Niagara West-Glanbrook Progressive Conservative candidate Tim Hudak had the Liberal candidate Mike Lostracco on the defensive, attacking him on his party's lack of action in Caledonia and refusal to state a position on the upcoming referendum question.
But he was cordial, even complimentary to NDP candidate Bonnie Bryan during the Cable 14 debate at the Stoney Creek municipal centre Sept. 25.
During the question and answer portion of the debate, Mike Lostracco blamed the federal government and people at the "local level" for the problems in the Caledonia standoff between Natives and non-Natives.
"It's unfortunate what has happened in Caledonia," said Mr. Lostracco, principal at Port Colborne's Lakeshore Catholic High School.
Mr. Hudak, MPP for Erie-Lincoln, jumped on Mr. Lostracco's answer during the open forum part of the debate.
"It's more than unfortunate," said Mr. Hudak. "It's a tragedy."
The veteran politician also pounced on Mr. Lostracco's statement that local officials should be held accountable for the violent action that has recently taken place.
Mr. Lostracco backtracked, saying he wasn't "blaming anyone" except the federal government for not properly administrating the native treaties. He then called the situation in Caledonia a "complete mess" that needs "collective bargaining" to settle the native and non-native issues.
The Liberal candidate shot back at Mr. Hudak invoking the former Tory government decision to use the OPP to clear out native protesters at Ipperwash.
"The previous government created this problem in Ipperwash," said Mr. Lostracco.
Candidates' debate
Learn about your Hamilton East-Stoney Creek provincial election candidates so you can make an informed decision at the polls Wednesday, Oct. 10.
The Stoney Creek News and the Stoney Creek Chamber of Commerce will hold a Hamilton East-Stoney Creek election debate Monday, Oct. 1 at Orchard Park Secondary School.
The debate will begin at 7 p.m
For information, please call (905) 308-7757, ext. 338.
Mr. Hudak fired back, saying no government should negotiate with "lawbreakers."
"You can't let the rule of law be abandoned," said Mr. Hudak. "What planet have you been on?"
NDP candidate Bonnie Bryan entered the fray, saying Natives have become increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress by all levels of government on their land claims. Their frustration boiled over resulting in a developer being assaulted.
Ms. Bryan said Ontario should "set the example" for the rest of Canada and settle Native land claims "rather than quibble over whose fault it is."
Sid Frere of the Green Party agreed the Native land claims issue should be settled.
Mr. Hudak then pressed Mr. Lostracco on which side he fell on the Oct. 10 referendum question.
The Tory candidate said he is opposed to the change in governing structure to the mixed member proportional system from the first-past-the-post because it would increase politicians and cost taxpayers more.
"It's undemocratic," he said.
Then he turned to Mr. Lostracco and stated "Are you for it or against it?"
Mr. Lostracco said he has been advising voters if they understand the system, they should vote for it, but if they don't not to vote for it.
Ms. Bryan shot back that Mr. Lostracco, whose government created the Citizen's Assembly that produced the ballot question, should be providing curious voters with crucial information.
"Your government instituted it," she said.
Mr. Hudak then quipped "some people are for it, some people are against and I support the people."
Turning to Mr. Lostracco "You're taking both sides and that is not leadership."
The candidates sparred briefly over whether to install scrubbers on Ontario's coal-fired plants, when the estimated 70 audience members grew restless over the issues they were arguing about.
Mr. Hudak said a Tory government will spend the money to install the scrubbers on the plants. But Mr. Frere pointed out they won't reduce toxic emissions flowing out from the plants.
Mr. Lostracco said the government will invest in alternative energy sources, while Ms. Bryan said a NDP government will close the plants, something Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty promised to do in 2003.
Ms. Bryan took aim at Mr. Hudak, saying the Mike Harris government created Ontario's energy problems by "privatizing" electricity and establishing a "free-floating" energy rate system.
"We need to reduce energy costs," she said.
The Liberal and Tory candidates received the bulk of public questions.
Union representatives grilled Mr. Hudak over union certification, while Mr. Lostracco fended off questions about faith-based funding.
Mr. Hudak pointed out that during the Mike Harris government, "the largest increase in union jobs" occurred, while since 2003, the Liberals have sat on their hands while the Niagara and Hamilton areas have lost manufacturing jobs. He also deflected a question about selling government assets to the private sector, saying it's not on the party's agenda.
Mr. Lostracco said he is against the Tory faith-based funding idea because it's too expensive. He welcomes private schools, but doesn't believe they should receive public money.
The debate will re-air a number of times before the election, including Sept. 29 at 8:30 p.m., Oct. 2 at 6 a.m., Oct. 5 at noon, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 8 at 3 p.m.