Last Thursday evening at the Bear Head Room, at Port Hawkesbury's Civic Centre, five candidates took to the podium for a debate for the riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish. From the left are: Joanna Clark (NDP), Ryan Smyth (PPC), Rebecca Wall (Independent), Allan MacMaster (Conservative), Jaime Battiste (Liberal).
April 16, 2025
-by April MacDonald
There were five candidates that took to the podium at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre’s Bear Head Room and debated last Thursday evening.
The event was hosted by CBC Cape Breton and moderated by Steve Sutherland, host of CBC Radio’s Information Morning Cape Breton.
All five candidates put their names in the running for the federal election in the riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish.
The debate was live-streamed on the CBC News Nova Scotia YouTube channel.
The all-candidates debate for the Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish riding featured representatives from five political parties: Allan MacMaster (Conservative), Rebecca Wall (Independent), Jaime Battiste (Liberal), Joanna Clark (NDP), and Ryan Smyth (PPC).
Candidates discussed their varying approaches to key issues affecting Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish.
Debates of this nature give voters an opportunity to learn a candidate’s stance on a variety of topics, including healthcare, education, economic development, environmental concerns, as well as local infrastructure.
Candidates responded to questions from moderator Steve Sutherland. There were no questions permitted from the audience, nor were those in attendance allowed to hold banners of support or show where their political affiliations lie.
Voters were there to gauge each candidate’s positions, as well as to get a sense of each of their personalities.
What kept coming up, time and time again, was the trade war with the United States, especially the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
While local issues were also discussed, candidates and voters were focused on who would be best suited to face the U.S. president.
Although there were five candidates on stage, the sparring and the tone made it clear that the race will likely boil down to the Liberal candidate, Jaime Battiste, and Conservative candidate, Allan MacMaster.
Key points discussed during the debate were:
Economic recovery and job creation: Candidates discussed the importance of economic recovery post-pandemic, emphasizing job creation in key sectors such as tourism, fisheries, and natural resources. Allan MacMaster focused on fiscal responsibility and supporting small businesses. Jaime Battiste highlighted investments in infrastructure and technology.
Access to healthcare was a significant topic, with candidates debating how to alleviate pressures on the healthcare system.
Joanna Clark called for increased funding for public healthcare and mental health services, while Ryan Smyth argued for a more market-driven approach to healthcare.
With regards to education, candidates spoke to funding and curriculum improvements.
Rebecca Wall emphasized the need for better support for students with disabilities. Jaime Battiste spoke about addressing teacher shortages and curriculum modernization.
Jaime Battiste asked MacMaster five times whether or not he believed in climate change, pointing out that the Conservative Leader, Pierre Pollieve, did not in fact believe in climate change. Eventually, MacMaster replied that “climate does change.”
With regards to climate change and environmental policies, candidates discussed on how to ensure sustainable development in the region, with Joanna Clark pushing for robust climate action plans. Ryan Smyth somewhat acknowledged climate concerns but showed much skepticism regarding any government intervention.
Local issues discussed were infrastructure needs, increasing services for rural areas, and supporting our Indigenous communities through reconciliation.
Candidates continued to remind the audience of their commitment to engaging with and listening to their constituents.
Candidate Platforms
Allan MacMaster (Conservative):
– Advocated for fiscal responsibility, small business support, and economic development.
– Promised to lower taxes and reduce government spending.
Rebecca Wall (Independent):
– Focused on grassroots issues, community engagement, and independent decision-making.
– Prioritized inclusive policies and support for marginalized communities.
Jaime Battiste (Liberal):
– Emphasized progressive social policies, healthcare funding, and local infrastructure investment.
– Championed diversity and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
Joanna Clark (NDP):
– Committed to social justice, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to services.
– Advocated for universal healthcare, pharmacare, childcare, and affordable housing.
Ryan Smyth (PPC):
– Promoted individual freedoms, reducing government size, and a more market-oriented approach to various sectors.
– Critiqued current government policies on taxation and regulation.
Smyth received a roomful of booing and angered most of the people in attendance when he seemed to support Trump’s assertion that Canada would be better off as a 51st State.
Interactions between candidates, including challenges and rebuttals, were signs indicative of their readiness to engage in political discourse and handle criticism.
These debates are crucial as they provide voters with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their policies, views, and plans if elected.
Although there are many local issues facing the area, candidates said that what they are hearing door-to-door is the lack of affordability, the rising cost of food, and of course, the fear of the Trump administration and the threat of tariffs.
Candidates said, especially the Liberal and NDP, that the voters are very concerned with Canada’s broken relationship with the United States.
Battiste said, time and time again, that what he is hearing from voters is that this election will ultimately come down to Liberal Leader Mark Carney or Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and who is the best leader to take on Trump.
Those who plan to vote for Prime Minister Mark Carney said they are doing so to keep Poilievre out, as he appears to align himself more with Trump than any other of the federal leaders.
Joanna Clark voiced concern that this campaign is being overshadowed by the fact that many voters still see the race as only two parties, stressing that this should not be the case.
Other highlights were:
– Economic development: Proposals to boost local economies, support small businesses, and attract investment to the region.
– Healthcare: Plans to improve healthcare services, including access to hospitals and healthcare professionals, mental health resources, and community health initiatives.
– Education: Policies aimed at improving educational opportunities, funding for schools, and vocational training programs for youth.
– Natural resources and environment: Stances on sustainable resource management, conservation efforts, and response to climate change, often significant issues for communities in Cape Breton.
– Social services: Efforts to enhance social programs, support for families, affordable housing, and initiatives to address poverty and inequality.
– Transportation: Infrastructure improvements, public transit options, and road maintenance are often key concerns in rural areas.
– Indigenous rights: Engagement with Indigenous communities and commitments to reconciliation efforts.
Allan MacMaster is a member of the Conservative Party. He represents the riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish. MacMaster was first elected to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly in 2011 and has since been involved in various legislative activities and initiatives. He is known for advocating for economic development and resource management.
Jaime Battiste is a member of the Liberal Party of Canada. He represents the riding of Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish. Battiste made history by becoming the first Indigenous person elected to the House of Commons from Nova Scotia when he won his seat in the 2019 federal election. He has a background in law and has been involved in various community and advocacy efforts.
Ryan Smyth is a supporter of the People’s Party of Canada. He stands for the core values of freedom and personal responsibility, as well as less government control. Smyth believes that Canada can restore its prosperity through empowering people. The People’s Party of Canada is known for its emphasis on individual freedoms and limited government intervention, and they seek to attract voters who prioritize these principles.
Joanna Clark is an advocate for youth, social justice, and rural communities.
She got her start by organizing as a student. She became involved in her students’ union and later as a member of the provincial executive for the Canadian Federation of Students. She speaks to being a young mom in a rural community who has developed a passion for issues that young people and students are currently facing in the community
Over the past five years she has been involved in advocating for accessible and equitable post-secondary education, affordable childcare, and improvements on sexual violence prevention.
Rebecca Wall stated that there are currently 343 ridings and a record-breaking 311 independents. This unprecedented number presents a unique opportunity for Canadians to shift the political landscape. “If voters choose, we could see a majority of independents working together in Parliament.”
Here’s why she believes this matters:
– If just 12 independents are elected, they have the power to form a parliamentary caucus. This means they can collaborate and strategize on important issues, even without being part of a registered party.
– Independents can unite around shared goals, meeting regularly to develop policy positions and coordinate their efforts, amplifying their political influence.
– A caucus not only enhances visibility but also grants members access to resources, speaking opportunities, and media attention.
“Together, independents can drive meaningful change, propose legislation, and influence important debates. Let’s make our voices heard and explore the possibilities of an independent-led Parliament!”
Voters are encouraged to consider the candidates’ platforms and their responses to local concerns, as we all ready for the upcoming election.
