The candidates for both ridings in the region took part in a question and answer forum yesterday evening.
Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo Wildrose candidate Guy Boutilier says that his party would prioritize infrastructure in the region, should they be elected. Progressive Conservative candidate Mike Allen says that when it comes to the long term care facility, the standing PC government is making good on their promise to have that infrastructure in place.
Candidates also discussed oilsands development, particularly whether to refine bitumen within Alberta, or to ship it to other markets to be refined.
Fort McMurray-Conklin Progressive Conservative candidate Don Scott says that the Keystone XL and Northern Gateway oil pipelines are important to diversifying the market for oilsands crude. Wildrose candidate for the riding, Doug Faulkner, also says there should be a balance between refining in the province, and shipping raw crude to other markets. NDP candidate Paul Pomerlau says that oilsands crude should be refined in Alberta, and any company that does not do so should pay higher rates.
Health care was also brought up at the forum.
Faulkner says that the province should scrap the health superboard, and let local organizations make all the decisions. Allen says that even with the superboard in place, local health advisory councils should have more authority in the decision-making process.
Candidates also shared their thoughts on labour shortages, with opinions ranging from bringing in qualified foreign workers, to training local workers to fill job positions.
Published April 12th, 2012
