The debate over the best auto insurance system for Prince Edward Island draw the most sparks during CBC Television's live leaders debate on Thursday night. NDP Leader Gary Robichuad pressed the issue of a public system, while Liberal Leader Robert Ghiz and Conservative Leader Pat Binns refused to make a commitment to public insurance.

CBC Indepth: P.E.I. Votes 2003

Insurance was just one of the issues the leaders tackled during the 45 minute debate. The topics of health care, leadership, and electricity rates were also up for debate.

Leadership

An off-air draw determined Pat Binns would lead off the debate with an opening statement. He spoke of his experience on the national stage, attempting to draw attention to the fact the other leaders are new to the political scene.

"A person has to listen, has to be prepared to bring ideas to that leadership style," Binns said.

He also spoke of his time working in rural development for the provincial government. And he spoke of being a husband and a father.

Liberal Leader Robert Ghiz said the province needs a forward-thinking government with new ideas. He said a leader needs to consult with Islanders before developing policies.

Gary Robichaud said his party is not reluctant to bring issues the other parties ignore to the legislature.

He challenged the Premier on the issues of proportional representation and political patronage. Calling the practice: "One of the dark sides of our political culture." Robichaud challenged Binns to take further steps to end patronage.

Binns said his government has made headway turning a number of seasonal jobs into classified positions, regardless of political stripe.

Ghiz was quick to react, pointing out Binns did classify the jobs, but not before putting supporters of the Conservative government into those positions.

Health care

All three leaders continued to chant their party's promises on how they would cure health care on the Island.

Robert Ghiz said the Island has to come up with innovative ways to attract health care professionals to the Island. He said part of the Liberal plan includes asking high school students interested in health-care careers to take advantage of a program that would offer incentives if they promise to work in the province.

Pat Binns said his government will hire more doctors and nurses for the province, and touched on some of the advances his government has made since taking office in 1996.

Gary Robichaud said the province has to do more to stop claw backs of pensions and savings from seniors in Island nursing homes. He told the other leaders an investment of $7 million in health care spending would end that practice.

The NDP leader refused to get involved in the debate over how many nurses or doctors would be hired. "We're not going to play numbers games," he said. "We have to work hard to ensure every Islander has access to a family doctor."

Auto insurance

All three party leaders admitted insurance rates on P.E.I. are too high. Gary Robichaud was the first to say his party would introduce a public auto insurance system on the Island.

"It eliminates discrimination, it's fairer … I think it's the solution," he said.

The other party leaders were not so sure. Both Robert Ghiz and Pat Binns said a public system is an option. The premier told his opponents he does not think Islanders are ready for a public system.

Electricity rates

Saying: "Previous governments have not adequately addressed this issue," Pat Binns explained his deal to bring natural gas from the Deep Panuke project to the Island would help keep electricity rates stable.

Liberal Leader Robert Ghiz says rates have sky-rocketed over the last number of years, and said removing the old formula of New Brunswick rates plus 10 per cent was a mistake.

Robichaud said the Island should not concentrate on a single source for power generation. He asked the other leaders to consider a number alternative energy sources to supplement the current supply on Prince Edward Island.

Pat Binns said he could not promise Islanders they would be paying lower electricity rates in the future. He said the goal is to find a way to have stable rates in the province.