Byelection candidates

April 29, 2002 permalink

A byelection will be held on May 2, 2002 in the riding of Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey to replace David Tilson. The candidates are:

• Ernie Eves, Progressive-Conservative
• Josh Matlow, Liberal
• Doug Wilcox, New Democrat
• Dave Davies, Family Coalition
• Richard Procter, Green

There was an all candidates meeting on April 22 in Orangeville attended by the candidates and about 600 spectators. OPSEU, currently on strike, was represented by a large and vocal part of the audience. In the opening statements, only Dave Davies mentioned any issues relating to family law. He mentioned that government does harm to families, through Children's Aid, and noted that Dufferin now has a group opposing CAS. To correct the drop in the standard of living of young couples he advocates a flat-rate tax. He also advocates a school voucher system. He deplored public funding for elective surgery, such as sex-change operations. Audience members were invited to deposit written questions in a box, from which Geoff Mullin drew questions for an hour to be presented to the candidates. None dealt with child protection or family law. In his closing remarks, Mr Davies advocated a 48-hour wait before abortion, and called for the freeing of Linda Gibbons, currently jailed for protesting abortion.

We have approached the offices of all candidates except Mr Procter. Dave Davies took a position opposed to some current CAS practices. Mr Wilcox expressed concern about CAS without taking any specific position. Mr Eves and Mr Matlow have not responded to our inquiries.