David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @FloryGoncalves and 49 others
Go Figure
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2019/10/here-are-top-election-issues-for-new.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/canada-votes-2019-new-brunswick-election-issues-1.5310312
We asked, you answered: Here are the top election issues for New Brunswickers
Climate change, taxes, health care were the most common answers
· CBC News · Posted: Oct 07, 2019 5:00 AM AT
The federal election is scheduled for Oct. 21. (CBC Archives)
Climate change, taxes and housing were among the top recurring responses when CBC New Brunswick asked readers, "What federal election issue concerns you most as a New Brunswicker?"
This extremely scientific poll conducted through our Facebook page garnered nearly 500 comments — and the vast majority weren't mean! — so big thanks to everyone who participated.
Still want to have your say or ask a question? Be sure to check out our Facebook Live with experts on Tuesday at noon. You can send comments and questions right here.
You can check out all the answers in the post below:
The environment is top of mind
It's fair to say there really isn't an election-defining issue that's come about halfway through the campaign — in fact, we've already said that — but issues surrounding the environment, both at a national and provincial level, were the most common responses.
Climate change was mentioned 83 times (plus there was also one commenter concerned with the state of New Brunswick's forests).
And it's no surprise.
A recent Abacus Data poll indicated 55 per cent of Atlantic Canadians consider climate change an urgent issue, while 40 per cent described it as important. Just five per cent said it's not important, according to the poll.
While nearly all climate-related responses sounded the alarm about our warming planet, there were a handful that were critical of the carbon tax (though that's an affordability concern for some).
Of the six major parties, two would scrap the Liberal-imposed carbon tax: the Conservatives and the People's Party of Canada.
Here's a taste of what you had to say:
"What concerns me is that so much money is caught up in oil and gas that it will be very hard to transition off of it in time. But, the benefits of transitioning our energy grid to green energy would be huge. We could produce our own energy here in NB instead of shipping in Saudi oil." - Addison F.
"Providing help for homeowners to install heat pumps and more efficient windows etc." - Ted S.
"Environment first. I have grandchildren." - Ann R.
"Climate change is #1 with a bullet. We here in NB could start serious transitioning to a green economy AND create jobs … That is, of course, unless the new federal government stays the course and ups their game." - Janet M.
"Floods. People everywhere suffer because of climate change. Now flooding in Fredericton and Rothesay are going to be the new norm. Along with everywhere in between." - Jon C.
The T-word
Taxes was a common issue with 20 mentions in the responses, but the commenters weren't all singing the same tune. Some respondents decried new taxes under the Trudeau Liberals, while others argued for tax reform to target Canada's wealthiest.
But issues of affordability — be it housing, child care, student debt, unemployment, wages, even a nod to soaring insurance rates — were present in many responses.
"Any more taxes for this province the only people that will be left is the elderly and the trees." - Marc M.
"Child care fees is number one for my family. I'd rather see it capped then receive the child tax benefit." - Tommy H.
"Cost of living and the low wages along with how are New Brunswick people going to pay for all these new taxes." - Ben C.
"The environment and tax loopholes allowing billionaires to avoid taxation." - Richard S.
The economy and population growth
The words "the economy" popped up only seven times, but there were several other comments focused on economic issues like job creation and boosting the province's sluggish economic growth.
There were also a handful of calls to address labour shortages through immigration.
"Immigration and retention of Immigrants in New Brunswick are huge issues, as is prosperity. The province is facing so many challenges!" - Michael W.
"We need a real, solid plan to bring immigration to this province. We are turning into a glorified seniors home and desperately need people to want to immigrate here." - Steve P.
The provincial jurisdictions
Sure, this is a federal campaign, but New Brunswick's leaders might want to pay attention. Our poll (have I mentioned how very scientific it is?) saw a large number of pressing issues that primarily fall under the province's purview, like education.
In terms of number of mentions, health care was second only to climate change. New Brunswick's doctor shortage, wait times, seniors care, mental health services and ambulance services were all recurring themes.
That said, many commenters called on the feds for more help in covering costs, from increased health transfers to universal pharmacare.
Each party has specific policies that touch on those issues — check them out here.
"Aside from universal pharmacare, which any new government *must* bring in, there needs to be a smarter solution to our current health care system. I know the province is investing in technology to meet some of our needs, but the federal government can make a big difference to that end." - Jason R.
"Health care and senior care. Seniors waiting in hospitals for placement in nursing homes is ridiculous and cruel." - Pat D.
The government's books
The most common followup question during campaign announcements has got to be: "And how will you pay for that?" Well, New Brunswickers think the same way, with many expressing concern for government spending, annual deficits and the federal debt (which sits at almost $696 billion, according to debtclock.ca).
"The national debt, although basically nobody in this campaign cares about that." - Chris E.
"Government deficits, leaving limited options to battle an economic downturn, which many experts are expecting." - Win K.
"Fiscal responsibility (read, balance the budget)." - Stewart T.
The other issues
Many issues were mentioned just the once, including: candidate accountability, electoral reform, Indigenous matters, national defence, privacy breaches, racism and road safety.
While many commenters stayed true to the question and responded with a single issue, lots of answers looked like this:
"Income inequality, corporate welfare, tax inequality--loopholes for the wealthy and corporations, right to housing for all, green economy, environmental cleanup, global climate heating, electoral/political system reform--want elected MPs/parties to work together to create policies and solutions that support and serve the people--all people, adequately." - Sue M.
Maybe it's a sign that even without that one defining issue, New Brunswickers believe there's still a lot at stake.
If you want to compare the party platform, visit our handy new interactive tool. And have you tried the Vote Compass yet? It's a tool developed by political scientists for exploring how your views align with those of the parties.
110 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Raymond Amos
Methinks we get the governments we deserve N'esy Pas? David Raymond Amos
Content disabled
Nobody can deny this article is about the current election that I am running in Correct? I truly believe in free speech and open debate but if people expect to be taken seriously they should at least obey the rules of this forum and grow up and use their real names.
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled
Methinks plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @David Raymond Amos: Surprise Surprise Surprise
James Frederickton
Do yourselves a favor vote for reason and for a leader that stands by their policies with out flip flopping on their platforms.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @James Frederickton: Methinks plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose N'esy Pas?
James Frederickton
Reply to @David Raymond Amos: sorry I dont speech French fluently
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @James
Frederickton: Obviously I don't either but if you live around the Bay of
Fundy you should have caught my drift EH Ye who pretends to be Fat Fred
City?
Adam
I'm noticing the same couple people commenting constant nonsense. They have no interest in objective conversation, do not listen to fact and supporting evidence, and are only here to push their opinions.
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Adam:
You know something Adam (without a last name), no one here was talking climate change until a few zealots had to have their say about nothing and they were the ones to drive this whole thing into foolishness.
You know something Adam (without a last name), no one here was talking climate change until a few zealots had to have their say about nothing and they were the ones to drive this whole thing into foolishness.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Adam:
Methinks you should come down to Fundy Royal and try to debate me in
person if you think I am posting nonsense N'esy Pes?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Obviously I have a whole name that has been on 7 ballots thus far
William Edwards
Total BS from CBC, I'm a New Brunswicker and we are concerned about health, senior care, and employment. No one and I repeat no one is concerned about climate change because we are smart enough to know that whatever we do about CC, we will still get all of our pollution and acid rain from Ohio and New York state.
Adam
Reply to @William Edwards: I guess I'm no one.
John Holmes
Reply to @William
Edwards: You are way off on that bit about climate. You missed the
protests the last few weeks? We had nearly a thousand people on the
streets. And the bottom line on the climate is, if we don't fix that,
none, absolutely none of the other issues matter.
DON MOFFATT
Reply to @John Holmes: The sky is falling.
James Frederickton
Reply to @John Holmes: The science is sound: It is not healthy to live in a constant state of fear.
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @James Frederickton:
The science is not sound, it is made up nonsense. When the language of a science is peppered with "could be" and "maybe" you are looking at nothing credible.
The science is not sound, it is made up nonsense. When the language of a science is peppered with "could be" and "maybe" you are looking at nothing credible.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @William
Edwards: I agree Methinks everybody knows that I am senior without a
heath care card who came out of the emergency room and used his ID from
the hospital to get his name on the ballot in Fundy Royal again. Trust
that I will have a lot to say about that topic in the first debate I
was allowed to participate in tomorrow night for blatantly obvious
reasons N'esy Pas?
Murray Brown
Climate? Then this polling is obviously skewed by people who rely exclusively on the CBC for their news. That topic has consumed the news network and television news network that taxpayers pay for. It's obviously an attempt to get their favourite PM elected... Let's hope it doesn't work and they stand mouths agape on election night.
Adam
Reply to @Murray Brown: Just because you don't like a topic, doesn't make it invalid.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Adam: What say you obey the rules and get a whole name?
DON MOFFATT
What % of carbon emissions in the world does Canada emit? Are we really a carbon neutral country?
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @DON MOFFATT:
There are no "fixed" thoughts on this. It seems everyone with a different axe to grind has a different story to tell.
There are no "fixed" thoughts on this. It seems everyone with a different axe to grind has a different story to tell.
DON MOFFATT
Reply to @Terry
Tibbs: Based on 2016 statistics Canada emits less than 2% of the carbon
worldwide. IMO, no matter what we do if China, USA and India do not
change we are doomed, if you believe mankind actually has any
significant bearing on our climate.
Adam
Reply to @DON
MOFFATT: This is an asinine mentality. Out of all countries on Earth,
Canada is ranked 4th in CO2 emissions per capita. We are one of the
worst.
https://www.ucsusa.org/global-warming/science-and-impacts/science/each-countrys-share-of-co2.html
https://www.ucsusa.org/global-warming/science-and-impacts/science/each-countrys-share-of-co2.html
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @DON MOFFATT:
There are some who claim that forests absorb carbon, and some say not. If the forests absorb carbon then there is enough forests in Canada to assure carbon neutrality for many, many, years, but again it depends on who you talk to.
I will say this: climate change and politicians seem to be a very good match.
There are some who claim that forests absorb carbon, and some say not. If the forests absorb carbon then there is enough forests in Canada to assure carbon neutrality for many, many, years, but again it depends on who you talk to.
I will say this: climate change and politicians seem to be a very good match.
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @Adam:
No Adam, Don and I are not talking "per capita", and I was just about to post about folks attempting to confuse the issue with this, we are speaking about Canada, the ENTIRE country, and not some cherry picked fact.
If you wish to cherry pick, the 2 largest sources of carbon emissions in NB are Beldune and the refinery in St John, why aren't you advocating for them to either clean up, or close?
No Adam, Don and I are not talking "per capita", and I was just about to post about folks attempting to confuse the issue with this, we are speaking about Canada, the ENTIRE country, and not some cherry picked fact.
If you wish to cherry pick, the 2 largest sources of carbon emissions in NB are Beldune and the refinery in St John, why aren't you advocating for them to either clean up, or close?
Adam
Reply to @Terry Tibbs:
and Canada as an ENTIRE country emits 2.5x more CO2 per person than
China. The fact that we have so few people in comparison is completely
irrelevant. It goes to show that the businesses and practices we have
allowed in our country are taking advantage of our complete disregard
for emissions.
I am advocating for the ENTIRE country to push corporations to change their ways and actually work towards reducing their emissions. You and I using paper straws instead of plastic is useless. We need the mega corps to step up and own the problem they've created.
I am advocating for the ENTIRE country to push corporations to change their ways and actually work towards reducing their emissions. You and I using paper straws instead of plastic is useless. We need the mega corps to step up and own the problem they've created.
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @Adam:
Well Adam you are SOL, because a comparison per captia between Canada, where everyone has to heat their homes, and most have to travel in vehicles, is an unrealistic comparison period, and does nothing but confuse the issue.
Well Adam you are SOL, because a comparison per captia between Canada, where everyone has to heat their homes, and most have to travel in vehicles, is an unrealistic comparison period, and does nothing but confuse the issue.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Your confusion is noted !
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Well sure Lou................. groceries for me is a 60km drive, no bus, no train, no alternate source, and yes, I do heat where I live, so it ONLY follows that it is very likely my carbon footprint is bigger than if I lived in Miami, or LA. I am quite sure many Canadians find themselves in the same boat, maybe even you?
BUT: I do not encourage folks to move from a temperate climate to Canada, I do not buy pipelines, I do not fly around in a private jet and I don't pretend to be greener than I am so folks will vote for me.
Well sure Lou................. groceries for me is a 60km drive, no bus, no train, no alternate source, and yes, I do heat where I live, so it ONLY follows that it is very likely my carbon footprint is bigger than if I lived in Miami, or LA. I am quite sure many Canadians find themselves in the same boat, maybe even you?
BUT: I do not encourage folks to move from a temperate climate to Canada, I do not buy pipelines, I do not fly around in a private jet and I don't pretend to be greener than I am so folks will vote for me.
DON MOFFATT
Reply to @Terry
Tibbs: In grade 4 science I was taught that trees required carbon
dioxide to survive. In fact they breathed it like humans breathe air.
Others I have read posted that Canada is a negative carbon polluter.
Since I am not a scientist receiving Government Grants to spread the
dogma of the day I cannot prove this.
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @DON MOFFATT:
Isn't that just the trouble Don? If there wasn't a "climate emergency" where would these scientists all be?
Isn't that just the trouble Don? If there wasn't a "climate emergency" where would these scientists all be?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Terry
Tibbs: Methinks they would be begging the greedy Yankee politcal lawyer
Al Gore for a brand new plan N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Enjoy
https://www.scribd.com/doc/284800962/Joey-Biden-and-His-Pals
https://www.scribd.com/doc/284800962/Joey-Biden-and-His-Pals
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @David Raymond Amos: Methinks we shall soon see if my proof of a simple truth is a little too inconvenient N'esy Pas?
Paul Bourgoin
How industry has the ability of always getting what they want from Government as if they owned them. We, as Canadian Citizens don't have much to say because those who represent Joe Public, are those Popular Politicians who are funded by those thirsty for power and provincial and federal subsidies. Their elected consequences are, a declining quality of life and public services on tax payer money funding Industry and friends while Canadian standards of living have crashed from the best in the world to poverty levels
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Paul Bourgoin:
We only get "our say" every 4 years, that is why it is important to pay attention, choose wisely, and vote.
We only get "our say" every 4 years, that is why it is important to pay attention, choose wisely, and vote.
Paul Bourgoin
Reply to @Terry Tibbs:
When you go to vote Terry, on voting day, the winning Party already knows who won!
When you go to vote Terry, on voting day, the winning Party already knows who won!
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Paul Bourgoin: YUP
Tim Biddiscombe
Those dinosaurs who deny man made climate change will be extinct soon too.
Tim Biddiscombe
Reply to @Tim Biddiscombe: The scientific evidence is overwhelming, yet they still deny it..
John Smith
Reply to @Tim Biddiscombe: the scientific evidence like the conneley's in ireland
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @john smith:
He who knows not,
and knows not that he knows not,
is a fool.
He who knows not,
and knows not that he knows not,
is a fool.
Alexandre Hilton
Reply to @Tim
Biddiscombe: could you provide at least a snippet of said evidence?
I've only been asking for about 3 hours, you still haven't posted as
much as a scintilla.
DON MOFFATT
Reply to @Tim
Biddiscombe: Were you university educated in the last 20 years? If yes, I
understand why you are a zealot on climate change.
Murray Brown
Reply to @Tim
Biddiscombe: ... Where is this 'overwhelming' evidence? Soothsaying has
never been a precise science... And never will be. Religion has been
predicting the end of times since time began... Climate Change Religion
is no different.
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @Alexandre Hilton:
There is a group of over 500 scientists here who doubt climate change. I don't know these folks from Adam, and it could all be BS, but it seems that there is "sketchy" proof both ways, which tells me the truth lies somewhere in the middle, but you decide for yourself. (and no climate change advocate will tell you that)
https://clintel.nl/
There is a group of over 500 scientists here who doubt climate change. I don't know these folks from Adam, and it could all be BS, but it seems that there is "sketchy" proof both ways, which tells me the truth lies somewhere in the middle, but you decide for yourself. (and no climate change advocate will tell you that)
https://clintel.nl/
Adam
Reply to @Alexandre Hilton: How about this for evidence:
NASA: https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
.gov: https://www.globalchange.gov/climate-change
UCS: https://www.ucsusa.org/our-work/center-science-and-democracy/promoting-scientific-integrity/climate-change.html
Climate change skeptics vigorously criticise any evidence that supports man-made global warming and yet embrace any argument, op-ed, blog or study that purports to refute global warming. https://skepticalscience.com/
NASA: https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
.gov: https://www.globalchange.gov/climate-change
UCS: https://www.ucsusa.org/our-work/center-science-and-democracy/promoting-scientific-integrity/climate-change.html
Climate change skeptics vigorously criticise any evidence that supports man-made global warming and yet embrace any argument, op-ed, blog or study that purports to refute global warming. https://skepticalscience.com/
John Holmes
Reply to @Terry
Tibbs: And those five hundred still don't break the 3% who disagree with
the 97% majority that have pegged this change to human activity. 500
just seems like a large number, but when the agreeing portion is in the
10s of thousands it's still just static.
Adam
Reply to @Terry
Tibbs: Scientists are not experts in all things science. If only there
were actual climate scientists that could provide scientific evidence of
man made climate change... oh wait.
Franz Pökler
Reply to @Alexandre Hilton:
Because Boomers have a best before date and most, most not all, climate deniers are old’er’. So based on science (darn science) and statistics, the average of death lies near, or around, the Boomers age groupings.
So, they won’t be along much longer makes sense.
They’ll be compost soon, as will others if a post like the OP’s is beyond the scope of posters on here.
Because Boomers have a best before date and most, most not all, climate deniers are old’er’. So based on science (darn science) and statistics, the average of death lies near, or around, the Boomers age groupings.
So, they won’t be along much longer makes sense.
They’ll be compost soon, as will others if a post like the OP’s is beyond the scope of posters on here.
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @Franz Pökler:
I guess you young whipper snappers weren't around in the early days of
computers when it was determined that garbage in means garbage out.
Predicting future climate with any accuracy is impossible.
Predicting future climate with any accuracy is impossible.
DON MOFFATT
Reply to @Adam: There isn't.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Tim Biddiscombe: How many dinosaurs do you think are in a barrel of oil and how did they get that far underground?
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