Local candidates react to leader's debate

File photo of local candidate's debate

Both the Conservatives and Liberals were quick to issue news releases following the Leader's Debate Thursday night, meanwhile NDP candidate Henri Giroux remained quiet on Leader Howard Hampton's performance and the Family Coalition of Ontario and Green Party leaders were not involved.

Full details are in the news releases below.

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Nipissing Liberal candidate Monique Smith
News Release


“What a great day to be a Liberal,” said Nipissing Liberal candidate Monique Smith in reacting to the Thursday evening’s leaders’ debate.

“John Tory’s continual negative attacks and his inability to provide any clear vision of Ontario under a Conservative government left him totally ineffectual,” Smith said.

“And with virtually no plan at all to address the important issues of healthcare, education and working families, Howard Hampton struggled at the best of times,” added Smith.

“Clearly Dalton McGuinty is the only leader with the ability, vision and positive plan to keep Ontario moving forward,” concluded Smith.

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Nipissing Progressive Conservative candidate, Bill Vrebosch
News Release

The leaders of Ontario's three main political parties squared off tonight in a province wide televised debate. Questions were posed by both the moderator and the public and each of the leaders was given the opportunity to answer the questions and respond to their opponents.

Nipissing Progressive Conservative candidate, Bill Vrebosch said, "It was clear John Tory won this debate hands down. Mr. Tory answered the tough questions with honesty and conviction. He outlined where he wants to take the province and how he intends to get us there."*

*Watching the debate at his campaign office with his family and supporters Vrebosch went on to say, "McGuinty can not run from his record of broken promises and missed opportunities. The time has come for the McGuinty/Smith team to take responsibility and to be accountable for their actions."*

*Tory asked McGuinty several times throughout the debate why after four years of leading the province he still prefers to talk about the past but conveniently neglects to mention his legacy of broken promises.*

*"John's question was not answered", said Vrebosch, "at some point the McGuinty/Smith team has to answer for there record and a dismal record it is."*

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