Tony Ianno: Four more years?

Last election, Tony Ianno squeaked back into office, beating NDP candidate Olivia Chow by only about 800 votes. After 12 years as the Liberal member of parliament for Trinity-Spadina, the riding that includes the west side of campus, he is seeking another term.
At press time, Ianno had not responded to repeated interview requests.
According to his website, Ianno’s priority is to build a fair, progressive, and inclusive society. He cites such major Liberal achievements as sound economic management and an additional $41 million in health care.
Ianno also commits to continue defending the Canada Health Act, in opposition to a two-tier health care system, and supports Project Green, Canada’s plan to meet Kyoto agreements. He points out that the Liberal party has allocated $2.2 billion for improving student financial assistance, $550 million for Canada Access Grants, which are extended to low-income families, and almost $200 million for internships and MBA scholarships for natural and health sciences and engineering graduates.
There is widespread speculation that higher turnout from U of T students could lose Ianno his seat. See story on page 1. -AMY SMITHERS

Sam Goldstein: “Dare to compare!”
Sam Goldstein is so confident in the Conservative platform, his campaign website for the Trinity-Spadina riding provides links to information about all the opposing candidates.
“We feel our candidate and party platform are better than theirs and invite you to compare them!” the site proclaims.
Goldstein said his confidence stems from his frustration with the fiscal mismanagement of the Liberal party.
“I got tired of watching Paul Martin on television, explaining away all the scandals,” the Ottawa-born lawyer and former playwright explained. “I finally rolled up a piece of paper and threw it at the screen.”
According to Goldstein, university students will benefit from reduced taxation.
“Our proposed GST reduction will result in substantial saving for students,” he said.
While Goldstein fought discrimination based on sexual orientation throughout his legal career, he argues that the legislature should decide the question of same-sex marriage instead of the courts.
“Just because you’re conservative doesn’t mean you don’t care about people.”
-CAROLYN HARRIS

Olivia Chow: Students’ choice?

Former city councillor Olivia Chow is tired of Toronto being neglected by the federal government.
“This riding has a lot of students and they are concerned about the rises in tuition. We are one of the few developed countries that lacks a national grants program for students, and this is something that the NDP would introduce,” said Chow.
Chow discussed the environment, homelessness, and violent crime as important issues in the election.
“Toronto had 63 smog days in 2005 and the Liberals have completely failed to address global warming,” she said. “The NDP has a very complete Kyoto plan to address the environment.”
Chow also mentioned her involvement in the Toronto Housing Corporation, where she has lobbied for more affordable housing.
In 2004, Chow lost by only 800 votes to Liberal incumbent Tony Ianno. She attributed this to the fact that most university students were out of town during the last election, which was held in June.
“Students can make the difference in this election,” she said.
-BRUCE HARPHAM