Legend

• CON Conservative
• LIB Liberal
• NDP New Democratic Party
• COM Communist
• GRN Green
• IND Independent
• CHP Christian Heritage Party
• PPC People's Party

• How big of a priority is it to balance the federal budget?

  Essential

  High priority

  Neutral

  Low priority

  Not important

  LIB

  Dan Vandal: After a decade of cuts, our government invested in Canada. Austerity doesn’t grow the economy. Responsible and smart investments do. Our fiscal plan helped grow the economy, create over 1 million new jobs since 2015, push unemployment to a 40-year low, and lift 900,000 Canadians from poverty, including 300,000 children. Strong economic growth is the most sustainable path to balanced budgets. Major credit rating agencies have reaffirmed Canada’s top rating and praised Canada’s record of “sound and consistent fiscal and monetary policies.” With an economy that is strong and growing, the debt relative to the size of the economy is steadily declining and is the lowest in the G7.

  CON

  Réjeanne Caron: No Comment

  IND

  Sharma Baljeet: No Comment

  GRN

  Ben Linnick: I believe in making real efforts to balance the budget and being accountable and responsible with public money, however balancing the budget is not a priority over the health, dignity and wellbeing of the population you are serving.

  PPC

  Adam McAllister: We spend over $26 billion on federal debt interest payments each year. This money could be spent a lot more productively elsewhere, yet we continue to go further and further into debt.
  • Did not respond:
  • NDP Billie Cross

• I would rather have more money in my pocket through tax cuts than have the federal government increase spending on public services.

  Strongly agree

  Somewhat agree

  Neutral

  Somewhat disagree

  Strongly disagree

  LIB

  Dan Vandal: According to the OECD, Canadian families now have one of the lowest effective tax rates in the OECD, and the lowest in the G7 – largely thanks to the new Canada Child Benefit and Middle Class Tax Cut. Boutique tax credits, as proposed by the Conservatives, only help the wealthy that have money to spend in the first place. We are committed to providing relief for middle-class Canadians at the source, by making EI parental benefits tax-free and by removing federal income tax on the first $15,000 of income for people earning under $147,000 a year. We are committed to helping Canadians keep more money in their wallet while improving the services they depend on.

  CON

  Réjeanne Caron: No Comment

  IND

  Sharma Baljeet: No Comment

  GRN

  Ben Linnick: I find one of the current political slogans emphasizing individuality and "getting ahead" as quite cringeworthy. We live as a society, and as long as public money is spent in a responsible and measured way we see social benefits and the growth of community. Coming back to the idea of equity I recognize I've had a pretty charmed life to even run as a candidate, I personally would prefer to see action taken on social issues, environmental issues and uplift my neighbours who may be hard up.

  PPC

  Adam McAllister: Tax cuts would help each family spend or invest their hard earned money in the way that is best for them.
  • Did not respond:
  • NDP Billie Cross

• In 2018, about 320,000 immigrants came to Canada. Is that the right number?

  Way too many

  Too many

  About right

  Too few

  Way too few

  LIB

  Dan Vandal: Immigration helps make Canada more diverse and successful. In communities across the country, new Canadians work hard teaching our children, caring for us when we’re sick, starting new businesses and creating good jobs. Our government is responsibly growing immigration levels to 350,000 by 2021. To keep our economy strong and growing, and to meet the demand from our communities and businesses, we will move forward with modest and responsible increases to immigration, with a focus on welcoming highly skilled people who can help build a stronger Canada.

  IND

  Sharma Baljeet: No Comment

  GRN

  Ben Linnick: I find this question very vague and poorly defined so I have answered in the neutral sense. Even the wording seems dehumanizing. In 2018, about 320,000 *people* immigrated to Canada. I think when it comes to immigration it has been turned into a dirty word, people think the worst and other political parties have taken grand standing, nationalistic views on this subject. It is a subject that deserves nuance and thoughtful discussion. I think when we talk about immigration we need to talk about our own demographics in Canada as well. We have an aging population and the younger working generation is already shouldering the weight of supporting that aging population, I think we need to work to attract people to immigrate to Canada who have the skills that are in demand here and also invest in programs allowing people who have immigrated opportunities to become settled, educated and integrated into our communities so they feel respected, valued and prepared to take on a functioning role in society.

  PPC

  Adam McAllister: It is great when we can bring in skilled immigrants, and for refugees to be brought in through private sponsorships.
  • Did not respond:
  • CON Réjeanne Caron
  • NDP Billie Cross

• In 2018, about 28,000 refugees came to Canada. Is that the right number?

  Way too many

  Too many

  About right

  Too few

  Way too few

  LIB

  Dan Vandal: Canada led the world in responding to the largest refugee crisis since WWII by welcoming 60,000+ Syrian refugees. We also welcomed 1,400 Yazidi and other survivors of Daesh through a special program, and fast-tracked additional sponsorship applications and facilitated family reunification. As global security becomes more fragile, Canada has a role to play in defending democracy and the rule of law, when ensuring that we help protect the most vulnerable.

  IND

  Sharma Baljeet: No Comment

  GRN

  Ben Linnick: As with the previous question I find the wording to be distasteful. In 2018, about 28,000 *people* came to Canada as refugees. Due to the lack of supplementary information I've again answered in the neutral sense. I think when previous governments have made diplomatic decisions that have directly impacted other nations and have created refugees, we as Canadians now bear some of that responsibility. Take the deal to sell military equipment to Saudi Arabia, it was set up by Stephen Harper's government and approved by Justin Trudeau's government. Saudi Arabia then took that Canadian made military equipment and launched a military campaign against Yemen, making the humanitarian crisis within Yemen reach catastrophic levels. The Canadian government made that deal with Saudi Arabia for 15 billion dollars. I believe most Canadians would agree that selling arms to a nation that has a human rights record hovering somewhere below abysmal is not an activity we want to get caught up in.

  PPC

  Adam McAllister: The government should open the door for private sponsorship of refugees which would provide the best opportunity for them to thrive and be a part of the community rather than use debt or taxpayer money to bring in refugees.
  • Did not respond:
  • CON Réjeanne Caron
  • NDP Billie Cross

• How important is it for Canada to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions?

  Essential

  High priority

  Neutral

  Low priority

  Not important

  LIB

  Dan Vandal: Climate action can’t wait. There is no issue more important to our future. In the past four years, we’ve done more to fight climate change than any previous federal government in Canada’s history. We have a plan that can and will meet and surpass our Paris targets. After a decade of inaction, we’ve adopted measures over the past years that get us three-quarters of the way there. We will set legally-binding, five-year milestones, based on the advice of the experts and consultations with Canadians, to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. We are the only party with a plan to fight climate change that’s ambitious and serious.

  CON

  Réjeanne Caron: No Comment

  IND

  Sharma Baljeet: No Comment

  GRN

  Ben Linnick: When I have been out canvassing, people have brought up the argument that our emissions only account for a small portion of global GHG emissions. So why should we bother trying to reduce our emissions here in Canada? For one, because we can. We have the technology, the human capital and the bankroll to make bold changes happen. We can be leaders in the transition to a carbon free economy. In making the transition we can create and innovate new technologies which can then be exported and adapted around the world, we can live up to the expectations the world places on us. There is no need for austerity in making the switch off of fossil fuels, the discussion surrounding the Green New Deal in Canada and the United States have offered glimpses into a cleaner, healthier more equitable society that is possible for all of us. So the real question isn't why should we? But, why not?

  PPC

  Adam McAllister: This is a great opportunity for companies to innovate but there is not a need for massive government intervention.
  • Did not respond:
  • NDP Billie Cross

• Should Canada approve the construction of new fossil-fuel pipelines?

  Definitely

  A few

  Maybe

  No

  Get Canada off oil

  LIB

  Dan Vandal: The issue of fossil fuels is complex. The reality is that the Canadian economy - and indeed the global economy - is tied to fossil fuels. That is why we need to work toward a transition of our economy - which we have been working on since 2015 with investments such as better public transit, renewable energy and energy efficient buildings, and making zero-emission vehicles more accessible and affordable.

  CON

  Réjeanne Caron: No Comment

  IND

  Sharma Baljeet: No Comment

  GRN

  Ben Linnick: We have a carbon budget, any new fossil fuel infrastructure will not allow us to live within that budget. We are well positioned to transition from fossil fuels in short order, and based on the U.N. IPCC findings we know that we must. Beyond the humanity saving, pragmatic reasons, you need to look no further than the Tiny House Warriors defending unceded Sepwepemc territory from the Trans Mountain pipeline construction. In Manitoba there is the Spirit of the Buffalo Camp working to halt the expansion of the Line 3 pipeline. There is broad opposition amongst Indigenous nations to these projects, the violence and abuse associated with man camps during construction, the destruction of traditional territory and the catastrophic and inevitable oil spills which do irreparable harm to the ecosystem.

  PPC

  Adam McAllister: It is better for our economy and the environment to inexpensively transport, process, and market oil harvested in Canada than to have it shipped from thousands of miles overseas.
  • Did not respond:
  • NDP Billie Cross

• Handguns should be banned in Canada.

  Strongly agree

  Somewhat agree

  Neutral

  Somewhat disagree

  Strongly disagree

  LIB

  Dan Vandal: Our party has committed to working with provinces and territories to give municipalities the ability to restrict or ban handguns. This will provide municipalities with the ability to address handgun violence in a manner that is appropriate within their jurisdiction.

  CON

  Réjeanne Caron: No Comment

  IND

  Sharma Baljeet: No Comment

  GRN

  Ben Linnick: I grew up in rural northern Manitoba, I've shot guns. I've shot handguns. However my right to do so does not trump the right of everyone else's safety and wellbeing. I personally do not own any firearms. Gun violence has become more prevalent in our city and has unfortunately therefore become a public safety risk. I believe in freedom, but the cost of that freedom should not be the terror of everyone else. I stand with the Green Party of Canada policy to ban all semi-automatic rifles and handguns.

  PPC

  Adam McAllister: There are plenty of law abiding gun owners in Canada who should be allowed to legally purchase guns.
  • Did not respond:
  • NDP Billie Cross

• To what extent do you feel there is a need for reconciliation between Canada and Indigenous peoples?

  Great need

  Some need

  Neutral

  Low need

  No need

  LIB

  Dan Vandal: Without question, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a priority. As a Métis person, I am personally dedicated to this. I am proud of the Liberal commitment to a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. Progress has been made but there is still much more to do.

  CON

  Réjeanne Caron: No Comment

  IND

  Sharma Baljeet: No Comment

  GRN

  Ben Linnick: As a métis person whose wife and daughter are Anishinaabe, it is probably not surprising that I feel strongly about Indigenous issues. The most recent government came into power with a lot of promise and hope. For the most part I feel like there was a lot of rhetoric and very little substantive action. I felt truly saddened for NDP MP Romeo Saganash when Bill C-262 died in the senate this past summer. The adoption of UNDRIP into law is, in my mind, the first real step we need to take on the path to reconciliation. The calls to justice from the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls also provide actionable policies that must be worked on and implemented at all levels of government. As well, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action provide a very clear road map of where we need to go and what actions need to be taken to heal the wounds of intergenerational trauma. The fact there are so many amazing Indigenous people working tirelessly to fight for change and successive governments have done nothing but drag their feet is endlessly frustrating. It's worth mentioning Dr. Cindy Blackstock has done amazing work to shine a light on the ongoing discrimination against First Nations children.

  PPC

  Adam McAllister: The government should explore avenues to promote the establishment of individual property rights on reserves so as to empower its residents, and give them increased control over their lives.
  • Did not respond:
  • NDP Billie Cross

• Some of Canada’s big cities want the federal government channel funding directly to them for things like transit, rather than sending funding to the provinces to distribute to cities. Is that a good idea?

  Great idea

  Good idea

  Neutral

  Bad idea

  Terrible idea

  LIB

  Dan Vandal: Municipalities are facing major infrastructure funding deficits. In Budget 2019, we doubled infrastructure funding to municipalities across Canada in response to delays by some provinces and territories in providing this necessary funding to our communities. While we would prefer to deal with provinces and territories, if they are unable or unwilling to flow federal infrastructure funding to municipalities, we will continue to provide it directly to municipalities as we did in Budget 2019.

  CON

  Réjeanne Caron: No Comment

  IND

  Sharma Baljeet: No Comment

  GRN

  Ben Linnick: I think that given our current situation in Manitoba that this could yield some productive results. The City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba are at an ideological roadblock. If there is funding that has already been earmarked for a city, it stands to reason it should not have to pass through the hands of the province. Specifically on the file of climate change I see this as a practical solution, if large cities are willing to declare climate emergencies and work together with the federal government they should be free to do so and not get caught up in the political or ideological machinations of their respective provincial government.

  PPC

  Adam McAllister: No Comment
  • Did not respond:
  • NDP Billie Cross

• The Canadian government should implement a pharmacare program to cover the cost of prescription drugs.

  Strongly agree

  Somewhat agree

  Neutral

  Somewhat disagree

  Strongly disagree

  LIB

  Dan Vandal: Absolutely, and it is one of our Liberal Party’s priorities. We have already laid the groundwork and we are committed to implement national pharmacare, guided by the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Implementation of National Pharmacare to make sure everyone can afford the medication they need.

  CON

  Réjeanne Caron: No Comment

  IND

  Sharma Baljeet: No Comment

  GRN

  Ben Linnick: 1 in 5 Canadians struggle to pay for their prescription medications. There are Canadians that must endure terrible suffering, illness, poor quality of life and even premature deaths due to an inability to pay for prescription medications. Collectively we spent 34 billion dollars on prescription medications in 2018, more than we spent on doctors and more than almost any other industrialized nation. It is completely counterintuitive to have a nationalized healthcare system and not have prescription medications be a part of that system. Humanity and practicality aside, a national pharmacare plan will end up saving us all money.

  PPC

  Adam McAllister: No Comment
  • Did not respond:
  • NDP Billie Cross

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