STUDENTS GRILL CANDIDATES

Issues Range from Same-Sex Marriage to Legalizing Marijuana

PORT HOPE - Port Hope High School students were given a textbook lesson in
federal election campaign politics during a recent all-candidates' meeting
in the school's gymnasium.

Raised voices, quick aside comments and speaking over an opponent while
they answered a question were tactics used by some candidates which
students were able to experience first-hand at the meeting. Incumbent
Member of Parliament Paul Macklin, Conservative candidate Dr. Doug Galt,
New Democrat candidate Russ Christianson and Green Party candidate Steven
Haylestrom all answered questions which covered topics such as environment,
same-sex marriage and decriminalizing marijuana.

"We are in favour of decriminalizing simple possession of marijuana," said
Mr. Macklin. "It is clearly a policy of the Liberal government."

Mr. Haylestrom and Mr. Christianson were both in favour of legalizing
marijuana and selling it through government-directed programs and outlets.
Dr. Galt said that until there is a better understanding of the
long-lasting effects of marijuana he would not be in favour of
decriminalization. However, if marijuana's overall health effect prove
minimal, selling it through outlets like an LCBO model could be an option.

A question concerning how each government would support the Kyoto Accord
had a couple of the candidates raising their voices. "Welcome to the
bandwagon of understanding the Earth is important," said Mr. Haylestrom loudly.

Mr. Christianson then attempted to speak over Mr. Haylestrom to indicate
his party has always been interested in the well being of the environment,
resulting in both candidates speaking loudly, and over each other, to the
surprise of the 90 students in attendance.

Mr. Macklin said he fully supports the accord, which calls for the
worldwide reduction of green house gas production, and Dr. Galt said his
party is ready to develop a national alternative energy strategy.

On the issue of same-sex marriage Dr. Galt said he personally believes in
and respects the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman. However,
he believes the same-sex marriage question could be a free vote put to
Canadian citizens to gauge their opinion on the topic. Mr. Haylestrom said
the issue is not a political issue anymore but a personal choice and
freedom and supports same-sex marriage. Mr. Macklin said religions should
have a choice in the definition of what is a marriage but under the Charter
of Rights and Freedoms, everyone should have the freedom to do so.

"The NDP believes in equality and absolutely supports it," said Mr.
Christianson.

How the four parties would tackle the national debt and deficit spending
had Mr. Macklin pointing to Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin's record of
seven balanced budgets and his elimination of the national deficit. Mr.
Haylestrom said a Green Party government would be fiscally responsible but
would look at the needs of the nation first. Mr. Christianson noted there
is no reason to pay down a deficit quickly because, "it is done on the
backs of the people." Dr. Galt also pointed to Prime Minister Martin's past
record, noting the cuts in transfer payments to the provinces in 1995.

"They did absolutely nothing to stimulate the economy," said Dr. Galt.
During each candidate's closing remarks all four party representatives
encouraged students to get out and vote and learn about the various party
platforms.