All federal political parties exchanged ideas at another all-candidates meeting at Minoru Place Activity Centre Wednesday evening.
The Richmond Centre for Disability organized the meeting, which was sparsely attended, and many questions focused on seniors and disability issues.
This was the last meeting of its kind before the Oct. 19 election.
Richmond Centre MP Alice Wong started the meeting off by noting as Minister of State for seniors she has promoted policies and laws against seniors abuse and elder isolation.
Wong’s Liberal candidate counterpart Lawrence Woo was quick to point out the Conservatives have raised the minimum age requirement for seniors benefits from 65 to 67.
“The Minister sat there and said nothing. She did not fight for our senior citizens,” said Woo, adding the change could cost some seniors as much as $30,000.
Conservative candidate for Steveston-Richmond East, Kenny Chiu, contended fiscal responsibility is a priority.
“I believe we should live within our means and should not be burdening our next generation with irresponsible spending,” said Kenny Chiu.
Green candidate for Steveston-Richmond East, Laura Leah-Shaw, replied that Conservative cuts have come with a cost, noting support for co-operative housing is expiring and Veterans’ Affairs funding has been slashed.
“Canada Post, the CBC. They’ve all been gutted to produce a balanced budget,” said Shaw.
Candidates were asked about a national drug purchasing plan.
Wong said Ottawa is assisting provinces to bring down costs, although she maintains any sort of implementation of a plan is a provincial issue.
NDP candidate for Richmond Centre, Jack Trovato, said the federal government needs to play a more involved role and implement a universal program via bulk buying.
Woo said universality doesn’t make sense in a system of “limited resources.”
“I don’t believe we should subsidize those who don’t need subsidies,” said Woo, who wants a scaled, national subsidized program based on income needs.
