St. Croix Votes: Meet the Candidates

On Thursday, September 4, 2020, the Charlotte County Television (CHCO-TV), the St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce, the St. Andrews Chamber of Commerce and the Town of St. Stephen hosted a Meet the Candidates Night for the Saint Croix Riding from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Garcelon Civic Centre. Candidates were required to provide opening and closing statements as well as answer 14 questions provided by Moderator Mike Corbett. The Candidates were Kathy Bockus of the Conservative Party, Rod Cumberland of the People’s Alliance, John Gardner of the Liberal Party, Brad McKinney of the New Democratic Party, and Kim Reeder of the Green Party. 

Candidates were informed prior to filming that respect and cooperation was a core value of this gathering, with an emphasis on the fact that this was not a debate but an introduction to themselves and their platforms. Candidates were asked to focus on the messages they wanted to convey and to respect the provided time, the varying platforms, and the COVID-19 regulations to optimize everyone’s safety. The evening exceeded expectations as candidates were quick to share words of encouragement and support for each other. “I’d like to commend each of my fellow candidates who have appeared before you tonight”, says Bokus, “for taking the tremendous step to offer for public office. It’s not an easy job.” 

A common theme amongst all platforms was the prioritization of representation for the Saint Croix riding in Fredericton. “One thing that I have heard repeatedly that needs changing is how we are represented,” says Cumberland, “the number one issue is getting public input in government decisions”. Reeder and Gardner specifically reiterated this point and emphasized the importance of working together and developing good processes to utilize our collective intelligence from all locations in the riding. All candidates displayed confidence in leading Saint Croix down this path as it was mentioned as the number one issue in our riding in all closing statements. 

Another pertinent theme that was revisited throughout the evening was accesability to health care. Many candidates again recognized similar examples as the other with the need for an established long-term plan and increased accessibility to specific departments such as non-urgent patient needs and risk reduction programs to combat addictions. McKinney mentioned the importance of making sure these plans are comprehensive and that they include essential programs dedicated to mental and sexual health as they are often overlooked within the area. In addition, Reeder expresses that “so there’s much need in this community for healthcare” and that is essential to tackle these issues from both the preventative and emergency sides of it. These concerns are relevant now more than ever with the presence of COVID-19, and the candidates were quick to recognize the improvements needed not only for our everyday lives but for the sake of dealing with the pandemic and having the resources to aid citizens throughout the riding. 

Other topics that were addressed were the year-round ferry service for Campobello Island, the provincial debt position, improvements for the lives of seniors, access to the internet, education, local perspectives, economic development, improved experiences for new residents and double-taxation systems. “We have a lot of issues on our plate,” says Bokus, “we must maintain good relationships between federal, provincial and municipal elected officials, working together no matter the political stripe for our community.” These sentiments were shared with Gardner and Cumberland as they emphasized the importance of understanding the area, the people, and the honest struggles within the community so that we can work together to bring respect to the table. The candidates all expressed their dedication and passion for effective change within the county, and feel at ease knowing that change is on the horizon. Voting polls will be available to the public on September 14th, until then it is essential that we take the time to get to know our candidates and future partners for change.