Incumbent MP Conservative candidate John Weston went on the offensive last week, attacking the record of Liberal candidate Pam Goldsmith-Jones during his opening remarks at an all-candidates luncheon hosted by the Sechelt and District Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 8.
“My worthy opponent – and I mean that in all sincerity, Pam – would have us believe that she balanced West Vancouver’s budget each year that she was mayor. But first of all she was required to do that under federal law, and more importantly, expenditures ballooned under her watch,” Weston said during the two minutes allotted to introduce himself.
“In her first year as mayor, her total operating expenditures were $5 million higher than tax revenues. After six years, she increased administration costs by 165 per cent.”
Weston went on to attack the Liberal Party as a whole before saying he was worried the electorate would “vote emotionally and not with rational thinking” in this federal election.
When Goldsmith-Jones stood for her introduction, she took a moment to address Weston’s claims.
“I’m really glad that John brought up how we balanced our budget while we added and expanded infrastructure in West Van,” Goldsmith-Jones said, pointing to the $39-million West Vancouver Community Centre undertaken when she was mayor.
“In particular, that community centre has won multiple awards around the world. The only criticism is that it’s too full. It’s an ambitious and innovative partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health where we lent them money cheaply through the fiscal planning authority,” she said.
“It’s a fantastic local, provincial partnership. That’s why I’m on Justin Trudeau’s team – to develop a renewed sense of federalism, working together with provincial and municipal governments.”
Goldsmith-Jones and Weston kept it cordial for the remainder of the luncheon that saw the four main party candidates, including Green candidate Ken Melamed and NDP candidate Larry Koopman, answer a handful of written questions from Chamber members, ranging from what they thought about a fixed link to how they’d help small businesses grow.
On the topic of a fixed link, Goldsmith-Jones said she was excited to look into the possibility, but that it was “early days.”
“I think a study will also demonstrate that BC Ferries is an integral part of the system. It’s certainly the shortest distance between two points. I will be fighting for reduced fares, increased service and that it would become part of the highways system,” Goldsmith-Jones said.
Koopman said he was very concerned about the issue, “being the only candidate who lives on the Sunshine Coast.”
He said the idea of a fixed link should be studied “to make sure we understand the implications, the long-lasting effects of a fixed link,” and noted BC Ferries “could use greater funding and efficiencies also.”
Weston said many constituents don’t feel the current BC Ferries model is “sustainable or acceptable,” and that the fixed link idea “is one that has at least promise. It holds out the hope for a reliable and cheaper way to access this part of the world so we have jobs for our children and grandchildren here, not just for retired types,” he said.
Melamed said he looked forward to taking part in the discussion with constituents about a fixed link, but didn’t take a stance on it either way.
“My job as an MP will be to advocate for your issues, whatever they may be,” he said.
When asked how they would help small businesses grow, all candidates targeted small business tax.
“Small businesses thrive because of the low tax circumstances that the Conservatives have created,” Weston said, noting he would “continue to be a champion for small business, both in keeping taxes down and for promoting things like IRAP [Industrial Research Assistance Program] investment.”
Melamed said his party would raise taxes for the largest corporations in Canada while lowering them for small businesses.
Goldsmith-Jones said her party would reduce taxes for small businesses from 11 per cent to nine per cent and waive EI premiums for three years for employers who hire 18 to 25 year olds.
Koopman said his party would lower small business taxes by the same rate as the Liberals and also invest $30 million into tourism destination marketing over three years.
“That’s a great way to stimulate small businesses. Being a small business owner in tourism, I think it’s a great step to enhance my business and many other businesses on the Coast,” Koopman said.
