Three of the four Sarnia-Lambton federal candidates tackled various healthcare related issues during the candidates debate Wednesday evening at the Sarnia Library auditorium.
Conservative Marilyn Gladu was absent, her representatives stated she had other commitments.
The issue of poverty, a reoccurring theme at various other debates, was put at the forefront of many questions directed to the candidates.
Liberal candidate Dave McPhail says they will lessen the gap between the rich and poor by getting more money into the middle class.
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McPhail also announced his party will invest $3-billion over the next four years directly into healthcare and will measure its progress along the way.
NDP Hopeful Jason McMichael says their program follows the vision set out by Tommy Douglas for universal healthcare.
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The candidates were also told by the public that a national seniors strategy is important to them. The Liberal, NDP, and Green Party candidates were in agreement that better support is needed for seniors, especially when facing an aging population.
Green Party hopeful Peter Smith says seniors want to live in their own homes.
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Smith was the only candidate out of the three to not have visited long-term care centers throughout his campaign efforts. In an interview, he later told Blackburn News that he does have intentions to visit and consult with seniors to address their needs, but it's difficult with a small campaigning team.
Debate moderator Joe Hill stated they simply "don't understand why" Conservative Marilyn Gladu was not in attendance Wednesday evening.
