Saskatoon⁠-University federal candidates talk about what issues they think matter most and why they're running

SASKATOON -- As the federal election continues, CTV News Saskatoon reached out to the candidates in Saskatoon-University to learn more about why they’re running and what issues they believe are important. Their answers are published below, lightly edited for length and clarity.

Claire Card, New Democratic Party

Why do you want to be an MP?

After a more than a decade of Conservatives taking Saskatoon-University for granted, and the Liberals and Conservatives both working for the wealthy top one per cent and powerful corporations, I knew I needed to take action to help build a healthier future with strong communities and a more equal society.

I want to be a voice for women in Ottawa, where there are still too few women representing Canadians. I want to see more investment in affordable housing and public health care, including universal, comprehensive pharmaceutical drug coverage. I want to ensure Canadians lead the way on action on the environment and are prepared for the clean energy jobs of the future in solar, wind, and other clean energy sources. And I want a future that works better for ordinary, hard-working people — not just for those at the very top.

Why should people vote for you and your party?

I’m on their side. I’ll take their concerns seriously and be a strong voice for the voters in Saskatoon-University. I do my homework and am a tireless worker. And I’ll stand up to the powerful interest groups that dominate federal politics in Ottawa. Unlike the Conservatives and the Liberals who make it easier for the wealthy, we are the party that makes it easier for the rest of us.

What issues are most important to you, and how would your party address them?

I want to be a strong voice for the environment, workers, and women. We need to take meaningful action on the environment, but not leave workers behind. Our environmental plan will create 300,000 good jobs by investing in the sustainable services that matter to Canadians — building infrastructure, renewable energy, energy efficiency upgrades, and more.

For women, nearly 300,000 more women in Canada could join the workforce if they had access to affordable early childhood education, so we will introduce a national universal childcare program, and in order to help make life a little more affordable for caregivers, who are overwhelmingly women, we’ll make the Canada Caregiver Tax Credit refundable.

What do you think matters most in your riding right now?

Voters are saying a lot about the threat of climate change, which both the Trudeau and Harper governments have not done enough to address, as well as the concerns about the rising cost of living. More and more people are struggling to get by, and they simply don’t trust either the Liberals or Conservatives to put the people’s interests over those of their rich and powerful donors.

Cory Tochor, Conservative Party

Why do you want to be an MP?

I spent the last eight years of my life serving the people of Regina as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. I am proud of the work I, and my caucus colleagues, were able to do under the leadership of former Premier, Brad Wall, and the current Premier, Scott Moe. Our government has worked tirelessly for the people of Saskatchewan, and we have a lot to show for it. We promoted our interests both nationally and internationally, and defended them when necessary.

In order for Saskatchewan to reach its full potential, we need a federal government in Ottawa that is willing to support Saskatchewan. Justin Trudeau and his Liberal government do not have the interests of Saskatchewan at heart. I am running to champion Saskatchewan and the residents of Saskatoon-University so they can get ahead, not just get by.

Why should people vote for you and your party?

Justin Trudeau is not as advertised. He has raised taxes, racked up debt and deficits, and made life more expensive for Canadians.

This election is about choosing a Prime Minister and a government who you trust to put more money in your pockets so you and your family get ahead.

If you work hard, you should be able to buy a home, save for retirement, and care for your children and your parents as they age. You can trust that an Andrew Scheer-led Conservative government will live within its means and put more money in your pockets so you can get ahead.

What issues are most important to you, and how would your party address them?

I have been knocking on doors and talking to the residents of Saskatoon – University and one thing has remained clear, life has gotten more expensive under Justin Trudeau.

Trudeau said he would help the middle class. Instead, he has raised taxes on 80 per cent of middle-class Canadians and brought in a carbon tax that makes everyday essentials more expensive. Canadians are barely getting by, and they’re definitely not getting ahead.

A new Conservative government will bring forward policies that benefit people over government, and help all Canadians achieve their dreams. As Prime Minister, Andrew Scheer will remove the GST off home heating and home energy bills, provide a Universal Tax Cut to all hard working taxpayers, and make maternity benefits tax free. The Conservative plan is a plan that means real results for Canadians and their families.

What do you think matters most in your riding right now?

Affordability.

Nearly 50 per cent of all Canadians report being overwhelmed by their debts. They’ve stopped saving for retirement and are now just trying to keep their head above water.

In 2015, Justin Trudeau said he would do things differently and be a new kind of leader. Instead, he used the power of his office to reward his supporters and punish his critics.

Today, Canadians are under pressure and worried about their future. Their dreams are getting further out of reach. They are looking for help. Trudeau has proven he cannot be trusted to deliver it.

We have a positive vision for Canada’s economy. A Conservative government will live within its means and leave more money in the pockets of Canadians so they can get ahead.

Susan Hayton, Liberal Party

Why do you want to be an MP?

I want to be an MP because I think that I have a lot to offer in terms of knowledge and experience that would help to advance the issues that are important to Canadians and, in particular, to Saskatoon. I have worked as a physician for more than 30 years and I now want to give back to my community and my country by sharing my knowledge and experience to make this a stronger and healthier society.

Why should people vote for you and your party?

The election is likely to be resolved primarily in favour of the Liberal party or the Conservative party.

People should vote for the Liberal party because the Liberal party believes in man-made climate change and has science-based plans to address this process. The Liberal party believes in gender equality in government and in the work force in general. The Conservative party does not have a reasonable plan to address climate change and does not seem to see this as an urgent problem. Components of the Conservative party do not seem to support gender equality and issues of importance to women. I worry that a Conservative government would take our country backwards instead of forward into the future.

People should vote for me because I have knowledge and experience in areas of Health Care and Law. I have worked as a physician for 30+ years in a number of different roles. I also teach ethics and medicolegal issues and I work with government and allied organizations giving feedback about policy changes. I am a woman who has worked in male-dominated fields for much of my career and I understand the challenges associated with balancing a demanding and interesting career with home and family commitments.

What issues are most important to you, and how would your party address them?

Climate change

Gender equality in government

Advancement of Indigenous Issues

Gun control

What do you think matters most in your riding right now?

I think that the most important issue to address in Canada, and in my riding right now, is climate change. We need to continue to improve infrastructure to be ready for climate change and we need to invest in the economy and in Canadians to allow individuals and companies to transition to using alternate methods of energy production (other than carbon-based sources) while trying to maintain our standard of living.

Guto Penteado, People's Party of Canada

Why do you want to be an MP?

I have noticed a frustration among conservative-minded people about the lack of representation for local values and principles in Ottawa. I intend to re-install the trust residents should have in their Member of Parliament by prioritizing the issues and concerns of the people of Saskatoon-University above the ideas and concerns found in other parts of the country or from foreign entities.

Why should people vote for you and your party?

The People’s Party of Canada and our candidates are the only option in this election who will treat Canada holistically, treating all provinces the same way with a fair equalization system. I’m fighting to balance the west with the rest of the country. We as a region do our part in the federal economy but do not seem to be reaping the benefits.

We are not only the geographical centre of the country, but we are as integral to the success as any other province or region. Saskatchewan has a distinct culture that is being ignored, pushed aside or persecuted by Canadians who don’t understand us and refuse to get to know us.

What issues are most important to you, and how would your party address them?

I have been a Saskatoon resident for 17 years, but I was born and raised on a rural ranch in midwest Brazil. I was born and educated in Sau Paulo, Brazil. I immigrated to Canada 17 years ago. Since then, I have found a drastic change in my new home country, including the implementation of policy that does not put the interests of taxpaying Canadians first.

As a party, the PPC will lower the total number of immigrants, reform the immigration point system to prioritize economic immigrants, limit the number of temporary foreign workers, and make “birth tourism” illegal.

I am also a hunter, so gun laws are a key plank in my platform. The main thing is to create legislation that is balanced in its approach to managing the issue while protecting the legal, law-abiding citizens using firearms for hunting, sport shooting and collecting.

What do you think matters most in your riding right now?

People in Saskatoon are struggling financially regardless of what the federal government has said. In my conversations with people, I have learned that many families require more than two jobs per household to make ends meet. Lowering taxes, cutting corporate welfare and foreign aid, and opening more opportunities for individuals to succeed for themselves will provide a more stable overall economy, [and] opens the ability to provide citizens with a safety net, and [lets] each person take responsibility to live the life they prefer based on their metric for success.

Jan Norris, Green Party

Why do you want to be an MP?

If I were to be elected to the House of Commons I would give it my all - energy, time, and resources. It would be a great honour. But I do not have a burning desire to be an MP - I simply want the Green Party to have MPs in Parliament so we can get started immediately on the enormous task of switching to a carbon-free economy, which is long overdue.

Why should people vote for you and your party?

The Green Party is not just a political party. It is a global movement. There are Greens all over the world. We are bound together by our four basic principles: ecology, equality, democracy and non-violence. All our policies derive from and adhere to these values. The Green Party is known mainly as an environmental party but we value equality just as highly, and see environmental issues very much linked to justice.

It is clear from what thousands of scientists are telling us that our entire economic system needs a radical rethink. We have been blessed with cheap energy and have had wonderful lives free from the kind of grinding labour humanity knew before fossil fuels took on that work. Fortunately we have alternatives to burning oil gas and coal. The Greens have a plan to get us to where we need to be. It won't be easy but if we manage it, our world will remain livable for us and other species — and it will be a healthier and more peaceful one.

What issues are most important to you, and how would your party address them?

If one takes seriously what the scientists are saying there is no question about what is the most important issue. All others frankly pale in comparison to the climate crisis. Unless we don't care about our kids. But everyone cares about their kids and this is what gives me hope. It is what will enable us to leave our differences behind and work together to solve this intimidating problem. The Green Party will work with all the other parties to tackle our greenhouse gas emissions. We will hire an army of retrofitters to make our buildings more energy-efficient, invest heavily in renewable energy and electric trains, and work with everyone to find innovative ways to live without fossil fuels.

What do you think matters most in your riding right now?

I have been glad to find many people in my riding are informed about climate change and are very concerned too. It seems to be top of mind for a lot of people. Some are worried about their financial security, and that is no wonder as household debt is very high and the economic indicators are not predicting great things.