Pubdate: Fri, 04 Jun 2004
Source: Northumberland News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 by Metroland Printing, Publishing & Distributing, Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/nn/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2373
Author: Vince Versace
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

STUDENTS GRILL CANDIDATES

Issues Range from Same-Sex Marriage to Legalizing Marijuana

PORT HOPE - Port Hope High School students were given a textbook lesson in 
federal election campaign politics during a recent all-candidates' meeting 
in the school's gymnasium.

Raised voices, quick aside comments and speaking over an opponent while 
they answered a question were tactics used by some candidates which 
students were able to experience first-hand at the meeting. Incumbent 
Member of Parliament Paul Macklin, Conservative candidate Dr. Doug Galt, 
New Democrat candidate Russ Christianson and Green Party candidate Steven 
Haylestrom all answered questions which covered topics such as environment, 
same-sex marriage and decriminalizing marijuana.

"We are in favour of decriminalizing simple possession of marijuana," said 
Mr. Macklin. "It is clearly a policy of the Liberal government."

Mr. Haylestrom and Mr. Christianson were both in favour of legalizing 
marijuana and selling it through government-directed programs and outlets. 
Dr. Galt said that until there is a better understanding of the 
long-lasting effects of marijuana he would not be in favour of 
decriminalization. However, if marijuana's overall health effect prove 
minimal, selling it through outlets like an LCBO model could be an option.

A question concerning how each government would support the Kyoto Accord 
had a couple of the candidates raising their voices. "Welcome to the 
bandwagon of understanding the Earth is important," said Mr. Haylestrom loudly.

Mr. Christianson then attempted to speak over Mr. Haylestrom to indicate 
his party has always been interested in the well being of the environment, 
resulting in both candidates speaking loudly, and over each other, to the 
surprise of the 90 students in attendance.

Mr. Macklin said he fully supports the accord, which calls for the 
worldwide reduction of green house gas production, and Dr. Galt said his 
party is ready to develop a national alternative energy strategy.

On the issue of same-sex marriage Dr. Galt said he personally believes in 
and respects the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. However, 
he believes the same-sex marriage question could be a free vote put to 
Canadian citizens to gauge their opinion on the topic. Mr. Haylestrom said 
the issue is not a political issue anymore but a personal choice and 
freedom and supports same-sex marriage. Mr. Macklin said religions should 
have a choice in the definition of what is a marriage but under the Charter 
of Rights and Freedoms, everyone should have the freedom to do so.

"The NDP believes in equality and absolutely supports it," said Mr. 
Christianson.

How the four parties would tackle the national debt and deficit spending 
had Mr. Macklin pointing to Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin's record of 
seven balanced budgets and his elimination of the national deficit. Mr. 
Haylestrom said a Green Party government would be fiscally responsible but 
would look at the needs of the nation first. Mr. Christianson noted there 
is no reason to pay down a deficit quickly because, "it is done on the 
backs of the people." Dr. Galt also pointed to Prime Minister Martin's past 
record, noting the cuts in transfer payments to the provinces in 1995.

"They did absolutely nothing to stimulate the economy," said Dr. Galt. 
During each candidate's closing remarks all four party representatives 
encouraged students to get out and vote and learn about the various party 
platforms.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager