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Valley residents and businesses are feeling the pinch of the global economic uncertainty. What economic planks are in your election platform?

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The Liberal party recognizes we are in a time of financial turmoil, and has an immediate plan to assess and put in place measures to cope with this; Steven Harper insists that the fundamentals are sound and there is no crisis.

In the long term a Liberal Government will provide a $564 million fund to support Regional Flexible solutions for farmers in such areas as specific environmental issues, business risk management and production needs. The branding of Canadian grown foods not only helps in marketing, but also is a food safety issue and a Liberal Government would dedicate $30 million to support this effort. A Liberal Government would make available $650 million, divided between a $400 million Emissions Reduction Credit Fund, and $250 million in a Green Farms fund to help farmers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and their reliance of fossil fuels.

Tobique-Mactaquac has a very large trucking sector and these people are suffering under the high costs of fuel. To offset these rising fuel costs a Liberal Government would institute cuts to personal income tax and cuts to the small business tax. In addition to help owners survive and reduce their costs and become more fuel efficient a Liberal Government would create a $205 million fund so that truckers can invest in new, and more efficient trucks, and also purchase new tires, auxiliary power packs and other new technologies that would increase their fuel efficiency.

Steven Harper offers a two cent per litre, reduction in gas tax over four years, the effects of which will disappear as fuel continues to rise.

In the Liberal platform there are measures to help our seniors, post secondary students and increase the number of weeks for EI, all commitments that will help in this period of economic uncertainty.

2. Environment - Canadians agree that the devastating effects of climate change and greenhouse gas emissions must be curtailed. Detail your approach to achieving meaningful reductions in greenhouse gases.

The Liberal Party is the only party with a comprehensive plan, fully costed out, to help combat greenhouse gases. A Liberal Government would encourage energy efficiency in order to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. This would involve a tax on carbon, But a Liberal Government would ensure that dollars raised through a carbon tax are returned to Canadians through tax cuts. The question always asked is what happens to seniors and those who do not earn enough to pay taxes? They also will benefit with a cash tax benefit that will offset their fuel taxes.

Sheila Fraser, the Auditor General, will be mandated to make sure that this will happen.

For business a Liberal Government would offer tax incentives as well better R & D incentives to allow these businesses to make capital investments in Green Technologies.

A Renewable Power Production Incentive will encourage a move to non-emitting energy sources, while an Infrastructure Fund will not only provide funds to communities large and small for infrastructure projects, but also encourage increased public transport.

The Conservative Government has given huge tax breaks to the oil sector; a Liberal Government would immediately end the special tax treatment for oil sands development.

Acknowledging the effects of a carbon tax, a Liberal government will re-invest in Canadian homes with both interest free green mortgages of up to $10,000 and other financial incentives to help refit Canadian homes. This will trigger a boom in the home improvement sector that should in part off set the negative effects of a down turning the economy in the U.S.

Safe water is an essential for life. A Liberal Government would re-visit the concept of bulk water exports and immediately move to protect and clean up our rivers and beaches. A National Water Council would be formed to bring to the table all levels of government, and other stake holders including First Nations, industry and other institutions.

3. Agriculture - Soaring production costs, global market forces and stagnant commodity prices are strangling valley farmers. What policies do you propose to restore agriculture to a vibrant industry?

Agriculture plays a significant role in the economy of Tobique-Mactaquac.

In recognition of a past injustice, a Liberal government would immediately sit down with farmers to come to a negotiated settled on the PVYN issue. This is long overdue.

Essentially our farms fall into two groups; industrial farming of potatoes and grains, and the small farms that are supplying food to the local market.

For the latter there is an increasing interest in local food supply, especially in the light of continuing food safety issues with imported foods. Good food labeling and branding, along with an increased regulatory environment will ensure both our large and small producers, produce products that are safe for local consumption and export.

4. Forestry - New Brunswick's lumber and pulp export markets have almost disappeared. What can your party do to help the forestry industry thrive again?

The forests are really our bank account for the future. At the moment this sector is experiencing great difficulties, but if we look after our forests they will create jobs in the future.

A Liberal Government plans to refit 50 per cent of Canadian homes by 2020, and all Canadian homes by 2030. This should create a demand for building lumber and associated products here in Canada.

Biomass energy production will also be a use for our wood, however there is no denying that we need to develop new products that can be extracted and produced from our forests. Investment in D&R will be necessary and should include investment in Design capacity that we can produce new products from our forests. Re-forestation with mixed forests would increase our options and has proved to be a viable option in Europe. Finally, planting trees is good for the planet as trees are our best air filters.

5. What other issues do you feel are important to Tobique-Mactaquac voters?

Outside the incorporated areas of the riding, high-speed internet connection is sporadic. To enable individuals and small business to fully benefit for the internet, high speed internet connection will be available to all residents in the riding under a Liberal Government.

Too many of our Aboriginal Residents live in poverty and face tremendous challenges. A Liberal Government will restore the Kelowna Accord committing $5 billion to address Aboriginal health, education and housing issues. A Liberal Government, recognizing the need for Aboriginal peoples to participate fully in the job market, would ensure the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy be renewed. Violence against women and children is not restricted to Aboriginal, but Aboriginal Women and children are three times more likely to be victims as non-Aboriginals. Therefore a Liberal Government would create a national Violence Prevention Strategy for Aboriginal Peoples.

Seniors form a significant sector of our population and face increasing challenges. A Liberal Government would recognize this in a number of ways:

· The movement to close local Canada post offices would be halted.

· Increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement by $600/individual, or $800/couple

· Will continue income splitting.

· Will cut income taxes on pensions and registered retirement savings.

· For those seniors that do not receive enough to pay taxes they will receive a cash rebate to offset rising fuel prices.

· Reverse the tax on income-trusts

· A $900 million Catastrophic Drug Plan

· A fund to increase the number of Doctors and Nurses in the system.