Brentwood’s All Candidates Debate

16 October 2015Gina B, Mackenzie ‘17; Photo by Ian McPherson

On October 13th, 2015, six days before the Canadian Federal election, local candidates came together in front of the Brentwood and Mill Bay community in the Killy Theatre for an All Candidates Debate. Students and faculty came out to listen to each representative’s opinions of a variety of matters in response to questions asked by students and members of the community. Each member of their respective party answered said inquires with their political platform in mind. This gave an opportunity for students interested in politics and world affairs to ask and inquire about real issues to real candidates in our constituency.Candidates includes Martin Barker, from the Conservative party, Fran Hunt-Jinnouchi representing the Green party, Luke Krayenhoff for the Liberals, and Alistair MacGregor for the NDP. Students came forward posing questions on a variety of topics, including tax cuts and increases, women’s and First Nations People’s rights, education, and greenhouse gas emissions. The nominees then answered these questions thoughtfully. Some more hotly debated topics were the Syrian refugee crisis, various pipeline projects, and Canada’s national identity as a peacekeeping nation. This gave a learning opportunity for some of the international and local students about real issues that face Canadian citizens. The Brentwood Grade 8 program is also administered and organized a student vote this year, as a way for young people to gauge the importance of voting and learning how we should vote, so that we students will be prepared and well informed when we come of age. The All Candidates Debate informed Brentwood students about Canadian politics and the electoral system, so when we come of age, we will be ready, and know the importance of voting and what a difference it makes for our country. Thanks to Mr. Bryant and his team for bringing this important event to our doorstep. Gina B, Mackenzie ‘17

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