Fundy Royal Candidates Discuss Housing, Immigration And Disabilities

The four candidates running in Fundy Royal had a chance to share their views and answer questions in a forum hosted by the Saint John Region Chamber on Tuesday.

On the subject of immigration numbers and population growth, incumbent Conservative Rob Moore said a lack of jobs can be a barrier to boosting immigration numbers.

“We all know stories of individuals who are trained, their credentialed to perform a job but when they arrive in Canada there is trouble transitioning that credential within one of our provinces,” Moore said.

People’s Party of Canada candidate Wayne Wheeler said their immigration policy can benefit the country but only if “we welcome the right kind of immigrants”.

“So the People’s Party government will substantially lower the number of immigrants and refugees Canada accepted every year from 350,000 to between 100-150,000 depending on economic and other circumstances,” Wheeler said.

Liberal candidate Whitney Dykeman said attracting and keeping skilled immigrants to the region is crucial to economic prosperity while the NDP’s Josh Floyd supports further immigration given our ageing population.

The candidates were also asked what they would do to help get more disabled Canadians into the workforce.

NDP candidate Josh Floyd, who described himself as disabled, wants to see sensitivity training for all workplaces.

“Some may struggle out of fear for mistreatment to go to work in some cases. That would eliminate that. Everybody would understand each other a lot of better,” Floyd said.

Whitney Dykeman said the Liberals will implement an employment strategy focused on supports for workers and employers creating welcoming workplaces.

“It will also include investment in the ‘Reading, Willing and Able’ inclusive hiring program in support of individuals with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Dykeman said.

Conservative Rob Moore touted their ‘Enabling Accessibility Fund’ giving building owners a way to make them accessible.

PPC candidate Wayne Wheeler said they offer tax credits for people and homeowners to make accessibility more affordable.