Historically I have voted conservative. Mostly this is because I do feel that a more conservative fiscal policy is required federally. I have recently found myself trending more liberal socially. Social changes largely will happen regardless and government should follow trends there and not try and hold changes back. They should also try and form policy around the scientific consensus and use sound unbiased research to form policy.
Anyways I had the chance to talk on the phone with both Crockett and Hehr in the last few weeks.
First with Crockatt. I had emailed some questions to her and actually received a personal call back. I had concerns about muzzling science, rejecting climate change, the losing social media battle and not considering decriminalizing/legalizing marijuana. I had a good feeling after the conversation was over. She mentioned that they have added a new MP with a strong science background to head up the science committee (can not remember who) and that they have changed their policy. They are adding a stronger social media team this time around. The discussion centered around the NDP's ability to get people to vote due to social media presence. She did not touch on marijuana, but we did talk about climate change. This is where my concern has come up. Her thought is that climate change is largely a smear job by the United States against the Oilsands in support of their own oil extraction. I countered with that scientific consensus is showing man-made climate and that recognition that it is happening with a solid economic policy to tackle it would likely counter much of the complaints against the party. It was certainly positive but i did not like the political rhetoric about climate change policy.
Next, my wife got in touch with Kent Hehr (she once worked on his campaign provincially) and arranged for him to call me. Asked him the same basic questions. He did not agree that anything would change with Science muzzling and that his party (not sure about him) is all for Marijuana legalization and the tax dollars it will bring. As for climate change. He does acknowledge the science and knows that something must be done. He is against a cap and trade, but things a smart carbon tax would be beneficial (but that each province would come up with their own policy on this and did not want to try and force a federal measure that would not fit all provinces). He also is pro-pipeline for transport and wants the delays fixed urgently to avoid losing market share.
In short.... Kent's policy's aligned much closer to mine and i am leaning towards voting liberal.
Must be a tight race coming up if I got personal calls from both sides during a federal election.
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