Voters urged to find out candidates' positions on Halton issues before the May 2 election

Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr thanks federal election candidates for providing their positions on a number of critical issues facing Halton. On behalf of Halton voters, Chair Carr sent a series of questions to all federal candidates in mid-April. They were asked to explain how their government would respond to Halton’s need for federal investment in municipal programs, services and other infrastructure. The responses from the candidates who replied to the questionnaire are available on Halton’s website at www.halton.ca/2011election.

“Halton needs permanent core funding from the federal government to ensure that we can continue to meet our municipal responsibilities and to ensure that we are able to sustain our quality of life,” said Chair Carr. “These decisions affect every one of us so it is important for Halton voters to hear what their candidates have to say.”

Provincial growth plans require Halton’s population to double by 2031 to more than 780,000 people. It is estimated that it will cost $8.6 billion to meet the need for more hospitals, schools, police, roadways and other infrastructure. While municipalities receive eight per cent of total tax revenues, they are responsible for more than half of the cost of this infrastructure. Through the Fairness for Halton campaign, a current infrastructure deficit of nearly $300 million has already been identified.

“We have asked the candidates some important questions about support for infrastructure, child care and early learning, affordable housing and strategies for attracting business and jobs to our region so that we can maintain our quality of life in Halton,” said Chair Carr. “We want to know if the candidates are willing to vote against their party if it means a better future for Halton. I encourage Halton voters to view the candidate’s responses on www.halton.ca/2011election."

As of April 25th , 12 candidates had responded to the questionnaire. Responses were received from Brent Bouteiller, Alyssa Brierley, James Ede, Michael Chong, Max Khan, David Laird, Connie Laurin-Bowie, Lisa Raitt, Judi Remigio, Tony Rodrigues, Jeffrey Streuker and Mike Wallace. Responses have not been received yet from Elaine Baetz, Andrew Chlobowski, Patricia Heroux, Graham Mayberry, Barry Peters and Terence Young.

Visit www.halton.ca/2011election to find out more about issues facing Halton and to read the responses provided by the candidates. For more information about the May 2 election, visit www.elections.ca. Please remember to vote – your vote helps shape Halton’s future.

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