Portage-Lisgar Candidates Debate In Morden Ahead Of Federal Election

Five out of six candidates shared and debated their views on topics close to the hearts of Portage-Lisgar constituents in Morden Wednesday.

People's Party of Canada representative Aaron Archer explains while he never imagined becoming a politician, he stepped forward because he feels change is needed.

"I feel lied to, I feel betrayed, I feel as if the government hasn't represented me for a long time, if ever," Archer says. Instead, he says there needs to be a logical, Canadian-driven solution.

"I promise... I will bring back accountability, prosperity and freedom."

Archer is a veteran who served a nine-month tour in Afghanistan.

Green Party representative Bev Eert says voters must consider the urgency needed to combat climate change. "We simply have no time, procrastination has to end," she says.

"The Green Party... is committed to knowledge-based decision making," she adds, noting their plan is ambitious, reducing Canada's emissions to 60 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and net-zero to 2050.

"Why would you vote Green? Because we mean it... we will act."

Christian Heritage Party representative Jerome Dondo explains they're the only party that's explicitly pro-life. "Every candidate and our policy believes in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Other parties have candidates who are pro-life, but most leaders have said they're not going to do anything about it, or refuse to do anything about it."

He notes they would also eliminate the Income Tax Act, "that heavily favours the wealthier people, the ones who can invest in TSFAs and collect interest tax-free... we would replace it with a fair-spending tax."

Liberal Party candidate Ken Werbiski says he's motivated by the need to address crime, homelessness and addiction. "And these are real issues in this riding."

"We need someone who is not afraid to admit we have issues, and who's willing to engage with people involved with these issues and come up with a plan... in the end, these issues affect all of us, and that's why I'm running."

Conservative representative and incumbent Candice Bergen says she's proud to have served Portage-Lisgar for the past 11 years. "This is my community... this is where I live."

Bergen notes she's earned the reputation of being the hardest-working MP. "In Ottawa... I've earned the reputation as someone who speaks clearly and to the point, who's not afraid to say what needs to be said... and do what needs to be done."

"I've held Justin Trudeau to account in the House of Commons for the past four years even though he's refused to answer my questions," Bergen says. "And I've done that because that's what you, my constituents, have sent me there to do."

Cindy Friesen of the NDP was not in attendance.

The riding of Portage-Lisgar includes the rural municipalities of Portage la Prairie, Cartier, St. Francois Xavier, MacDonald, Morris, Rhineland, Pembina, Manitou and South Norfolk, along with the cities and towns of Portage la Prairie, Treherne, St. Claude, Morris, Plum Coulee, Winkler, Morden, Manitou, Somerset, Swan Lake, Carman and Notre Dame de Lourdes.

The Federal Election takes place on October 21.

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