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Questions for the Candidates: Bren Munro, Liberal

September 9, 2021   ·   0 Comments

Questions by Wendy Gabrek

Full Name: Bren Munro

Town of Residence: Collingwood

Length of time living in Simcoe–Grey: 18 years

Primary reason you’re running: I feel passionate about helping the people of Simcoe-Grey with the issues we face… Pandemic recovery, affordability of housing, and climate change.

Political Experience: I have been a Nominee in previous elections and have been a Political Analyst at Queen’s Park.

Campaign objectives: Our campaign objectives are to rally the Liberal base, to bring people together to talk about the most pressing issues, and to win in the riding of Simcoe-Grey.

What is your leadership style and how will that positively impact the riding?

I believe in a collaborative approach, with all parties coming together to get things done. For example, we all agree that work on climate change and the environment is important. We also need more collaboration regarding the lack of affordable housing. All three levels of government- municipal, provincial, and federal have a stake in the outcome.

What are the most important challenges facing the riding of Simcoe-Grey today?

1.) Labour Shortage and Business Recovery Building on our commitment to create one million jobs, the Liberal government introduced the new Canada Recovery Hiring Program so businesses can hire more workers and Canadians can get back on the job. This funding will help employers increase wages or hours for existing employees or hire more staff. A re-elected Liberal government would extend the program until March 31, 2022, making it easier for businesses to increase wages, create new jobs, and grow their business.

2.) Lack of Affordable Housing – The current Liberal National Housing Strategy is a 10-year, $70 billion plan which is creating a new generation of housing in Canada. Our strategy is focused on:

Creating new housing supply

Modernizing existing housing

Making resources available through Community Housing Providers

Expanding Innovation and Research

We need to continue building on this progress. Our Liberal plan includes: Creating a Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights to make the process of buying a home fairer more open and transparent, and ensure homes are for people and families; Creating 20,000 purpose built rental units; Preserving 30,000 existing social and community housing units that would otherwise be lost; Helping renters become owners and save for a down payment faster, by reducing the monthly costs of mortgages, and doubling the Home Buyers Tax Credit to help young Canadians buy their first home sooner. We will continue to work with the provinces and municipalities, as well as local mayors and councils to get homes built where they’re needed most. We will also encourage better and faster planning decisions and target federal funding to help create affordable, safe homes for all.

What is your policy/opinion on COVID-19 passports, vaccinations?

Vaccines and vaccine passports are a crucial tool to return to a normal life where everyone can be safe and healthy. The vast majority of people in our community have stepped up and done their part by getting vaccinated. We need further measures to beat this virus, support local businesses and keep everyone safe, including our kids. A Liberal government will introduce a COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination Fund that will be available to support provinces and territories who implement a requirement for proof-of-vaccine credentials in their jurisdiction for non-essential businesses and public spaces. Our priority is to do everything it takes to keep Canadians safe and supported through this global crisis. As your MP, my priority will always be the safety and security of everyone in our community.

How have you seen change in the riding since COVID-19 struck?

The pandemic has hurt many people in our community, and many have struggled financially. The Liberal government has helped ease the burden on workers and their families through critical supports including the Canada Emergency Recovery Benefit (CERB), increases to the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Workers Benefit, which has helped millions of Canadians. To support hard-hit businesses, Liberals also brought in the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, which has protected over 5 million jobs, as well as loans and rent assistance programs.

As it pertains to COVID-19 specifically, what can our riding do to ensure the safety of community members now, and into the future? (What has COVID-19 taught us?):

COVID has taught us that we need to be better prepared in the future for new health challenges that will inevitably emerge in the future. This includes making sure that our stockpiles of Personal Protective Equipment are current and accessible, and bringing such things as vaccine manufacturing back on shore.

As it pertains to New Tecumseth specifically, what can constituents expect under your leadership?

A communication and an information loop with the people of riding to address current issues. My leadership would demonstrate service to one’s constituents, assist in the development of policy, restore honour and integrity to public life, and improve our national dialogue and choices.

What are your thoughts on the timing of this election?

The Liberal Party of Canada wants a clear mandate from the people so they can implement their vision of building back post-pandemic.

What are your priorities for change in our riding – both in the short-term and in the long term?

A healthy environment goes hand in hand with a strong economy. Canadians want to see bold and decisive action to fight climate change. The Liberal government announced in April of last year that Canada is enhancing our emissions reduction target to 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030. Our new plan builds on this strong commitment and includes measures including: Supporting 1,200 public transit projects across the country; Making zero-emission vehicles more affordable and accessible; Phasing out coal by 2030; Banning harmful single-use plastics and microbeads; Putting a price on pollution so that it’s no longer free to pollute anywhere in Canada while putting more money back into Canadian’s pockets.

What are some the fiscal challenges facing our riding, and how can we address them?

As we look to our economic recovery, we must consider how to help parents, and mothers in particular, get back to work. Our $10/day childcare program will help ensure everyone can be part of our recovery. The Liberal plan focuses on five key initiatives to help get people back to work while helping to fight pollution and climate change: Make the places we live and gather more affordable by cutting energy waste; Make clean, affordable transportation and power available in every community; Continue to ensure that pollution isn’t free, and households get more money back; Build Canada’s clean industrial advantage; Embrace the power of nature to support healthier families and more resilient communities.

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