses;
- Increasing the availability of affordable housing, especially rental units, in the Riding;
- Improving health and long-term care outcomes by working with the province & municipalities; and
- Providing resources and clarity for marijuana grow-op regulation & enforcement.
Why are you the right candidate for this riding?
I understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities. I have extensive experience in municipal politics that has taught me that the key to moving past the pandemic in rural ridings like Hastings-Lennox & Addington is to give our communities the tools and resources they need to become more self-reliant and resilient.
The challenges ahead will be difficult and will require a Member of Parliament who can be part of a team dedicated to protecting our families, businesses, and communities, while rebuilding our economy based on the ingenuity and work ethic of our people.
Moreover, I will always stand for honesty, integrity and accountability. I will listen with respect to the views of constituents, be open to new ideas, and be prepared to stand and be counted for the choices that I make. And I will focus on the things that unite us as a community, rather than those that divide us.
Jennifer Sloan- Independent
What made you decide to enter the race to be MP of Hastings-Lennox and Addington?
I’ve grown tired of waiting on politicians to fulfill their promises to take care of our country. I’m just a regular person that says if not me, then who? I’ve weighed the options and I have put my name forth, because my heart is for the people and I want us to be happy, healthy and thriving again: the Canada I used to know.
Why are you as an independent the right choice for Hastings-Lennox and Addington?
Simply put, the big tent parties have loyalties that are enforced or MPs suffer consequences. My husband Derek Sloan was in the Conservative Party and when he tried to stick up for constituents, he was asked to resign and when he didn’t, they kicked him out. As an independent, he was able to talk probably 50 times in the House of Commons in the last five months whereas when he was in the Conservative Party, he only got two or three speaking engagements in a year and a half. Being an independent, you only have loyalties to your constituents, and their voices can be taken to Ottawa and not the other way around. I won’t ever have to decide between you and my party leader.
What would you say are the top three issues facing Hastings-Lennox and Addington right now?
High speed internet: We should all have access to high-speed affordable internet, but the only time politicians want to address this issue is around election time. Think about it – Mike Bossio made a big deal about some internet funding before the 2019 election – how many constituents saw their internet improve from that?
Now, just before this election was called in 2021, we heard that the EORN “GIG” project was NOT approved for funding by the Liberals, even though every single elected official in Eastern Ontario supported that important project. Mike Bossio was the Senior Advisor to the Minister who made this decision. How is that serving the community? Instead, literally days before Justin Trudeau called the election, they threw together an announcement for Eastern Ontario, with timelines of 2025 and beyond. We are already being told that some communities will not receive the funding they made in that announcement. Bossio will not talk about that, however.
So, the question is can we even believe it? None of our services improved after the last big announcement, most of us are still waiting for high-speed affordable internet, even though we know how urgent the issue is. And we already see communities being frozen out of that funding announcement.
And the Conservative Party is not innocent either – they were in Government from 2006 until 2015 and did not solve these issues. It is time to stop playing politics, and to get rural constituents what they need and what they deserve when it comes to high-speed, affordable internet.
Small business: While lockdowns are a national issue as well, it is affecting our local communities tremendously. Small businesses are foundational in any community and help to drive and stabilize the markets. When small businesses are forced to close while big box retailers remain open, this puts small businesses at a huge disadvantage. Small businesses can work within current health regulations just as much as big businesses. When a lot of our businesses close their doors for the last time, we will have irreversible and innumerable regrets.
Lockdowns: On the same note, lockdowns from a health perspective are a complete disaster. Our children are suffering when it comes to measuring just about any available statistic for them; made worse with uncertainty from the educational system. Their very futures are at stake. The ripple effect from delayed surgeries is, from a medical perspective, an absolute and immediate crisis that nobody is really talking about federally; and the on-going societal divisions that have been created by federal politicians and officials during the pandemic response has arguably destroyed the very social fabric of this Great Nation. The problem is that the other candidates will not even admit this; they want more lockdowns. It is unbelievable that we are allowing this to go on. We really must stand up and make our voices heard, right here and now, this election. It is also another great reason to support me in my independent Candidacy for Hastings-Lennox & Addington.
If elected, what would be your biggest priority?
In looking at the most urgent, pressing matters our loss of freedoms seem to be what is on people’s minds. I will be fighting for medical autonomy, fighting against vaccine passports, and fighting against lockdowns that destroy strong small businesses.
These lockdowns have exponentially increased our mental health, opioid and addictions crisis. As a health care practitioner, I am appalled that we have not come up with a better way to handle this. As a very diverse riding, we have a lot of legal gun owners that have had their rights stripped from them.
The Liberals and the Conservatives continue to restrict their freedoms and this needs to be stopped. Legal gun owners are not the problem, it is criminals that are the problem, and they should be targeted. The carbon tax is a useless drain on Canadian taxpayers’ pockets, and is particularly damaging to our farmers. The Conservatives and the Liberals are pushing this to take more money away from us as Canadians. Money is already strained in the last two years more than ever, and this tax is a slap in the face to all of our faces. Small boutique tax credits are artificial.
We need something permanent to give everyone an increased dependable income, not just a temporary solution over the holidays.
Finally, the globalist organizations need to get out of Canada. We are a rich, abundant, resourceful country, and we don’t need anybody to advise us on how to run our country. We certainly don’t need to be paying them money to tell us how to run our country.
Why are you the right candidate for this riding?
As an independent I have the freedom to speak up for Hastings–Lennox–Addington. I don’t have to worry about a top down dictatorship. Erin O’Toole and Justin Trudeau have been on record saying that they don’t want certain people in their party.
This shows that they are not open to freedom of thought or expression from individual MPs or constituents.
The thousands of people that I’ve talked to in these last few weeks I have always given an ear too, and I will continue to do so, without discrimination.
Reg Wilson- Green Party
Where are you from, what is your educational background and professional background prior to getting into politics?
Reg Wilson moved to Hastings—Lennox and Addington after a post-retirement seven-year sailing trip. He is active in his community, volunteering as a member of the Community Development Committee. He also operates a modest handyman service.
He is the proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren. The looming climate crisis and the impact it could have on the lives of his grandchildren and future generations motivated him to stand as a candidate for the Green Party of Canada.
Wilson has held management positions in manufacturing, marketing positions in technology, and owned and operated a modest mixed farm. Prior to moving to Lennox and Addington County, Reg served on the board of a children’s mental health organization, and as president, guided it through the acquisition of a similar organization to secure its viability.
As a farmer, he led a grassroots organization that lobbied and eventually succeeded in persuading the provincial government to amend policies under the Milk Marketing Act. His experience has shown him what it takes to affect change, and he feels a great urgency to act.
Reg received his MBA at the age of 50. He supports free or reduced-cost post-secondary education based on the maintenance of a reasonable level of academic performance by students.
Reg’s grandparents had a policy during the Depression of ensuring everyone who came to their door looking for a meal got a meal. This attitude to support the less fortunate of society compels him to support the concept of a Guaranteed Livable Income for those members of our society who are unable to participate effectively.
What would you say are the top three issues facing Hastings-Lennox and Addington right now?
For me there are several issues of local importance; rural internet is abysmal, the Toronto exodus to the country has created an affordable housing issue for the first time home buyers who have been raised here, and poverty relief, as the average income in our riding according to Elections Canada is slightly less than $28,000, which is minimum wage.
However, while we need to address these issues, if doing so distracts us from the climate crisis we are whistling in the dark. The IPCC report describes our situation as code red for humanity and calls for a 60 per cent reduction in our emissions by 2030. The Conservative Party is proposing a 30 per cent reduction while unable to formally acknowledge that climate change is happening, and with their strong connections to oil in the west, we should expect them to do less than 30 per cent when push comes to shove. The Liberals have pledged 50 per cent but have failed to meet any of their climate promises.
In fact Canada is the only member of the G7 to increase emissions since signing onto the Paris accord, all the rest have in fact reduced emissions. Clearly the voting public should not have confidence in further Liberal promises. The Green party is the only party committed to a 60 per cent reduction.
If elected, what would be your biggest priority?
If elected my biggest priority will be to hold the government’s feet to the fire to ensure we meet our climate goals
Why are you the right candidate for this riding?
This election is not like our grandfather’s elections. There is an environmental crisis that threatens humanity, and the humanity it threatens most is that segment of our population that doesn’t get to vote, our children and grandchildren. So for me, a senior who has voted for all the parties at one time or another, I could not do the traditional thing and vote for them yet again when the biggest issue threatens some little people I love.
I trust I have explained why the Green party, the next question is why not the Green Party?