Candidates vying to be the next MLA for Lunenburg West had to be on their toes Thursday night.
The four individuals faced a barrage of questions on issues ranging from high speed internet and health-care to creating legislation to close stores on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
On the subject of increasing minimum wage to $15, Lisa Norman of the NDP says Nova Scotia has the third lowest wages in the country.
“Nearly half of the people who use food banks right now have jobs. We believe a $15 minimum wage fights poverty and we’re going to phase it in over the next three years.”
PC candidate Carole Hipwell says small businesses would suffer especially with the NDP’s interest in imposing a carbon tax.
“So, they may give you $15 an hour but you’re going to be paying more for gas; you’re going to be paying more for groceries; you’re going to be paying more for power as a consequence of a another tax that we’re going to get.”
Green Party candidate Michael Sheppard says raising the minimum wage to $15 would be a great first step.
Liberal candidate Mark Furey says there are other ways to put more money in people’s pockets including increasing the basic personal tax exemption by $3,000.
The issue of straight pipes feeding into the LaHave River also reared its ugly head.
Stella Bowles’ mom, Andrea Conrad, says it should be mandatory to change straight pipes when a house is sold.
She asked each candidate for their stance on enforcement of straight pipes.
Sheppard says the time is now to make the change.
“Which is why I would look at seeing if there is anything we can offer to help people in need and need to get this done.”
Furey says it’s a complex issue that is going to take time.
“This is a matter of land registry and deed transfer. There are other stakeholders involved including the Real Estate Association of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.”
NDP member Lisa Norman says her party would introduce an environmental bill of rights.
PC candidate Carole Hipwell wouldn’t make a commitment but believes it’s an environmental issue that has to be addressed.
Other issues discussed were moving students from Bridgewater to Park View, the decision to close schools in Pentz and Petite Riviere, highway twinning and a local doctor shortage.
About 130 people attended the debate at the Best Western Plus in Cookville.
