The South Cariboo Chamber of commerce hosted an all-candidates forum for the candidates running in the Thompson-Kamloops-Cariboo riding.
A crowd of over 150 people watched the forum Wednesday as the candidates responded to submitted questions ranging from their stances on environmental concerns, health issues, veterans, and the forest industry.
The discussion did not focus on the leaders of the federal parties, but rather on the issues, with the most anticipated question regarding what the parties intend to do about the forestry crisis.
Iain Currie of the Greens said they will work across party lines and bring together different levels of government to work on a strategy to keep forests working, including planting trees.
Ken Finlayson of the PPC said the best way to create jobs is to have someplace to sell lumber and that the priority is trade negotiations with the United States to cut down on tariffs.
Terry Lake of the Liberals said that forestry is primarily a provincial jurisdiction. He added while that while the softwood lumber action plan has been helpful for some small communities, more needs to be done.
Cathy McLeod of the Conservatives says there needs to be support for industry, a softwood lumber agreement, and flexibility in the EI program.
The other three candidates, NDP candidate Cynthia Egil, Communist Party Candidate Peter Kerek, and Kira Cheeseburough for the Animal Protection Party could not attend.
The federal election takes place on Monday, Oct. 21.