Candidates vying to represent the riding of Saint Croix gathered at the Garcelon Civic Centre in St. Stephen, New Brunswick for a forum hosted by CHCO-TV, in partnership with the St. Stephen Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown St. Stephen, and the Municipal District of St. Stephen. The event provided a platform for voters to hear directly from the seven candidates ahead of the upcoming provincial election on October 21, 2024.

Vicki Hogarth – Local Journalism Initiative

The debate featured candidates from across the political spectrum, including Bola Ademolu (NDP), Kathy Bockus (Progressive Conservatives), Kris Booth (Independent), Troy Lyons (Liberal Party), Mark Groleau (Green Party), Alex Tessmann (People’s Alliance), and Krysten Mitchell (Libertarian Party). Each addressed a range of pressing issues impacting the community, from healthcare and housing to climate change and crime.

The debate opened with healthcare, a key issue for the region. Bola Ademolu emphasized the NDP’s push for publicly funded healthcare and the introduction of free training programs for nurses and doctors to address rural shortages. Kathy Bockus, the incumbent MLA for the Progressive Conservatives, highlighted the government’s efforts to recruit healthcare workers and establish collaborative care clinics in the area.

Kris Booth took a more creative approach, proposing housing incentives for doctors, such as land grants, to encourage them to settle in Saint Croix. 

Housing and affordability were also central topics. Green Party candidate Mark Groleau criticized the province’s lack of affordable housing and advocated for rent control measures and giving non-profits the right to purchase low-cost properties. Liberal candidate Troy Lyons called for eliminating provincial sales tax on new multi-unit buildings to stimulate housing development.

Alex Tessmann of the People’s Alliance and Krysten Mitchell of the Libertarian Party argued for reducing regulations and encouraging public-private partnerships to boost housing supply. Tessmann pointed to tax policy changes as a way to address affordability.

The Campobello Island ferry issue also gained unanimous support, with candidates calling for a permanent, year-round ferry service to better connect residents to mainland New Brunswick. “Campobello shouldn’t feel isolated from its own province,” Tessmann said, reflecting the views of all candidates who advocated for federal and provincial cooperation to fund the service.

On climate change, candidates offered varied solutions. Kathy Bockus cited the government's efforts in conducting risk assessments for waterfront properties. Both Groleau and Mitchell called for an end to glyphosate spraying, with Groleau suggesting the creation of a coastal protection agency to safeguard vulnerable areas.

When it came to crime and the need for a local courthouse, candidates agreed on the importance of re-establishing a courthouse in Charlotte County to expedite justice and ease the burden on law enforcement. Troy Lyons emphasized the importance of holding trials locally, while Kris Booth proposed a provincial police force to alleviate pressure on the RCMP.

In their closing remarks, candidates reiterated their commitment to addressing Saint Croix’s needs. Kathy Bockus pointed to her track record as MLA, while Mark Groleau urged voters to consider a fresh approach with the Green Party. “We need strong leadership that listens to the community,” Groleau said.

The debate will be broadcast on CHCO-TV every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 p.m. until October 20 and is also available for streaming on the network's website.

With the election just weeks away, voters in Saint Croix now face the task of choosing the candidate they believe will best address the region's challenges and shape its future.