It's been one week: N.B. political panel weighs in on federal election campaign
How the major parties are doing at getting their message out after 1st week on the hustings
Some New Brunswick political watchers say the first week of the federal election campaign left them wanting to hear much more substance and vision from those vying to form the next government of Canada.
That's the synopsis from a panel convened by Information Morning Moncton for regular check-ins during the campaign.
Don Moore is a past president of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick, an assistant professor of management at Crandall University and chair of the Codiac Regional Policing Authority.
Sarah Lord ran for the Green Party in the last provincial election, has a background in biotech, works in health and wellness, and runs a hiking tour company.
Aldéa Landry is a Moncton lawyer, business leader, and former deputy premier of New Brunswick. She co-chaired Mark Carney's federal Liberal leadership campaign in the province.
Geoff Martin teaches political science and international relations at Mount Allison University and ran as a candidate for the provincial NDP in Tantramar in 2003.
Here's a breakdown of their first discussion, edited for length and clarity.
Q: What do you think is the most important issue of the campaign?
A: Aldéa Landry.
We still have cost of living issues with things like housing and electricity. But with tariffs, we stand to lose 11,000 jobs in the province. And we have a single customer for almost all our exports. That calls for dramatic changes.
A: Don Moore.
Things like housing and groceries cost way more than they did. How did we get here? What allowed this to happen? How does this get fixed? Combine that with Canada-U.S. relations and its effects locally, provincially and nationally.
A: Sarah Lord.
For me, it's unity. How do we hold ourselves together as a nation, stop the mudslinging and work together to reach consensus on really serious issues that threaten our existence.
A: Geoff Martin.
I think it's about the party's platform to deal with the U.S. and provide a vision for the future of Canada that doesn't rely on tax cuts, smaller government, market magic and the old compact theory of French and English. We have a very diverse country and we have to all move along together.
Q: What are you hearing from people in your communities?
A: Geoff Martin.
They're very concerned about the high cost of living, the existential threat we're feeling, the sacrifices they may have to make in the trade war and what things will look like afterwards. The terrain really feels like it's shifting and unstable.
A: Sarah Lord.
People seem to be upset over the fact that they can't elect a prime minister. They want to vote their values and they want their vote to count. We're often told we have to vote a certain way to get rid of something we don't want, instead of voting for something we really do want.
A: Don Moore.
People are asking questions, like what is the key to success for dealing with Donald Trump, who is the best leader and what is the best party or government structure. They're getting sick and tired of trying to figure things out because messages from the U.S. are frequently changing.
A: Aldéa Landry.
People are talking about tariffs and the need to change the way we trade and they're expressing national pride and unity, even in Quebec. I think Canadians are concerned about the disrespect that's been shown to our country and leaders.
Q: What's standing out for you in the messaging from party leaders?
A: Don Moore.
They've mostly been reacting to things that are happening. People want to hear more about their views and plans for our country for the next five years, 10 years, and beyond.
A: Geoff Martin.
There's no discussion yet about things like public enterprise or the role of government, just standard things that were probably planned back in December or January. I don't think those are appropriate any more.
A: Sarah Lord.
I like the global perspective of Mark Carney — the fact that he is reaching out to different countries. But I also want to hear more strategies and vision to strengthen the Canadian economy and sustainably move forward with strength and unity.
A: Aldéa Landry.
Tax cuts are being offered and a vision of less dependence on the United States government. There are opportunities to broaden our reach and to create jobs by building infrastructure, but that will require public support and working with First Nations and provinces.
