Cyndi Mills, Liberal candidate
How do you plan to improve Canada’s economic competitiveness?
One way that I can help on a large scale is to amplify the voices of our local industry leaders. We have impressive people in the Ottawa Valley in many sectors, including agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, defence, science, and small and medium-sized business owners. Their ideas and energy have not been adequately championed in Ottawa, and so we have been missing out on opportunities locally. And Canada hasn’t had all of the best and brightest minds engaged if there are pockets not being heard.
What is one locally-focused campaign pledge that you would implement as MP?
I met with local retail and hospitality business owners who are desperate for labour that shows up and wants to work. Our area is competing with cities that have more amenities like transportation and rental units. These entrepreneurs are asking to pilot a regional immigration program modelled after the successful OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program) pilot. They are attuned to the needs of managing the rate of immigration so that we can support new people to the area without burdening the healthcare system and ensure there is housing, while bringing workers to fill the job vacancies that challenge their businesses. I will do my part to ensure that our business have access to federal streams to help deal with labour shortages.
What are your thoughts on the current size of the federal public service?
I’m hearing directly from people within the public service that departments grew during the pandemic to deal with the massive output that was needed in places like Health Canada and Revenue Canada. They are telling me that the public service does need to be right-sized and affordable. I believe that it can be done through attrition and measures that will respect the workforce who have been there for Canadians in our time of need.
How do you propose helping fix the housing crisis in the Greater Ottawa Area?
Arnprior is 30 minutes to Kanata and has become popular with commuters. I would encourage people to look to the competitive housing market in places like Arnprior, Calabogie, Renfrew and beyond. And if people can work from home, there are lots of fantastic places in the country that have attracted a lot of people post-pandemic. The Ottawa Valley is second to none in beauty and outdoor activities, from skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling to lakes, hiking and whitewater rafting.
And finally (and on a lighter note), what’s your favourite season in your riding? Why?
That’s the hardest question of all! It’s like choosing my favourite child — I love them all the same. Although, I could do without the intense heat in the summer and the intense cold of the winter. So, that narrows it down to the miracle rebirth in the Spring as the earth blooms green, with flowers and the night air is full of insect chatter, or the Fall when the colours as you drive through every crevice of the Ottawa Valley is breathtaking. If you haven’t been through Madawaska Valley or Lyndoch or up Highway 17 to Deep River and beyond, there is no place better to watch the fall colours in full glory.
Giovanna Mingarelli, Liberal candidate
How do you plan to improve Canada’s economic competitiveness?
I would remove the barriers on internal trade, cut taxes, and expand our trade with new partners. Canada currently operates as 13 separate economies, which drives up costs and weakens our competitiveness. It’s time we stand united. Cutting taxes puts more money in Canadians’ pockets and new trade relationships will create exciting and profitable opportunities abroad.
What is one locally-focused campaign pledge that you would implement as MP?
I would champion the funding and construction of Maison Interlude’s second stage housing project in Russell Township to make sure that women in our community have a safe place to go should they need to flee domestic violence.
Getting this housing construction project done would mean Maison Interlude could meet the increasing demand for emergency shelter by building a 35-unit building, with 13 units being dedicated for women victims of violence.
This project is about ensuring that members of our community feel safe, have secure housing, and be supported. It is about kindness, dignity, and respect.
What are your thoughts on the current size of the federal public service?
Many of my friends, family and neighbours in Prescott-Russell-Cumberland are public servants. I know that many of them have questions about changes and I want to say that I am here to hear their comments and suggestions. I want to be their advocate.
A Liberal government would make the public service more competitive, technologically driven, and efficient in how it delivers services to Canadians. Slowing government spending includes maintaining the public service at current levels.
By balancing the operation budget in three years through responsible financial management, we will create jobs, boost incomes, and provide more resources to federal programs.
How do you propose helping fix the housing crisis in the Greater Ottawa Area?
This is among the top issues I’m hearing from voters. My party has a plan to build more affordable housing at a faster pace in order to keep up with rising demand.
We will build 500,000 new homes per year by creating the Build Canada Homes fund to provide $10 billion to affordable home builders, as well as $25 billion towards innovative prefabricated homes that use Canadian technologies and resources like mass timber and softwood lumber. We will also remove GST on homes under $1 million so that first-time homebuyers can save up to $50,000.
And finally (and on a lighter note) what’s your favourite season in your riding? Why?
My favourite season in the riding is the fall. I love the changing colour of the trees and the smell of hickory when people and farms start burning leaves and getting ready for winter.
I enjoy walks in the forest and bonfires with my family and friends — as well as BBQs. I also love Thanksgiving and spending time with my family, we are close. Finally, Halloween is always fun! It makes me happy to see all the kids dressed in costumes trick or treating — and also enjoying the treats!
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