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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 14, 2007 - 5 STEVEN DER-GARABEDIAN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER ALL KINDS OF QUESTIONS: Oakville Liberal MPP Kevin Flynn answers a question from the audience gathered Wednesday evening for a Canadian Autoworkers' Union (CAW)-sponsored all-candidates debate at the Galaxy 707. On stage with Flynn are, from left, moderator Joey Edwardh, NDP candidate Tony Crawford and PC candidate Rick Byers. Candidates on guns and wages Continued from page 4 is the reason he decided to run in the election. "When you don't have the trust and believe in the integrity of the people spending your tax dollars, that's a big, big problem," he said. Holding up a book containing the PC platform, Byers said, "If it's in the book, we'll do it." The PC candidate in his opening address took a shot at the Liberal government's past, citing Premier Dalton McGuinty's "not one, not two, but 51 broken promises," including a pledge not to hike taxes. "I suggest to you that re-electing folks that don't keep their promises cheapens your vote," Byers said. "It lowers the bar." Flynn generated the most applause of the night in response to a question related to "the summer of the gun" and the escalating violence in Toronto and the GTA. "What we really need is for the Federal Conservative government to ban hand guns in the province of Ontario," he said. Crawford, too, supported the banning of handguns, and also called for "corporate crime" to receive more of a punishment. Byers named items on the PC party's agenda, including installing tougher minimum sentences, working in communities and strengthening the youth criminal act to curb gun violence. The candidates did agree on some issues, including the importance of tackling global warming. They also agreed that Ontario has to work on in-house innovations to compete with the rest of the world in manufacturing, a sector that continues to struggle. "The NDP is committed to supporting people, to keep the jobs at home," Crawford said. Flynn pledged the Liberal government will continue to work with the auto sector, pointing out an auto investment strategy voted on by the Liberals, which he credited with "ensuring the industry has not only survived, but thrived." Byers said the PC party will "support the auto industry as needed" and committed to auto workers to meet "whenever the members want, to advocate for them at Queen's Park and beyond." Minimum wage was a divisive issue, with Flynn saying it should be increased "in a responsible way" as his government is calling for, with a scheduled increase to $10.25 an hour by 2010. Byers called small business "the engine of our economy" and said such a hike could be difficult to handle. He says the PC Party will create a commission "to monitor what rate minimum wage should be," and at what rate it should increase. Crawford, meanwhile, called for "an immediate increase to $10 an hour," which drew audience applause. The latest in exciting, new fireplace designs now on display in our showroom. · Custom Stone Mantels · Licensed Gas Fitters · 35 Models On Display Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. 10-4 3585 Laird Rd., Unit 2 905.569.2404 www.ontariohearth.com For the Health of Our Community Thank you to the Rude Native Bistro! During the months of August and September the Rude Native Oakville will be donating $1.00 for every diner to the Rehab & Geriatrics program at OTMH. Thank you to all of those who participate in this event, and a heart felt thank you to the Rude Native Bistro for supporting OTMH in this way. Thank you for the health of our community. $4800 LEFT TO GO! During the months of August and September the Rude Native Oakville will be donating $1.00 for every diner to the Rehabilitation and Geriatrics program at OTMH. CHANCES TO WIN BEAUTIFUL GIFT BASKETS FROM NEDERGURG WINES Our goal with your help is $10,000. 142 Lakeshore Road East Serving North Oakville Since 1984 Downtown Oakville For Reservations Please Call P: (905) 338-4642 F: (905) 257 -6758 www.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com The Rude N he ude e 905.844.3334