From tariffs to taxes to the future of CBC and abortion rights, about 200 people gathered to hear from Huron-Bruce candidates at a meeting on April 10 in Port Elgin.
Apr 11, 2025 • Last updated Apr 15, 2025 • 6 minute read
Huron Bruce candidates presented themselves and their views to roughly 200 voters at an all-candidates meeting on April 10 at The Plex in Port Elgin. Photo by Derek Baldwin /Derek Baldwin
A question regarding women’s rights led to a passionate debate during an otherwise civil all-candidates meeting featuring all six Huron-Bruce federal election contenders at an event that attracted around 200 attendees on April 10 at The Plex in Port Elgin.
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<p When asked if he supported a woman's right to make choices about her own body, including safe access to abortion, incumbent Ben Lobb stated his position clearly: “The Conservative Party is not going to reopen the abortion debate and we’ll leave it at that. I’ve been a supporter of pro-life my entire life, but the Conservative Party will never, and has never, reopened the abortion debate….”
Liberal candidate James Rice had a straightforward reply: “Yes.”
NDP candidate Melanie Burrett emphasized choice: “You are allowed to choose what you need to do with your own body, thank you very much.”
Independent Caesar Salad Pella mentioned that as prime minister he’d improve living conditions with pro-choice support. He reflected on the pain his former wife experienced when she had an abortion four decades ago and noted it should be considered a last resort.
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Independent Justin Smith asserted he opposes abortion except under specific circumstances like ectopic pregnancies.“We consider bacteria on Mars life. Why do we not consider a heartbeat life here on Earth,” Smith said, leading many in the audience to murmur disapprovingly. “If we’re talking about body, yes, the woman has control of her own body, but what’s inside her if not her body,” Smith argued. As vocal opposition increased from the crowd, he continued: “We don’t want to kill children after they’re born; so where do we draw the line?”As people shouted ‘no’, one man from Southampton named Roland Kiehne yelled out “Get back under your rock. Holy jumping..” before moderator John Divinski-a Southampton councillor and former broadcaster-attempted multiple times to quiet him before finally instructing him firmly to wait for his turn at the microphone if he had a question. Smith reiterated that he’s “in line with God” while supporting limited circumstances for abortion.This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
The Green Party’s Gregory Mc Lean stated they “support a woman’s right to choose.”
Huron Bruce candidates introduced themselves and their positions to about 200 voters during an all-candidates meeting on April10 at The Plex in Port Elgin. From left are Melanie Burrett (NDP), Gregory Mc Lean (Green), incumbent MP Ben Lobb (Conservative), Justin Smith (Independent), Caesar Salad Pella (Independent), and James Rice (Liberal).
The crowd directed boos towards Lobb after someone asked why Canadians would want a prime minister who intends to defund CBC. Lobb replied that Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre would maintain English radio and Radio Quebec while expressing uncertainty over whether the $1 billion CBC budget serves public interests. Many attendees groaned and booed during this statement which prompted intervention from the moderator who sought quiet so Lobb could continue speaking.
“People my age and younger don’t get their news from CBC anymore – they get their news from different sources…” Lobb remarked as booing made it hard for many listeners to hear him; once again prompting moderation reminders for respect towards candidate responses.
This has not loaded yet,but your article continues below. The Greens’ Mc Lean countered by saying his party-and approximately seventy-five percent of Canadians-support CBC funding: “Defunding the CBC does not help combat misinformation or disinformation; it’s one of our most neutral news sources,” Mc Lean stated amidst applause from supporters present while asserting that CBC will adapt as necessary.
Burrett shared fond memories stating how CBC served as her alarm clock growing up; gaining further cheers when she highlighted NDP’s commitment toward publicly funded broadcasting arguing it’s part of culture & identity-“we can’t lose it.”
Liberal candidate Rice called claims suggesting “CBC is stuck in1938,” completely ridiculous adding:”CBC will evolve along with our great country.. the state broadcaster recognized Germany’s surrender during WWII will surely announce key events ahead” promising increase funding which brought additional applause.
This has not loaded yet,but your article continues below. Smith remarked-sharing boos received alongside Ben Lobb-that executives receive hefty bonuses funded by taxpayers which could be better allocated elsewhere stating instead he’d opt for privatization instead.”So rather than defunding CBC I’d privatize it..” Smith explained further. Pella described himself as having never witnessed true impartiality within journalism or politics however acknowledged room exists for national broadcast media provided there’s fact-checking required across both sides noting let’s remain vigilant without becoming foolishly gullible! Then later drew spontaneous applause calling out for reform regarding elections!![huron bruce all candidates]()
In discussions covering various topics such as tariffs , taxes , concerning reproductive rights , approximately two hundred individuals observed Huron Bruce aspirants express personal beliefs alongside sometimes reflecting party policies during an assembly organized by Saugeen Shores Chamber Commerce moderated by ex-radio host turned local Counsellor John Divinski(right).
During opening statements NDP hopeful Burrett – also employed as school librarian along volunteering roles-shared how entering race aimed showing citizens they matter rather than merely statistics!
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s leads into conservative remarks voiced similarly pointing out third gathering participation occurring this week underscoring Canadians currently experience acute financial hardships citing debt risen over recent decade hitting record $1.2 trillion; serving debts now represent largest governmental expense urging populace urgent need shift …
Lobb reached out requesting constituents’ support come April28!
Meanwhile green contender Mclean described actively engaging community involved advocating collectively good faith values emphasizing integral traits exhibited throughout parliamentary conduct : integrity/trust/care/respect assuring constituents same standards upheld once elected.!“Although I may lack hugging trees-I’ll certainly plant them..”Mc Lean professed showcasing environmental priorities aiming protect Canadian sovereignty grow economy advance universal healthcare believing everyone deserves secure housing!” 8 This hasn’t responded hence forwarding remains valid Candidate Independent Pella entertained attendees declaring humorously originating humbly midst Italian Alps amid goats remarking inclusion salad representing political statement intended mnemonic purpose generating giggles revealing election symbolizes hope amid challenging periods Trump looming nearby threatening Canadian democratic principles !”
Liberal aspirant Rice rallied supportive reactions asserting belonging Mark Carney team prepared confront Trump posing risks against hard-earned gains encompassing public healthcare/childcare benefits/border security pressures! “I believe Canada requires bold leadership capable navigating through crises effectively -Mark Carney embodies this pivotal role…”Rice announced introducing himself proudly hailing originally Tiverton settled recently within Port Elgin!
9 No updates available although follow-up discussions remained pertinent
Article concludes referencing participant Justin Smith thanking crowd appreciates divine guidance directing attendance highlighting electoral transformation necessity preventing unwanted prime ministers resulting respectively–“As independent representative neither must align conformably nor jeopardize position solely accountable ensuring constituents’ needs prevail..”Smith mentioned articulating independent perspective focusing exclusively upon responsibilities owed directly those residing locally! Written questions submitted encompassed crucial challenges confronting Canadians involving tariff implications enhancing health services increasing reliance upon food banks notably impacting seniors/singles-with inquiries raised addressing nuclear energy defense strategies international trade involvement possibilities occurred concurrently alongside discussions surrounding reproductive issues/ABC matters extending beyond mere surface examination! At conclusion lengthy two-hour session participants reminded advance voting opportunities arranged prior upcoming elections set between Easter weekend(April19-21) held Northport Elementary School located within vicinity providing time slots running daily starting promptly @9am lasting until9pm!> s indicating relevant additional context dispersed throughout allowing potential follow-ups remains practical continuously benefiting readership alertness based necessity improvements ensured accessibility shifting audiences perspectives openly engaging dialogues moving forth steadily forward!!
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Huron Bruce candidates introduced themselves and their positions to about 200 voters during an all-candidates meeting on April10 at The Plex in Port Elgin. From left are Melanie Burrett (NDP), Gregory Mc Lean (Green), incumbent MP Ben Lobb (Conservative), Justin Smith (Independent), Caesar Salad Pella (Independent), and James Rice (Liberal).
The crowd directed boos towards Lobb after someone asked why Canadians would want a prime minister who intends to defund CBC. Lobb replied that Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre would maintain English radio and Radio Quebec while expressing uncertainty over whether the $1 billion CBC budget serves public interests. Many attendees groaned and booed during this statement which prompted intervention from the moderator who sought quiet so Lobb could continue speaking.
“People my age and younger don’t get their news from CBC anymore – they get their news from different sources…” Lobb remarked as booing made it hard for many listeners to hear him; once again prompting moderation reminders for respect towards candidate responses.This has not loaded yet,but your article continues below. The Greens’ Mc Lean countered by saying his party-and approximately seventy-five percent of Canadians-support CBC funding: “Defunding the CBC does not help combat misinformation or disinformation; it’s one of our most neutral news sources,” Mc Lean stated amidst applause from supporters present while asserting that CBC will adapt as necessary.
Burrett shared fond memories stating how CBC served as her alarm clock growing up; gaining further cheers when she highlighted NDP’s commitment toward publicly funded broadcasting arguing it’s part of culture & identity-“we can’t lose it.”
Liberal candidate Rice called claims suggesting “CBC is stuck in1938,” completely ridiculous adding:”CBC will evolve along with our great country.. the state broadcaster recognized Germany’s surrender during WWII will surely announce key events ahead” promising increase funding which brought additional applause.
This has not loaded yet,but your article continues below. Smith remarked-sharing boos received alongside Ben Lobb-that executives receive hefty bonuses funded by taxpayers which could be better allocated elsewhere stating instead he’d opt for privatization instead.”So rather than defunding CBC I’d privatize it..” Smith explained further. Pella described himself as having never witnessed true impartiality within journalism or politics however acknowledged room exists for national broadcast media provided there’s fact-checking required across both sides noting let’s remain vigilant without becoming foolishly gullible! Then later drew spontaneous applause calling out for reform regarding elections!
Lobb reached out requesting constituents’ support come April28!
Meanwhile green contender Mclean described actively engaging community involved advocating collectively good faith values emphasizing integral traits exhibited throughout parliamentary conduct : integrity/trust/care/respect assuring constituents same standards upheld once elected.!“Although I may lack hugging trees-I’ll certainly plant them..”Mc Lean professed showcasing environmental priorities aiming protect Canadian sovereignty grow economy advance universal healthcare believing everyone deserves secure housing!” 8 This hasn’t responded hence forwarding remains valid Candidate Independent Pella entertained attendees declaring humorously originating humbly midst Italian Alps amid goats remarking inclusion salad representing political statement intended mnemonic purpose generating giggles revealing election symbolizes hope amid challenging periods Trump looming nearby threatening Canadian democratic principles !”
Liberal aspirant Rice rallied supportive reactions asserting belonging Mark Carney team prepared confront Trump posing risks against hard-earned gains encompassing public healthcare/childcare benefits/border security pressures! “I believe Canada requires bold leadership capable navigating through crises effectively -Mark Carney embodies this pivotal role…”Rice announced introducing himself proudly hailing originally Tiverton settled recently within Port Elgin!
9 No updates available although follow-up discussions remained pertinent
Article concludes referencing participant Justin Smith thanking crowd appreciates divine guidance directing attendance highlighting electoral transformation necessity preventing unwanted prime ministers resulting respectively–“As independent representative neither must align conformably nor jeopardize position solely accountable ensuring constituents’ needs prevail..”Smith mentioned articulating independent perspective focusing exclusively upon responsibilities owed directly those residing locally! Written questions submitted encompassed crucial challenges confronting Canadians involving tariff implications enhancing health services increasing reliance upon food banks notably impacting seniors/singles-with inquiries raised addressing nuclear energy defense strategies international trade involvement possibilities occurred concurrently alongside discussions surrounding reproductive issues/ABC matters extending beyond mere surface examination! At conclusion lengthy two-hour session participants reminded advance voting opportunities arranged prior upcoming elections set between Easter weekend(April19-21) held Northport Elementary School located within vicinity providing time slots running daily starting promptly @9am lasting until9pm!> s indicating relevant additional context dispersed throughout allowing potential follow-ups remains practical continuously benefiting readership alertness based necessity improvements ensured accessibility shifting audiences perspectives openly engaging dialogues moving forth steadily forward!!
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