David Tilson is a name known through the county for his time as our local Dufferin-Caledon MP in Ottawa. In 2004, Tilson became the riding’s Member of Parliament, where he has remained unseated in each of the following elections.

Before his political career began, Mr. Tilson was a lawyer in Orangeville for 20 years. He received the designation of Queen’s Counsel in 1982 and served as a Trustee on the Dufferin Board of Education as chair of their management committee.

“I’ve practiced law in Orangeville since 1970,” said Mr. Tilson. “I was on the old Dufferin School Board, which gave me experience in education, something I feel strongly about.
“After that I sat on Orangeville Council for two terms, then served as an MPP as Queen’s Park.”

During his time as an MP, Mr. Tilson has served in
a number of different positions, including Chair of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, Chair of the Bill C-2 Legislative Committee, and Chair of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.

Locally, he has had a large focus on community, as a member of the Optmist Club of Orangeville and one of the original founders of the 3rd Orangeville Boy Scouts, Big Brothers of Orangeville and District, and the blue box program in Orangeville.

Why do you feel you would best be able to serve the residents of Dufferin-Caledon?

Mr. Tilson said that along with raising his family here, his experience in law, serving on the school board, as well as time as an MPP and Orangeville Councillor have helped give him the edge he needs to represent the riding to the best of his ability.

“I know the riding very well,” said Mr. Tilson. “I know the issues, I know the concerns of the public, and I’ve represented the riding publicly since 2004. I think I’ve done a good job, I like the job and I want to get re-elected.”

Many pundits suggest there is little difference among the Liberal, NDP and Green Policies. Do you agree, and if not, why do you disagree?

In Mr. Tilson’s eyes, the biggest thing that stands out as the same amidst all three opposition parties is that, while some platform items promise different things, they are all going to spend a lot of money.

“Some of the things are different, but they are all expensive,” said Mr. Tilson. “The question is, where are they getting all that money?”

He went on to explain that many of the plans would cause the need to raise taxes, along with Trudeau’s plans to utilize the deficit.

“The issue is all about the economy in this country,” said Mr. Tilson. “We need jobs, and need businesses to survive. I don’t think the public can stand any more taxes. I think all three [parties] are the same,” he said. “Promising a lot of things on money they don’t have and the only way to get the money for it is to tax the public.”

What are your thoughts on the niqab issue?

“I support the Conservatives on this issue,” said Mr. Tilson.
“If you want to become a citizen of this country, and you take the oath before a judge, the judge needs to see your face.”

He added that he is surprised the issue has not surfaced more in the courts, as it is an important one.

“The issue is about becoming a Canadian Citizen,” he said. “I have no problem with women wearing a niqab, but if you come to take an oath in court or you come to take an oath to become a citizen, a judge needs to be able to see who you are to properly administer that oath.”

Do you feel that the Canadian Government is providing an adequate response to the Syrian refugee situation?

“I do,” said Mr. Tilson. “There’s 16.5 million refugees on the planet, and one half of the population in Syria has either left or been killed. It’s a terrible situation that started with a civil war and developed into the situation with ISIS.”

He added Harper has agreed to allow in another 10,000 refugees and has pledged to match donations up to $100 million for the refugees up to the end of the year.

“The primary concern here is security,” he said. “We welcome refugees to our country, but we want to make sure that we are secure and are not allowing terrorists and criminals into the country.”

Is Quebec separatism still an issue?

“Definitely not,” said Mr. Tilson. “Having been an MP since 2004, I have met a number of Quebecois. I think Gilles Duceppe is dreaming in spades if he thinks the Bloc are going to increase their votes there. I think separatism is dead in Quebec.”

Political rookie Nancy Urekar getting a lot out of campaign

This is her first venture into the political arena, and Nancy Urekar is finding it well worth the effort.

“It’s very fun and exciting,” she said. “I’ve found there’s huge support for the Green Party. It could happen here.”

Urekar is carrying the Green banner in Dufferin-Caledon, seeking support in the Oct. 19 federal election. She had only joined the part shortly before announcing she would be the local candidate.

“I was pretty naïve going in,” she admitted, adding the experience has been a lot more interesting that she had anticipated.

“I’ve learned so much,” she declared. “I’m so hooked on this right now, you’ll never get rid of me.”

“I’m pretty happy about it,” she added. “I always like a new adventure. It’s a very big adventure.”

“What inspires me about the Green Party and our leader Elizabeth May is the influence we exert on other parties’ policies,” Urekar stated earlier in the campaign. “We become stronger as Canadians increasingly vote Green.”

“The Green Party has a clear plan for the country and the economy,” she added. “For instance, we need to move from a fossil fuel-based economy to a greener more sustainable one. By investing in research to develop alternate energy sources, we can diversify our economy and create more jobs.”

She has also been promising to be Dufferin-Caledon’s voice in Ottawa, not Ottawa’s voice in Dufferin-Caledon. She is also mindful of the fact that the Green candidate finished second in this riding in the last federal election four years ago.

A resident of Orangeville since 1987, Urekar has been operating her ChicáBOOM Consignment – Furniture, Fashion and Decor store in Caledon village since 2011. Prior to that, she had been a fifinancial planner with Assante Capital Management, and a vice-president with McLeod, Young, Weir. The mother of two daughters also has a masters degree in business administration and finance from McMaster University.

While she doesn’t have any grandchildren yet, she said she thinks about them a lot and is worried about the world that’s going to be left to them.

“I really care about the future,” she said. “It’s my children and their children and their children. What kind of world are they going to have?”

“I don’t think our government pays enough attention,” she added.

Some specific, predetermined questions were put to Urekar, and here are her responses.

Why do you feel you would best be able to serve the residents of Dufferin-Caledon?

“I think that our country’s big parties need a Green Party to hold them accountable and push them on environmental issues, and paying down the debt and social justice,” she said. “There are lots of other issues, but these are the big ones.”

Many pundits suggest there is little difference among the Liberal, NDP and Green policies. Do you agree, and if not, why do you disagree?

“None of them manage our money conservatively, including the Conservatives,” Urekar observed.

She added the Liberals and New Democrats have been adopting Green policies.

“That is a good thing,” she said. “It gets done some of the things we want done.”

“The Green policies are not the same as the NDP and the Liberals,” she added. “They are much more fiscally right and socially left.”

What are your thoughts on the Niqab issue?

“I think it’s a diversion,” she observed. “It’s not a question of identity.”

“Everybody must reveal their face to an officer before the (citizenship) ceremony,” she added. “We support people’s right to their culture; all people.”

Do you feel that the Canadian government is providing an adequate response to the Syrian refugee situation?

“No,” Urekar replied. “They make up stories, but they do no actions.”

“They need to bring in families as soon as possible,” she added. “That’s what Canada is built on. That’s who we are.”

“The Conservatives now say they are bringing in lots of
refugees, but actually very little is being done,” she said.

Is Quebec separatism still an issue?

“I don’t think so,” Urekar said, adding she’s originally from Quebec, having been born in Montreal.

She said she didn’t think that issue will come up again, but “you never know.”

Ed Crewson wants to be our voice in Ottawa

Although he is new to Federal politics, Ed Crewson’s experience spans an impressive 26 years, including 17 years as Mayor of Shelburne, as well has having served as County Warden, a councillor and reeve over the years.

“Over my time as a municipal leader, I’ve been a passionate advocate for the residents and businesses in Shelburne and throughout the County,” said Mr. Crewson. “I believe in being fiscally responsible while continuing to be socially progressive.”

Known for his signature red bowtie, Mr. Crewson has been an active member of local government, beginning his political career at the age of 28, when he was first elected into the position of Councillor in the Town of Shelburne.

Under his leadership, KTH Manufacturing, one of Dufferin County’s largest employers was brought to Shelburne, and he has played a major role in improving the health care/medical experiences in the area through the redevelopment of Shelburne’s long-term care home and the launching of a medical centre in the town (which is now home to six physicians).

Mr. Crewson and his wife, Wendy have raised three children locally, as well as have been small business owners in the community, now with two locations and 14 employees.

“As a small business owner in a small community, my wife and I have experienced first-hand the challenges owners face
in this economy, and the struggle in trying to grow a strong business,” he said.

“I want to be a voice for Dufferin-Caledon in Ottawa, rather than having a voice for Stephen Harper in Dufferin-Caledon,” explained Mr. Crewson. “I have a desire to serve, and this seemed like the natural progression of that desire.”

Why do you feel you would best be able to serve the residents of Dufferin-Caledon?

“I have the experience of 12 years as a municipal politician and the desire to continue serving the local residents,” said Mr. Crewson.

He added he believes the Liberal Platform in this election is one that would be a great service to the residents of Dufferin-Caledon, as well as Canada as a whole.

“The Infrestructure program Trudeau has announced would provide greater support for middle-class families, create a stronger focus on health-care and speak to an overall better vision for Canada,” he said.

Many pundits suggest there is little difference among the Liberal, NDP and Green Policies. Do you agree, and if not, why do you disagree?

“Certainly there are areas where we’re similar,” admitted Mr. Crewson. “But even within those similarities, there are differences.”

Part of the NDP infrastructure promises, he explained, includes the Universal Day Care plan, but that program would depend on support from the provincial levels, and would not be implemented until many years from now.

“Our infrastructure is stronger, because it focuses on what we can implement now,” said Mr. Crewson. “Things like building affordable housing, and a child benefits program that is progressive in nature.”

He added that with the Green’s, while they both recognize
a need for better ‘livable’ income, the Liberal’s feel reducing taxes for middle and lower class families will cause a greater relief than making a $15/hour minimum wage.

What are your thoughts on the niqab issue?

“I can’t believe the passion this issue has unleashed across Canada,” began Mr. Crewson. “It’s pretty clear to me that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms is there for everyone, and we can’t just choose the bits and pieces that we like and don’t like.”

According to Mr. Crewson, protocols have already been put in place to make sure that whoever is taking an oath is identified, and said that the Charter of Rights and Freedoms assures these women of their right to wear a niqab.

“It’s sad that one woman’s desire to exercise her religious freedom has become such a lightning rod in this election,” he said. “There are so many more important issues we should be discussing right now. It’s so sad that this is what we are focusing on.”

Do you feel that the Canadian Government is providing an adequate response to the Syrian refugee situation?

“Evidently not, because we’re calling for only 25,000 refugees to be settled,” said Mr. Crewson. “The government has proposed to spend $100 million just on processing them, then another $100 million in human aid.”

Mr. Crewson said he can’t imagine what it must be like to live in Syria right now.

“I’ve seen pictures. Everything is destroyed, nothing is working,” he said. “Of course you would need to get out.”

Is Quebec separatism still an issue?

“Not that I’m aware of,” said Mr. Crewson. “I hope it’s not, but so far it doesn’t appear to be an issue in this election, thankfully.”

Rehya Yazbek enjoys spreading the NDP message

Rehya Yazbek is into her second run in the political game, and is very pleased with the way things are going.

She is carrying the New Demo- cratic colours in Dufferin-Caledon in the upcoming federal election. She was the local NDP standard bearer in the 2014 provincial election. So far, she said things are going “fantastic.”

Yazbek said she’s been talking to lots of people, and the
feedback she’s been getting has been providing her with lots of optimism. “I see change coming,” she remarked. “I think people are getting fed up with the current government.”

“We want to move this country forward, but we have to make sure it’s done responsibly,”she added.

Yazbek said she has noticed some difference in this cam- paign from her last exposure to the process. A local NDP member had approached her about running at almost the last minute. That meant she wasn’t as well prepared as she is this time. “This time, it came together sooner,” she said, adding they have a good body of volunteers.

She also said the party has a good platform to present to the voters this time. “Everything has been costed out so well,” she said. “I can feel the momentum building this time.”
Yazbek lives on Heart Lake Road, not far from Campbell’s Cross.

She works for the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), which she said is one of the largest private sector unions, with more than 250,000 members. She performs various functions with the union, in terms of organization, education, political activities, etc. She’s been working for UFCW for about eight years, but has been an active member for roughly 25 years.

“I’ve always been an advocate for working people,” she remarked.

Prior to working for the union, she was a florist and floral manager with Loblaws. As such, she has worn both hats, and is familiar with both sides of labour and management issues.
She added she has done a lot of work in the area of human rights through the union, including dealing with native and women’s issues.

Why do you feel you would best be able to serve the residents of Dufferin-Caledon?

“I feel I have the experience and skills working with government,” she said. “I have a long history of lobbying government.”

While she doesn’t have a lot of experience as a politician, she said she understands how government works and has taken part over the years from different angles.

Yazbek added she recently turned 45, so along with her experience, she is still young enough and has the energy to go forward.

“I also do think I have really good listening skills,” she said, adding she can putxsw what she hears into action. “I have spent my whole career doing something about it.”

Many pundits suggest there is little difference among the Liberal, NDP and Green policies. Do you agree, and if not, why do you disagree?

“On the surface, I agree,” Yazbek said. “I believe our party, the NDP, has always been pro-active with what their policies
are. They’ve always had a more stronger ideology.”

She added the NDP is the party that has always looked out
for the environment, while the Liberals are “trying to be the new left.”

She also said the NDP have always been fiscally responsible and concerned about social justice.

What are your thoughts on the niqab issue?

“I’ve had some experience with it,” Yazbek commented, adding she’s had to deal with issues of women wearing hijabs and niqabs. “I understand that it was their choice to wear it,” she said. “They weren’t forced to wear it. They wanted to wear it.”

“We’re making a mountain out of a molehill,” she added, pointing out there have only been two women who took the citizenship oath wearing a niqab. “It’s important to everybody to have their human rights.”

Do you feel that the Canadian government is providing an adequate response to the Syrian refugee situation?

“No, I don’t believe they’re providing an adequate response,” Yazbek said, adding civil war has been going on there a lot longer than Isis has been around.

The United Nations has been calling on Canada to take more refugees since 2007, and a lot of these people have already been vetted by the U.N.

“A lot of them are educated and a lot of them have a lot to offer the country,” she added. “We’re a country of immigrants.”

Is Quebec separatism still an issue?

“I don’t think so,” Yazbek said. “I haven’t heard anybody talking about it, not even the Bloc.”

“The Bloc is dead,” she added. “They have nothing in Quebec.”

“Tom (Mulcair) is a federalist,” she said. “”He’s always been a federalist.”