The Lorne Brooker Show is hosting “Meet the Candidates” hours, ahead of the by-election for the Bay of Quinte riding.
The first interview was with Tyler Allsopp, the Progressive Conservative candidate.
The Belleville city councillor was asked about where he fits into the political spectrum.
“I think some people were surprised when they heard I was part of the PC Party. I’m very centre, centre-right. I think that fiscal responsibility is important, think that a low tax environment is important. Then not getting involved on the social spectrum and letting people live their lives. Keeping government out of people’s lives for the most part.”
Brooker asked about health care and the fact that 10,000 local residents don’t have a physician.
Allsopp says they’ve made large strides, but there’s still work to be done.
“We’ve invested 30 per cent more in health care than when we came in in 2018, we’ve created hundreds of more positions for residency for doctors, 150 additional positions for RPNs (Registered Practical Nurses) to become educated. We’ve put up funding to for allow doctors in rural areas to have their medical school fees granted to them.”
Brooker asked Allsopp about the three communities in the riding and whether or not they have unique issues or challenges.
“I found that a lot of the underlying things are actually very similar. Things like affordability about health care, about homelessness and addictions. Those are things that I’ve heard throughout the riding. A lot of the more specific things are specific infrastructure projects by area.”
You can hear the full interview below.
Former MPP Todd Smith (l) and PC Candidate Tyler Allsopp hand out cake during the office opening on Aug 24/24
