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Canada Election 2015
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Looking to make a change

Candidates running for Member of Parliament in the North Okanagan Shuswap riding say there is a real chance for a change of government in this federal election.

"People are very upset with the Harper Conservatives," said New Democrat candidate Jacqui Gingras, during a live candidates' forum on KISS FM Tuesday evening.

"What I find encouraging is that...people are stepping forward, young people, students,...indigenous people," Gingras said.

Candidate Cindy Derkaz said the Liberals have attempted to phone or knock at the doors of 23,000 voters in the riding. "We find a real appetite for change."  

Green party candidate Chris George expressed amazement at the huge turnouts at town hall forums. "Every single venue has been full."

In a polite debate, only Gingras took a mild swipe at Conservative candidate Mel Arnold who did not attend the forum.

"I am absolutely flabbergasted why someone could expect to garner votes without participating," said Gingras.

Arnold has attended many other all-candidates forums. He is hoping to replace retiring Conservative MP Colin Mayes, who won three consecutive elections in the riding. 

With polls failing to show a clear winner federally, the three candidates pointed to past minority governments which successfully passed important legislation, such as universal health care and employment insurance. 

George said almost 34,000 registered voters failed to cast their ballots in the 2011 federal election. "I was astonished to find out that the largest single demographic was just over 12,000 people who were 45 to 54."

The candidates fielded questions from callers and texters who asked a range of questions about the economy, the massive Pacific Rim trade deal, climate change, waiting times for the ill, tax credits for auxiliary police constables and the future of education.



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