The Conservative candidate for South Shore – St. Margaret’s doesn’t see the federal government supporting the Yarmouth ferry service.
Richard Clark says Stephen Harper has contributed $2.5-million to upgrade the Yarmouth port.
“And I would be skeptical of any federal candidate who tried to claim that the federal government is going to be funding a ferry service and running a ferry service.”
NDP candidate Alex Godbold disagrees – suggesting Ottawa supports other Canada to U.S. links.
“It’s not unlike the bridge between Windsor and Detroit being considered critical infrastructure, so there is no reason why that ferry link shouldn’t be thought of in the same way.”
Liberal candidate Bernadette Jordan says there needs to be cooperation to make the ferry service work.
“The provincial government needs to work with the federal government in order to make sure that the ferry service continues. It’s been a critical link and has benefitted this area and our tourism.”
The three spoke to about 85 people last night at the Astor theatre in Liverpool.
They also answered questions on how they would grow the economy in the riding, if they would open national parks year-round, their commitment to the shipbuilding strategy and if they would vote with their party or for the constituents while sitting in parliament.
Green Party candidate Richard Biggar was also invited but was unable to make it.
Meanwhile, the Independent candidate was left to watch the debate.
Trevor Bruhm showed up in hopes of taking part in last night’s event in Liverpool.
The South Queens Chamber of Commerce was the host.
President Robin Anthony says there was no communication between the two sides.
“We had not heard from the Independent candidate until he arrived just minutes before we started the event.”
Bruhm’s official agent, Kevin Knott, says his candidate could have taken the green party’s seat.
“There would of been a fourth seat anyway, so they were prepared for four people, so they just took that chair away and wouldn’t let him have it.”
Knott called it a “poor showing” by the chamber.
Anthony says the event was scheduled for several weeks and they decided to carry on as planned.
