High hopes for Schreyer in Manitoba
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 | 1:52 PM ET
CBC News
"It's not every day I get to speak about a candidate who has served as MLA, a member of Parliament, an NDP premier and governor general. In fact, I can't think of a time when any party leader was able to speak on behalf of such an individual," Layton said in Selkirk, Man.
Although the NDP finished 8,000 votes behind the Conservative candidate in the last election, Layton says he's confident Schreyer has an "excellent chance" to take the seat.
- RIDING PROFILE: Selkirk-Interlake
But along with his gold-plated political career, Schreyer is carrying some uncomfortable baggage. In 1987, he publicly declared homosexuality is "abnormal" and an "affliction." He wouldn't comment on the remarks Tuesday night, growing testy when asked about his position on same-sex marriage.
"Parliament has dealt with it, and I am not one of those asking that it be reopened. I'm sorry, I'm not saying a damn word further," he said. "It's irrelevant. It's been dealt with in Parliament."
Same-sex marriage has been a tough issue for the NDP in this province. Earlier this year, Churchill MP Bev Desjarlais refused to vote in favour of the legislation along with the rest of her party. She's now running as an Independent.
Agriculture key issue in Selkirk
Schreyer said the most important issue facing his riding is agriculture, and he highlighted key differences between the NDP's and Conservatives' agriculture policies.
"To begin with, let's at least strengthen those institutions and mechanisms that we already have, such as producer-controlled marketing boards, such as the Canadian Wheat Board," he said.
"The Canadian Wheat Board is under siege by the Conservatives ... and I intend to give the people of this riding a clear choice: I'm for it, and where are they?"
Conservative incumbent James Bezan counters that the New Democrats are nowhere on the agriculture file on Parliament Hill, never asking questions about agricultural issues and often skipping agriculture committee meetings.
Tuesday night's fanfare aside, Bezan says the NDP doesn't speak to voters in the riding.
"Regardless of who the personalities are here, it comes down to what the issues are in Selkirk-Interlake. And Jack Layton and the NDP are completely out of touch with what's really important in Selkirk-Interlake," he said.
Liberal candidate Bruce Benson is running again. The Green party candidate is Thomas Goodman, and Anthony Berendregt is running for the Christian Heritage Party.
