NDPFederal

SKIP MORRISON (NDP)

The Economy/FedNor

Over the last year, the Sault has seen the loss of hundreds of jobs despite efforts to diversify the economy. A shrinking pool of money for FedNor to offer businesses and organizations to grow isn’t helping either. Morrison says there are reasons for that…

Morrison’s counterpart in Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing Carol Hughes suggested that the 8.5 million dollar clawback was used to help balance the Harper government’s books. As for what his party would do to improve the economy, Morrison feels tax credits for small businesses will help them grow, along with a proposed innovation tax credit for manufacturing.

Health Care

It’s an issue important to many Canadians — health care. The importance is hallmarked by shrinking funds, fewer doctors and more patients not receiving enough care or proper care related to their condition. When asked about what his party will do to improve that situation, Sault New Democrat candidate Skip Morrison expressed criticism about the actions the Conservatives plan to take…a direction to reduce funding by 36 billion dollars over the next decade…

Morrison also criticized the previous Liberal governments for what he says was 15 years of cuts resulting in downloading of health care funding. He echoed the sentiments of his counterpart in A-M-K Carol Hughes — that the NDP would work to renegoiate with the provinces to improve home care, long-term care and facilities at nursing homes, while allocating millions of dollars for community health centres.

The Trans-Pacific Partnership

It was a subject that was touched upon briefly during the all-candidates forum at City Hall last month. The Trans-Pacific Partnership has been better known for its secrecy rather than the actual agreement. Morrison was asked about what his party would do regarding this matter and says ‘fair trade’ is essential in being included before Canada signs off on any trade agreement…

Morrison adds fair trade would benefit Sault Ste. Marie twofold. It would protect jobs in Sault Ste. Marie and in Canada and it would improve the lives of people in developing countries that are involved in similar trade agreements.

Bill C-51

It has been passed, but it continues to linger for those people opposed to it. Bill C-51 is legislation that allows C-SIS to proceed with an arrest on suspicion only rather than evidence. This is done even if a person is only thinking or planning of an act of terror and not committing one. Sault New Democrat candidate Skip Morrison has joined his counterpart Carol Hughes in Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing in repealing C-51 if an NDP government is elected October 19th…

Prior to its passing in June, an amendment was made that allows for peaceful protests and demonstrations not to be scrutinized under the bill.

Syrian Refugee Crisis

Another issue that continues to be top of mind is the crisis of refugees moving from Syria into Western Europe. One positive sign was announced late last month, when European Union ministers approved a plan to relocate 120 thousand migrants across the continent. Morrison says his party plans to move forward with a proposal from leader Tom Mulcair to bring in 10 thousand refugees into Canada…NOW…

Morrison feels parts of the Middle East are being further destabilized with Canada involved in the battle against ISIS. He says a better way for Syria to be more stable would be for Canada to return to the role of peacekeeper with humanitarian aid.

Energy Infrastructure/Grid Protection

Energy infrastructure isn’t something most people think of right away. In fact, it’s something that is likely taken for granted. But when the power goes out unexpectedly, that’s when the issue becomes more important. Sault New Democrat Skip Morrison was asked about what can be done to prevent another major blackout like the one Ontario and parts of the Northeast U-S experienced more than a decade ago…

The Joint Emergency Preparedness Program was initially funded and created shortly after the Second World War. It had offered to have Federal First Responders trained and prepared for emergencies similar to the blackout of 2003.