Platform finally out

The platform includes universal childcare benefits, tax credits for parents with children enrolled in sports and arts, as well as funding for aerospatiale industries and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent. “I support the platform whole heartedly,” said Paine, Conservative hopeful for Lac St-Louis. “We’re the only ones who talked about the economy consistently…I think it’s important to let West Islanders know, if they elect a (conservative) MP in the West Island, their going to have representation in Ottawa.” Brunelle, candidate for Pierrefonds-Dollard, believes his party’s economic plan will lead Canada through the “little” market crisis grappling the world and carry them into “a minority government.” On the same day the platform was released, 230 Canadian economists spoke in favour of the Liberal Party’s plan to introduce a Carbon Tax. But, Brunelle believes the new tax will further indebt West Island homes. “On my behalf I don’t think it’s good on the economy,” said Brunelle. “You can either leave money in the pockets or create a new tax. It’s up to the families to decide how to spend their money.” However, incumbent Liberal Party candidate Bernard Patry sees the new Carbon Tax as “Effecting the economy in a good way.” “That’s the thing to do gradually, we’ll introduce the Carbon Tax within four years; it’s something when 230 economists agree,” said Patry. “(The Conservative) released their platform a few days before the elections; it’s a plan that’s not a plan.” For Brunelle, Oct 14 will bring a chance for West Islanders to bring change for the community, perticularly in public transit. "I went to the (Sunnybrook and Roxboro) train station around 6:30 am and the parking lot was full and on top of that when the train passed it was already pact,"said Brunelle. "The Conservatives gave a billion dollars for public transit, what I'm going to do (if elected) is expand parking lots and give more wagons for the trains." Patry, however, reminded "Yes, they did give a billion dollars but (Federal funding) began under Paul Martin. All the revenue that was gained went to infrastructures and we gave that money to the municipalities, it's up to them to decide what to do with (the money)."