Tariffs, international trade, and the impact on the local agriculture sector were top of mind for attendees at a candidates’ forum in Chatham.
Hosted by the Kent Federation of Agriculture, Thursday’s event at the Retro Suites Hotel featured all five candidates running in Chatham-Kent Leamington.
Conservative candidate Dave Epp took issue with Liberal candidate Keith Pickard’s repeated assertion that the best way to have federal dollars flow to a riding is to elect a member of the governing party.
“Make no mistake, I’ll advocate for good business, sound projects for this region and for any region. As I said at the beginning, I will take your voices to Ottawa.”
Pickard says collaboration is key.
“It’s essential to collaborate with other members, tell the story of Chatham-Kent-Leamington, and bring (federal) funds back. Without a doubt, (Conservative leader Pierre) Poilievre will not be able to garner the respect that (Liberal leader Mark) Carney will get with Trump, you will not get the same deal.”
NDP candidate Seamus Fleming believes everyone can agree the goal is to look out for your neighbours and support one another in times of need.
“My vision is for better, for improved funding and loans, for better infrastructure, and for a future for our young farmers. It’s not just about now or election day, it’s securing a bright future and prosperous future for our farmers.”
The issue of US-imposed and retaliatory tariffs surfaced several times during the hour-long meeting.
Representing the Green Party of Canada, candidate James Plunkett says Canada needs a hard stance.
“The Green Party is going to attack these tariffs, but we don’t even want to hit the US with tariffs, we want to counter with a tax going to the US. We want to ban resources in Canada that the US needs, to hold back until they drop the tariffs on Canada.”
PPC candidate Trevor Lee says his party has a simple plan to bring economic stability back to Canada, including cancelling all reciprocal tariffs and sitting down to negotiate with President Trump.
“Eliminate tariffs, go after China for their tariffs, reduce spending, balance the budget, reduce the deficit, and then put money back in your pockets.”
Another all candidates meeting is being held on Wednesday, April 23 hosted by Unifor Local 2458. That event gets underway at 7pm at the Masonic Temple on Riverview Drive in Chatham.
Canadians head to the polls April 28.
