NDP Hold Leadership Debate, People Show Up
By Mark Townsend
This past Wednesday night featured a debate between the two leadership candidates for the Prince Edward Island New Democratic Party.
Candidates Mike Redmond and Trevor LeClerc were asked questions by MC Ian Petrie and members of the audience.
Mike Redmond was introduced as a distinguished member of the community who has worked hard to better himself, his family, and his province. Redmond is proud of his Island heritage, and feels as if he can lead the NDP through a successful campaign and give back the government to Islanders. He described his three core values as integrity, honesty, and work ethic.
Trevor LeClerc was born and raised in a military family. Throughout his childhood he moved around frequently, and continued that trend into adulthood. He has settled down here in PEI, and has been an active member of the community ever since. He considers himself dedicated and a natural leader.
The candidates discussed various issues brought up by the audience, including affordable childcare, protection of rural industries, and poverty elimination. Both affirmed these issues to be of the utmost importance, and assured those present that they would be addressed immediately if the NDP were to form government.
When asked for their thoughts on HST, both candidates noted it to be unfair, and called for its elimination.
This past Wednesday night featured a debate between the two leadership candidates for the Prince Edward Island New Democratic Party.
Candidates Mike Redmond and Trevor LeClerc were asked questions by MC Ian Petrie and members of the audience.
Mike Redmond was introduced as a distinguished member of the community who has worked hard to better himself, his family, and his province. Redmond is proud of his Island heritage, and feels as if he can lead the NDP through a successful campaign and give back the government to Islanders. He described his three core values as integrity, honesty, and work ethic.
Trevor LeClerc was born and raised in a military family. Throughout his childhood he moved around frequently, and continued that trend into adulthood. He has settled down here in PEI, and has been an active member of the community ever since. He considers himself dedicated and a natural leader.
The candidates discussed various issues brought up by the audience, including affordable childcare, protection of rural industries, and poverty elimination. Both affirmed these issues to be of the utmost importance, and assured those present that they would be addressed immediately if the NDP were to form government.
When asked for their thoughts on HST, both candidates noted it to be unfair, and called for its elimination.
LeClerc expressed that the Island is over-governed and as a consequence not unified. He maintained the HST decision to have been made behind closed doors without NDP involvement.
“The NDP owes no favours,” noted LeClerc.
Redmond expressed a similar opinion on the matter.
“The implication of HST was a result of fiscal mismanagement,” affirmed Redmond.
Recent polls have shown an immense increase in support for the Island New Democrats. Currently sitting at 18%, the party now needs to organize and try to garner additional support leading up to the 2015 provincial election. When asked what the next step would be towards making a serious run at an NDP government, both candidates felt optimistic in their approach. Trevor LeClerc proposed traversing each district separately, and spending a week getting to know constituents. Mr. Redmond has a plan for substantial growth, and wants to recruit 27 strong candidates.
The word ‘Premier’ was used by both candidates in their expression of forming government as a serious goal for the NDP Party.
Wednesday’s debate attracted approximately 75 people - a strong showing for the Island NDP.
The Prince Edward Island New Democratic Party’s leadership convention is set to take place October 13th at the Delta Hotel in Charlottetown. Federal NDP leader, Tom Mulcair, is set to make a speech at the convention dinner.
For additional coverage, check out This Hour Has 22 Minute’s P-E-I-Witness News recap of the debate here.
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