Local candidate Q&As
Local candidate debates took place in Cornwall, Stormont, and Glengarry. The Times attempted to set up an all-candidates debate here in North Dundas, but candidate availability was an issue. Rather than cover the three debates that occurred elsewhere in SD&G, the Times chose to use a Q&A model, allowing questions to be asked of the candidates that were more tailored to North Dundas issues and needs. Each candidate was given five questions and was asked to limit their response to approximately 600 words. The order in which the responses appear was chosen randomly using an online randomizer tool. The responses are completely unedited (no changes even for grammar or spelling), and appear exactly as submitted.
KARL IVAN MACKINNON Libertarian Party of Canada Q: SD&G is geographically very large. How will you ensure that you are representing constituents in every part of the riding? A: To provide access to my constituents I intend to establish an office in St. Andrew's West as thus us an approximate centre of the population with excellent road access. Another thought I have is set up temporary footprints at the various festivals and events we have everywhere in SDG. Q: The current cost of living is probably the hardest issue for everyday Canadians to contend with. How would your party make life more affordable for Canadians? A: One of the most challenging issues we currently face us affordability as a result of reckless spending by the previous government. I feel strongly about tax relief for the lowest tiers of income and small business. We cannot control market conditions with any surety, but we can reduce the cost if our government and burden on the taxpayer. Q: North Dundas is facing issues such as increased water infrastructure and recreational amenity needs. If elected, how would your party help struggling municipalities? A: The issues North Dundas is facing with its water supply is an issue I feel is valid. I would gladly seek federal support for funding to ensure a clean supply. This is one thing we should have in Canada. Water is essential. Q: How would your party help preserve the rural lifestyle and support the agricultural sector? A: I would like to see a renewal of prosperity in our rural communities. It seems that it has become the habit if big government to deprive the smaller towns of the same level of service that is more readily available in an urban setting. By reducing taxation and returning wealth to the individual we can restore this imbalance so that the more productive members of society can raise families, build businesses and return to prosperity. Q: Is there any message from your party or yourself as a candidate that you would like to share specifically with residents of North Dundas? A: This is an important election as we have seen the direct consequences of having a careless government. I have entered this election, as anyone in our riding could, to call for reform and accountability. These changes are essential to restoring our society.
MARIO LECLERC New Democratic Party (NDP) Q: SD&G is geographically very large. How will you ensure that you are representing constituents in every part of the riding? A: As your MP, my job is not limited to representing you in Ottawa but includes staying connected with you back home, in every corner of the riding. I’m a “people person,” and being available is important to me. I’d hold regular town halls, visit community events, and if possible, set up some kind of mobile constituency offices so folks don’t always have to come to me—I’ll come to you. I also know not everyone can make it in person, so I’ll make sure there are easy ways to reach me online or by phone, too. Q: The current cost of living is probably the hardest issue for everyday Canadians to contend with. How would your party make life more affordable for Canadians? A: People are struggling. Groceries, rent, gas—costs are up, but wages aren’t. The NDP is focused on real solutions. We’ll cap grocery prices, strengthen rent protections, and replace the expiring Housing Accelerator Fund with a permanent $16 billion strategy to build 3 million affordable homes by 2030. This initiative includes the Canadian Homes Transfer and the Communities First Fund to help cities build faster and protect rental stock. Public land will be made available—with affordability as a requirement. We’ll also expand public dental care and pharmacare and bring down internet and cell phone bills. Canadians deserve a break—and a government that puts people before profits. Q: North Dundas is facing issues such as increased water infrastructure and recreational amenity needs. If elected, how would your party help struggling municipalities? A: I hear from local leaders in North Dundas and across the riding that they need help with water systems, roads, and public amenities, but they’re being stretched too thin. The NDP knows that the federal government needs to be a real partner. We are committed to permanent, stable funding for municipalities so communities can plan for the long term and invest where it matters. If elected, I’ll make sure your community gets the support it needs to grow and thrive. Q: How would your party help preserve the rural lifestyle and support the agricultural sector? A: I understand how important rural life and farming are—not just to our economy but to our identity. The NDP has always stood with farmers and rural communities. We’ll protect supply management, fight corporate monopolies that squeeze producers, and invest in local food systems. We also want to make sure the next generation of farmers can succeed with better access to land, credit, and training. And we’ll invest in rural services like broadband, transportation, and health care—because rural Canadians deserve the same quality of life as anyone else. I will always advocate for rural voices in Parliament. Q: Is there any message from your party or yourself as a candidate that you would like to share specifically with residents of North Dundas? A: Thank you for your resilience, your generosity, and your community spirit. I know how hard you work and how much you care about your neighbours. You deserve a representative who won’t just show up during an election but who’ll be there all the time—fighting for you, listening to you, and putting your needs first. That’s the kind of MP I intend to be. The NDP is here to build a fairer Canada—where rural communities get the respect and investment they deserve. I hope to earn your trust and be your voice in Ottawa.
ERIC DUNCAN Conservative Party of Canada Q: SD&G is geographically very large. How will you ensure that you are representing constituents in every part of the riding? A: My team and I pride ourselves on being accessible to everyone in SD&G – regardless of where someone lives. In Dundas County, our two weekly satellite constituency offices in Winchester and Morrisburg help hundreds of people each year with passports and a variety of federal case files. With the riding boundaries expanding to North Glengarry, we would also open a weekly office in Alexandria. I also try to attend as many community events and visits to local businesses as I can. This not only makes sure I'm representing the community, but also allows me to get direct feedback from many people on issues that are important to them. The hundreds of conversations I have at those events every month are invaluable to truly "having the pulse" of SD&G. We plan to keep the same pace up if re-elected, and continue my bimonthly survey mailings, in which I personally read and respond to each reply that comes in. Q: The current cost of living is probably the hardest issue for everyday Canadians to contend with. How would your party make life more affordable for Canadians? A: Conservatives would end the carbon tax – permanently and on everything. The Liberals are going to bring in a new carbon tax if re-elected, which will only drive up the cost of living further. In addition, we would cut personal income taxes by 15%, getting more money in the pockets of Canadians to help with rising costs. We'll increase the tax-free income amount for seniors from the current $24,000/year up to $34,000. To address the increasing cost of food, Conservatives would also end the plastics ban and stop the Liberal's proposed new labelling and packaging requirements that will raise the cost of fresh produce by as much as 34% and cost the average Canadian household an additional $400 each year. Q: North Dundas is facing issues such as increased water infrastructure and recreational amenity needs. If elected, how would your party help struggling municipalities? A: As a former Mayor, I know firsthand the importance of making sure SD&G gets its fair share of infrastructure dollars for key projects. Sadly, communities like North Dundas have not been treated with the attention they deserve by the current Liberal government. A Conservative government would invest in local water and sewer infrastructure projects, and bonus any municipality that exceeds their housing targets to get more homes built and address the massive housing supply shortage we have in Canada. Q: How would your party help preserve the rural lifestyle and support the agricultural sector? A: One of the concerns I hear often from our farmers is the lack of attention and respect that our agricultural community receives from the federal government. Extra red tape, confusing and delayed support programs, and the carbon tax have been major financial burdens for rural families. Another key concern I've heard is the attack on law-abiding firearms owners with legislation like C-21. Instead of going after criminals and gun smuggling from the United States, the Liberals are going after rural hunters who are not a public safety concern. A Conservative government would preserve our rural lifestyle by cutting red tape for farmers, ending the carbon tax permanently, and stop the $90 million spent on the Liberal's firearms confiscation program that has yet to even get underway – and does nothing to address violent crime. The examples of Liberal attacks on our rural way of life are many, and this would end with a Conservative government. Q: Is there any message from your party or yourself as a candidate that you would like to share specifically with residents of North Dundas? A: Being born and raised in South Mountain and Winchester, and having served 12 years on Council in North Dundas, I am very familiar with the local community and believe I have a good grasp of what the federal government can do to help families. I've been honoured for years to have strong support in North Dundas, and I'm asking for your support again to be a part of a Conservative government that will put Canada First, lower your taxes, address our housing crisis, and to get our fair share from Ottawa here in SD&G. It's time for a change in Ottawa with a new common sense government.
SARAH GOOD Liberal Party of Canada Q: SD&G is geographically very large. How will you ensure that you are representing constituents in every part of the riding? A: Stormont–Dundas–Glengarry is large and diverse, but every corner matters. I’m committed to staying connected across the riding by being present at local events from Maxville to Morrisburg and everywhere in between. I’ll work closely with municipal leaders to ensure your local priorities are heard in Ottawa. My background in engagement and governance means I know how to listen, build partnerships, and take action that reflects the needs of the whole riding – not just one part of it. Q: The current cost of living is probably the hardest issue for everyday Canadians to contend with. How would your party make life more affordable for Canadians? A: Affordability is a top priority for the Liberal Party. We’re already delivering the Canada Child Benefit, dental care, and grocery rebates to help families. But we must go further – by building more homes faster and investing in renewable energy to lower utility bills. I’ll fight for measures that make life more affordable, especially for rural families who face unique cost pressures with transportation, heating, and access to services. Q: North Dundas is facing issues such as increased water infrastructure and recreational amenity needs. If elected, how would your party help struggling municipalities? A: Municipalities like North Dundas shouldn’t have to shoulder rising costs alone. A Liberal government would increase federal infrastructure funding, especially for clean water, waste systems, and recreation. We’ll work to streamline the application process so small municipalities with limited staff can access funds faster and more easily. I’ll advocate for fairer funding formulas that reflect rural realities, so you’re not left behind. I know from my work in local government how critical federal partnerships are – and I’ll bring that experience to Ottawa. Q: How would your party help preserve the rural lifestyle and support the agricultural sector? A: Rural communities and agriculture are the backbone of SDG. The Liberal Party supports farmers through improved Business Risk Management programs, clean tech investment, and direct support for younger farmers entering the sector. We’ll protect farmland from sprawl, expand rural broadband, and invest in local processing to keep value-added jobs in our communities. I’ll be a strong voice for supply management, rural services, and environmental policies that work with farmers – not against them. Q: Is there any message from your party or yourself as a candidate that you would like to share specifically with residents of North Dundas? A: North Dundas is full of hardworking, community-minded people who deserve a strong advocate in Ottawa. I see your efforts to balance growth with preserving rural identity, and I share your values. My message is simple: I’m here to listen, to work with you and to make sure our communities get the support they need. Whether it’s infrastructure, health care, housing, or agriculture, I’ll bring your voice forward and fight for practical, rural-focused solutions that reflect the way of life we all want to protect.
GORDON KUBANEK Green Party of Canada Q: SD&G is geographically very large. How will you ensure that you are representing constituents in every part of the riding? A: The first step I see is a focus on representing my constituents and their needs instead of only focusing on what the party leader wants. I believe that I can understand their issues because I too live in the country and I too have had to deal with power costs 30% higher than in the cities, I too have to deal with 2nd rate internet service. It comes down to having lived the experiences that everyday follks have lived and being empathic enough to see that my first job as a candidate is to be voice for the issues brought to me as I get to know people in SDG better, as I have done in debates in Alexandria, Cornwall and Avonmore. Q: The current cost of living is probably the hardest issue for everyday Canadians to contend with. How would your party make life more affordable for Canadians? A: The greens will reduce immigration to levels which allow everybody, new and long Canadians, to enjoy affordable housing, highways free of traffic jams, Emergency rooms without long waits. We have been caught, by emphasizing economic growth at the expense of considering the quality of life of everyday Canadians, in what is known as the 3rd world trap. This trap happens when population growth higher than GDP growth: the result for any country which falls into this trap is that GDP per capita goes down. That is what is happening in Canada. That, along with our decline in productivity wrt to our G20 competitors, are the fundamental drivers of the real economic pain most of us are suffering. Q: North Dundas is facing issues such as increased water infrastructure and recreational amenity needs. If elected, how would your party help struggling municipalities? A: I will work with the provinces to provide funding mechanisms where municipalities have their own long term funding source. This includes working with Ontario to provide the promised funding lost through the farm rebate program in 1998 when farmers tax rate was reduced by 75% but the promised provincial replacement funding never materialized. But more than that, I will work to create a system used in many other countries where municipalities get a fixed share of the federal gas tax and HST, hopefully in conjunction with the provinces, so that towns do never again have to come begging for money to the province or federal government. Q: How would your party help preserve the rural lifestyle and support the agricultural sector? A: I will work to provide long term price stability for farmers because I know that food security, as Climate Crisis worsens, will become a global issue. Because the average age of a farmer in Canada is 58. I also know farmland is unaffordable. Thus to support more new young farmers I will create more progams with more money to help them move from small to larger scale farms, both within and outside our marketing systems. Additionally, I will work with the provinces to replicate Quebec’s Bill 495 which prohibits the sale of farmland to coroporation and investment funds. The family farm, not agribusiness, is sustainable and has a better chance of both nurturing healthy soils and a healthy local economy as the monies earned by them remain in the community and do not leave the country. Q: Is there any message from your party or yourself as a candidate that you would like to share specifically with residents of North Dundas? I know that everybody is afraid of the tariff war with Donald Trump. The threat is real and is the only issue that really matters during this election. The fact that it has brought Canadians together, that is will result in big changes like the bringing down of provincial trade barriers, and increased patriotism, is wondourful. However, there is a dark side to this I want to address: the fact this sudden patriotism is driven mostly by fear. Whenever I talk with people they mostly talk of how scared they are of what is Trump is doing to us. The problem with fear is that makes us dumber than we would otherwise be. It means that many swing voters are suddenly seeing the brand new Liberals under Carney as their saviour. Well, the Liberals are always the Liberals, and while Carney is certainly an intelligent man, he, like Polievre, will only try to continue to keep Business as Usual going. Please note that approximately 400 words were trimmed from the end of answer #5 in Gordon Kubanek’s submission solely to comply with the word limit given to each candidate.
KARL IVAN MACKINNON Libertarian Party of Canada Q: SD&G is geographically very large. How will you ensure that you are representing constituents in every part of the riding? A: To provide access to my constituents I intend to establish an office in St. Andrew's West as thus us an approximate centre of the population with excellent road access. Another thought I have is set up temporary footprints at the various festivals and events we have everywhere in SDG. Q: The current cost of living is probably the hardest issue for everyday Canadians to contend with. How would your party make life more affordable for Canadians? A: One of the most challenging issues we currently face us affordability as a result of reckless spending by the previous government. I feel strongly about tax relief for the lowest tiers of income and small business. We cannot control market conditions with any surety, but we can reduce the cost if our government and burden on the taxpayer. Q: North Dundas is facing issues such as increased water infrastructure and recreational amenity needs. If elected, how would your party help struggling municipalities? A: The issues North Dundas is facing with its water supply is an issue I feel is valid. I would gladly seek federal support for funding to ensure a clean supply. This is one thing we should have in Canada. Water is essential. Q: How would your party help preserve the rural lifestyle and support the agricultural sector? A: I would like to see a renewal of prosperity in our rural communities. It seems that it has become the habit if big government to deprive the smaller towns of the same level of service that is more readily available in an urban setting. By reducing taxation and returning wealth to the individual we can restore this imbalance so that the more productive members of society can raise families, build businesses and return to prosperity. Q: Is there any message from your party or yourself as a candidate that you would like to share specifically with residents of North Dundas? A: This is an important election as we have seen the direct consequences of having a careless government. I have entered this election, as anyone in our riding could, to call for reform and accountability. These changes are essential to restoring our society.
MARIO LECLERC New Democratic Party (NDP) Q: SD&G is geographically very large. How will you ensure that you are representing constituents in every part of the riding? A: As your MP, my job is not limited to representing you in Ottawa but includes staying connected with you back home, in every corner of the riding. I’m a “people person,” and being available is important to me. I’d hold regular town halls, visit community events, and if possible, set up some kind of mobile constituency offices so folks don’t always have to come to me—I’ll come to you. I also know not everyone can make it in person, so I’ll make sure there are easy ways to reach me online or by phone, too. Q: The current cost of living is probably the hardest issue for everyday Canadians to contend with. How would your party make life more affordable for Canadians? A: People are struggling. Groceries, rent, gas—costs are up, but wages aren’t. The NDP is focused on real solutions. We’ll cap grocery prices, strengthen rent protections, and replace the expiring Housing Accelerator Fund with a permanent $16 billion strategy to build 3 million affordable homes by 2030. This initiative includes the Canadian Homes Transfer and the Communities First Fund to help cities build faster and protect rental stock. Public land will be made available—with affordability as a requirement. We’ll also expand public dental care and pharmacare and bring down internet and cell phone bills. Canadians deserve a break—and a government that puts people before profits. Q: North Dundas is facing issues such as increased water infrastructure and recreational amenity needs. If elected, how would your party help struggling municipalities? A: I hear from local leaders in North Dundas and across the riding that they need help with water systems, roads, and public amenities, but they’re being stretched too thin. The NDP knows that the federal government needs to be a real partner. We are committed to permanent, stable funding for municipalities so communities can plan for the long term and invest where it matters. If elected, I’ll make sure your community gets the support it needs to grow and thrive. Q: How would your party help preserve the rural lifestyle and support the agricultural sector? A: I understand how important rural life and farming are—not just to our economy but to our identity. The NDP has always stood with farmers and rural communities. We’ll protect supply management, fight corporate monopolies that squeeze producers, and invest in local food systems. We also want to make sure the next generation of farmers can succeed with better access to land, credit, and training. And we’ll invest in rural services like broadband, transportation, and health care—because rural Canadians deserve the same quality of life as anyone else. I will always advocate for rural voices in Parliament. Q: Is there any message from your party or yourself as a candidate that you would like to share specifically with residents of North Dundas? A: Thank you for your resilience, your generosity, and your community spirit. I know how hard you work and how much you care about your neighbours. You deserve a representative who won’t just show up during an election but who’ll be there all the time—fighting for you, listening to you, and putting your needs first. That’s the kind of MP I intend to be. The NDP is here to build a fairer Canada—where rural communities get the respect and investment they deserve. I hope to earn your trust and be your voice in Ottawa.
ERIC DUNCAN Conservative Party of Canada Q: SD&G is geographically very large. How will you ensure that you are representing constituents in every part of the riding? A: My team and I pride ourselves on being accessible to everyone in SD&G – regardless of where someone lives. In Dundas County, our two weekly satellite constituency offices in Winchester and Morrisburg help hundreds of people each year with passports and a variety of federal case files. With the riding boundaries expanding to North Glengarry, we would also open a weekly office in Alexandria. I also try to attend as many community events and visits to local businesses as I can. This not only makes sure I'm representing the community, but also allows me to get direct feedback from many people on issues that are important to them. The hundreds of conversations I have at those events every month are invaluable to truly "having the pulse" of SD&G. We plan to keep the same pace up if re-elected, and continue my bimonthly survey mailings, in which I personally read and respond to each reply that comes in. Q: The current cost of living is probably the hardest issue for everyday Canadians to contend with. How would your party make life more affordable for Canadians? A: Conservatives would end the carbon tax – permanently and on everything. The Liberals are going to bring in a new carbon tax if re-elected, which will only drive up the cost of living further. In addition, we would cut personal income taxes by 15%, getting more money in the pockets of Canadians to help with rising costs. We'll increase the tax-free income amount for seniors from the current $24,000/year up to $34,000. To address the increasing cost of food, Conservatives would also end the plastics ban and stop the Liberal's proposed new labelling and packaging requirements that will raise the cost of fresh produce by as much as 34% and cost the average Canadian household an additional $400 each year. Q: North Dundas is facing issues such as increased water infrastructure and recreational amenity needs. If elected, how would your party help struggling municipalities? A: As a former Mayor, I know firsthand the importance of making sure SD&G gets its fair share of infrastructure dollars for key projects. Sadly, communities like North Dundas have not been treated with the attention they deserve by the current Liberal government. A Conservative government would invest in local water and sewer infrastructure projects, and bonus any municipality that exceeds their housing targets to get more homes built and address the massive housing supply shortage we have in Canada. Q: How would your party help preserve the rural lifestyle and support the agricultural sector? A: One of the concerns I hear often from our farmers is the lack of attention and respect that our agricultural community receives from the federal government. Extra red tape, confusing and delayed support programs, and the carbon tax have been major financial burdens for rural families. Another key concern I've heard is the attack on law-abiding firearms owners with legislation like C-21. Instead of going after criminals and gun smuggling from the United States, the Liberals are going after rural hunters who are not a public safety concern. A Conservative government would preserve our rural lifestyle by cutting red tape for farmers, ending the carbon tax permanently, and stop the $90 million spent on the Liberal's firearms confiscation program that has yet to even get underway – and does nothing to address violent crime. The examples of Liberal attacks on our rural way of life are many, and this would end with a Conservative government. Q: Is there any message from your party or yourself as a candidate that you would like to share specifically with residents of North Dundas? A: Being born and raised in South Mountain and Winchester, and having served 12 years on Council in North Dundas, I am very familiar with the local community and believe I have a good grasp of what the federal government can do to help families. I've been honoured for years to have strong support in North Dundas, and I'm asking for your support again to be a part of a Conservative government that will put Canada First, lower your taxes, address our housing crisis, and to get our fair share from Ottawa here in SD&G. It's time for a change in Ottawa with a new common sense government.
SARAH GOOD Liberal Party of Canada Q: SD&G is geographically very large. How will you ensure that you are representing constituents in every part of the riding? A: Stormont–Dundas–Glengarry is large and diverse, but every corner matters. I’m committed to staying connected across the riding by being present at local events from Maxville to Morrisburg and everywhere in between. I’ll work closely with municipal leaders to ensure your local priorities are heard in Ottawa. My background in engagement and governance means I know how to listen, build partnerships, and take action that reflects the needs of the whole riding – not just one part of it. Q: The current cost of living is probably the hardest issue for everyday Canadians to contend with. How would your party make life more affordable for Canadians? A: Affordability is a top priority for the Liberal Party. We’re already delivering the Canada Child Benefit, dental care, and grocery rebates to help families. But we must go further – by building more homes faster and investing in renewable energy to lower utility bills. I’ll fight for measures that make life more affordable, especially for rural families who face unique cost pressures with transportation, heating, and access to services. Q: North Dundas is facing issues such as increased water infrastructure and recreational amenity needs. If elected, how would your party help struggling municipalities? A: Municipalities like North Dundas shouldn’t have to shoulder rising costs alone. A Liberal government would increase federal infrastructure funding, especially for clean water, waste systems, and recreation. We’ll work to streamline the application process so small municipalities with limited staff can access funds faster and more easily. I’ll advocate for fairer funding formulas that reflect rural realities, so you’re not left behind. I know from my work in local government how critical federal partnerships are – and I’ll bring that experience to Ottawa. Q: How would your party help preserve the rural lifestyle and support the agricultural sector? A: Rural communities and agriculture are the backbone of SDG. The Liberal Party supports farmers through improved Business Risk Management programs, clean tech investment, and direct support for younger farmers entering the sector. We’ll protect farmland from sprawl, expand rural broadband, and invest in local processing to keep value-added jobs in our communities. I’ll be a strong voice for supply management, rural services, and environmental policies that work with farmers – not against them. Q: Is there any message from your party or yourself as a candidate that you would like to share specifically with residents of North Dundas? A: North Dundas is full of hardworking, community-minded people who deserve a strong advocate in Ottawa. I see your efforts to balance growth with preserving rural identity, and I share your values. My message is simple: I’m here to listen, to work with you and to make sure our communities get the support they need. Whether it’s infrastructure, health care, housing, or agriculture, I’ll bring your voice forward and fight for practical, rural-focused solutions that reflect the way of life we all want to protect.
GORDON KUBANEK Green Party of Canada Q: SD&G is geographically very large. How will you ensure that you are representing constituents in every part of the riding? A: The first step I see is a focus on representing my constituents and their needs instead of only focusing on what the party leader wants. I believe that I can understand their issues because I too live in the country and I too have had to deal with power costs 30% higher than in the cities, I too have to deal with 2nd rate internet service. It comes down to having lived the experiences that everyday follks have lived and being empathic enough to see that my first job as a candidate is to be voice for the issues brought to me as I get to know people in SDG better, as I have done in debates in Alexandria, Cornwall and Avonmore. Q: The current cost of living is probably the hardest issue for everyday Canadians to contend with. How would your party make life more affordable for Canadians? A: The greens will reduce immigration to levels which allow everybody, new and long Canadians, to enjoy affordable housing, highways free of traffic jams, Emergency rooms without long waits. We have been caught, by emphasizing economic growth at the expense of considering the quality of life of everyday Canadians, in what is known as the 3rd world trap. This trap happens when population growth higher than GDP growth: the result for any country which falls into this trap is that GDP per capita goes down. That is what is happening in Canada. That, along with our decline in productivity wrt to our G20 competitors, are the fundamental drivers of the real economic pain most of us are suffering. Q: North Dundas is facing issues such as increased water infrastructure and recreational amenity needs. If elected, how would your party help struggling municipalities? A: I will work with the provinces to provide funding mechanisms where municipalities have their own long term funding source. This includes working with Ontario to provide the promised funding lost through the farm rebate program in 1998 when farmers tax rate was reduced by 75% but the promised provincial replacement funding never materialized. But more than that, I will work to create a system used in many other countries where municipalities get a fixed share of the federal gas tax and HST, hopefully in conjunction with the provinces, so that towns do never again have to come begging for money to the province or federal government. Q: How would your party help preserve the rural lifestyle and support the agricultural sector? A: I will work to provide long term price stability for farmers because I know that food security, as Climate Crisis worsens, will become a global issue. Because the average age of a farmer in Canada is 58. I also know farmland is unaffordable. Thus to support more new young farmers I will create more progams with more money to help them move from small to larger scale farms, both within and outside our marketing systems. Additionally, I will work with the provinces to replicate Quebec’s Bill 495 which prohibits the sale of farmland to coroporation and investment funds. The family farm, not agribusiness, is sustainable and has a better chance of both nurturing healthy soils and a healthy local economy as the monies earned by them remain in the community and do not leave the country. Q: Is there any message from your party or yourself as a candidate that you would like to share specifically with residents of North Dundas? I know that everybody is afraid of the tariff war with Donald Trump. The threat is real and is the only issue that really matters during this election. The fact that it has brought Canadians together, that is will result in big changes like the bringing down of provincial trade barriers, and increased patriotism, is wondourful. However, there is a dark side to this I want to address: the fact this sudden patriotism is driven mostly by fear. Whenever I talk with people they mostly talk of how scared they are of what is Trump is doing to us. The problem with fear is that makes us dumber than we would otherwise be. It means that many swing voters are suddenly seeing the brand new Liberals under Carney as their saviour. Well, the Liberals are always the Liberals, and while Carney is certainly an intelligent man, he, like Polievre, will only try to continue to keep Business as Usual going. Please note that approximately 400 words were trimmed from the end of answer #5 in Gordon Kubanek’s submission solely to comply with the word limit given to each candidate.