From tariffs to taxes to cutting funding for CBC and abortion rights, around 200 people attended a meeting on April 10 in Port Elgin to hear from Huron-Bruce candidates.
Apr 11, 2025 • Last updated Apr 15, 2025 • 6 minute read
Huron Bruce candidates presented themselves and their views to about 200 voters at an all-candidates event on April 10 at The Plex in Port Elgin. Photo by Derek Baldwin /Derek Baldwin
A question regarding women’s rights led to a lively discussion during an otherwise civil all-candidates meeting featuring six Huron-Bruce federal election contenders on April 10, which drew roughly 200 attendees to The Plex in Port Elgin.
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<p When asked about his stance on women's right to choose regarding her body and access to safe abortions, incumbent Ben Lobb stated simply: “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 responded with a straightforward “Yes.”
NDP’s Melanie Burrett emphasized it’s about 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 if he were elected prime minister, he would support pro-choice initiatives. He shared the painful experience his former wife faced when she had an abortion nearly four decades ago, saying it should always be a last resort.
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Independent Justin Smith expressed his opposition to abortion except in rare circumstances like ectopic pregnancies. “We consider bacteria on Mars life. Why do we not consider a heartbeat life here on Earth,” Smith said as murmurs of disagreement spread through the crowd. “If we’re talking about body, yes, the woman has control of her own body, but what’s inside her if not her body,” he continued. With rising vocal opposition from attendees, he added: “We don’t want to kill children after they’re born; so where do we draw the line?”
As voices called out ‘no,’ one man from Southampton shouted at Smith angrily before moderator John Divinski-who is also a Southampton councillor and former broadcaster-tried multiple times to calm him down before telling him firmly to wait for his turn at the microphone if he had questions. Smith maintained he is “in line with God” while supporting limited conditions for abortions.
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but your article continues below. Candidate Gregory Mc Lean stated that the Green Party “supports a woman’s right to choose.”
Huron Bruce candidates introduced themselves along with their political views during an all-candidates meeting held on April10 at The Plex in Port Elgin. From left: Melanie Burrett (NDP), Gregory Mc Lean (Green), incumbent MP Ben Lobb (Conservative), Justin Smith (Independent), Caesar Salad Pella (Independent) and James Rice (Liberal).
More booing was directed towards Lobb after someone questioned why Canadians would support a prime minister who intends to defund the CBC. Lobb replied that Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre would maintain English radio and Radio Quebec while expressing uncertainty over whether CBC’s $1 billion budget serves public interest adequately. Many audience members groaned or booed loudly at this point prompting further intervention from the moderator.
“People my age and younger don’t get their news from CBC anymore – they get it elsewhere…” Lobb said amid ongoing boos making it difficult for people hear him speak; again urging them listen carefully.
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From tariffs , to taxes , and abortion rights , approximately two hundred individuals gathered together hearing various Huron Bruce hopefuls outlining personal politics plus respective party lines hosted by Saugeen Shores Chamber Commerce moderated by John Divinski. In opening remarks NDP hopeful Burrett -a school librarian -stated motivations stemmed desire ensuring every individual feels valued beyond statistics merely offering insights into community engagement fostering recognition among constituents alike calling forth involvement needed urgently. 7 This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below. Conservative Lobb reminded this constituted third such event week suggesting critical turning point confronting Canadians due economic challenges encountered asserting debt levels reached unprecedented heights emphasizing necessity change pushing encourages vote cast expeditiously upcoming elections planned taking place shortly thereafter ! Green candidate Mc Lean-a retired educator involved actively municipal council work commended dedication serving common good prioritizing principles integrity trust respect underscoring commitment parliamentarian accountability recognizing environmentalism intertwined sovereignty established sustainably enhancing healthcare outcomes advancing housing affordability essential ensuring everyone secure shelter ultimately proven viable path chosen together moving forward! 8 This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Smith-the second independent contender-expressed gratitude towards participants reflecting heartfelt appreciation revealing divine guidance believing strongly needed overhaul system assuring proper representation fitting citizens’ demands unencumbered burdens imposed traditional partisan frameworks allowing focus solely responsiveness fulfilling responsibility owed populace effectively without hindrances leading towards progress achievable collaboratively fostering unity within differences highlighted significantly so far during proceedings witnessed firsthand tonight! Numerous questions arose throughout including biggest obstacles currently faced Canadians addressing tariffs affecting healthcare access heightened reliance food banks particularly concerning seniors & singles made evident striking urgency behind requests posed previously given context elaborated upon clearly recognized implications warranted genuine responses provided entirely lacking evasiveness whatsoever expected leaders stepping forth now prepared tackle issues facing ahead earnestly deliver required assurances promised electorates serving faithfully regardless challenges ahead thereof. As closing minutes approached participants reminded voting opportunities extended prior general elections notably Easter weekend potentially facilitating convenience thereby offering advanced ballot measures occurring Northport Elementary School venue set open between hours nine am until nine pm respectively days spanning nineteenth through twenty-first hence affirmatively encouraging turnout representing true democracy principle upheld diligently striving implement within respective domains identified crucial aspects determining outcomes forthcoming! Share this article in your social network
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but your article continues below. Candidate Gregory Mc Lean stated that the Green Party “supports a woman’s right to choose.”
Huron Bruce candidates introduced themselves along with their political views during an all-candidates meeting held on April10 at The Plex in Port Elgin. From left: Melanie Burrett (NDP), Gregory Mc Lean (Green), incumbent MP Ben Lobb (Conservative), Justin Smith (Independent), Caesar Salad Pella (Independent) and James Rice (Liberal).
More booing was directed towards Lobb after someone questioned why Canadians would support a prime minister who intends to defund the CBC. Lobb replied that Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre would maintain English radio and Radio Quebec while expressing uncertainty over whether CBC’s $1 billion budget serves public interest adequately. Many audience members groaned or booed loudly at this point prompting further intervention from the moderator.
“People my age and younger don’t get their news from CBC anymore – they get it elsewhere…” Lobb said amid ongoing boos making it difficult for people hear him speak; again urging them listen carefully.
This has not loaded yet,but your article continues below.
Green candidate Mc Lean remarked that his party-and three-quarters of Canadians-are supporters of CBC funding efforts arguing against misinformation while declaring its neutrality as crucial providing reliable news sources drawing applause from many listeners surrounding him adding CBC needs be allowed evolve properly moving forward.
Burrett praised her childhood memories connected through listening regularly stating how important its role remains noting accessibility via online platforms contributes positively toward cultural significance insisting losing such an institution isn’t feasible overall.The Liberal hopeful Rice dismissed claims depicting CBC stuck back circa nineteen thirty-eight insisting growth corresponds directly today stating: “CBC will continue grow alongside great country maintaining integrity announcing pivotal moments alongside history.” He pledged increased funding promising cheers resonated throughout room upon conclusion meant well received overall.
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Independent Smith aligned himself sharing sentiments felt earlier mentioning executive bonuses paid taxpayers’ dollars allocated better elsewhere concluding proposal privatizing rather than defunding suggested approach causing additional murmurs arise unexpectedly within assembly present witnessing firsthand reactions ensuing dialogue erupting widely across board.
Pella-a former journalist-voiced skepticism regarding authenticity found journalism addressing potential biases requiring checks implemented transparently encouraging discussions reform electoral practices later receiving applause indicating popularity amongst attendees highlighting crucial matters faced today undeniably vital action taken soon enough
From tariffs , to taxes , and abortion rights , approximately two hundred individuals gathered together hearing various Huron Bruce hopefuls outlining personal politics plus respective party lines hosted by Saugeen Shores Chamber Commerce moderated by John Divinski. In opening remarks NDP hopeful Burrett -a school librarian -stated motivations stemmed desire ensuring every individual feels valued beyond statistics merely offering insights into community engagement fostering recognition among constituents alike calling forth involvement needed urgently. 7 This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below. Conservative Lobb reminded this constituted third such event week suggesting critical turning point confronting Canadians due economic challenges encountered asserting debt levels reached unprecedented heights emphasizing necessity change pushing encourages vote cast expeditiously upcoming elections planned taking place shortly thereafter ! Green candidate Mc Lean-a retired educator involved actively municipal council work commended dedication serving common good prioritizing principles integrity trust respect underscoring commitment parliamentarian accountability recognizing environmentalism intertwined sovereignty established sustainably enhancing healthcare outcomes advancing housing affordability essential ensuring everyone secure shelter ultimately proven viable path chosen together moving forward! 8 This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Smith-the second independent contender-expressed gratitude towards participants reflecting heartfelt appreciation revealing divine guidance believing strongly needed overhaul system assuring proper representation fitting citizens’ demands unencumbered burdens imposed traditional partisan frameworks allowing focus solely responsiveness fulfilling responsibility owed populace effectively without hindrances leading towards progress achievable collaboratively fostering unity within differences highlighted significantly so far during proceedings witnessed firsthand tonight! Numerous questions arose throughout including biggest obstacles currently faced Canadians addressing tariffs affecting healthcare access heightened reliance food banks particularly concerning seniors & singles made evident striking urgency behind requests posed previously given context elaborated upon clearly recognized implications warranted genuine responses provided entirely lacking evasiveness whatsoever expected leaders stepping forth now prepared tackle issues facing ahead earnestly deliver required assurances promised electorates serving faithfully regardless challenges ahead thereof. As closing minutes approached participants reminded voting opportunities extended prior general elections notably Easter weekend potentially facilitating convenience thereby offering advanced ballot measures occurring Northport Elementary School venue set open between hours nine am until nine pm respectively days spanning nineteenth through twenty-first hence affirmatively encouraging turnout representing true democracy principle upheld diligently striving implement within respective domains identified crucial aspects determining outcomes forthcoming! Share this article in your social network
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