CKTB is putting all four of Niagara's ridings in the spotlight as we inch closer and closer to Ontario's election day on June 7th.
On Monday night we hosted Niagara Centre Candidates for a debate talking about issues that face residents in their riding which includes Welland, parts of St.Catharines, Thorold, and Port Colborne.
Jeff Burch, a former St.Catharines city councillor and mayoral candidate is running for the New Democrats.
He says healthcare is the centre of the NDP's platform, and they want to increase healthcare funding by 5 percent immediately and put a moratorium on staff cuts.
Liberal candidate Benoit Mercier, a retired teacher says healthcare is a top priority for the Liberals and he has talked to Niagara Health officials who report they aren't experiencing 'hallway medicine' at the Welland hospital like the NDP party is claiming.
He says he will fight to secure funding for the Welland hospital and he also says that funding mental health is a passion of his given the suicide of his wife 15 years ago.
PC candidate April Jeffs, who is the current Mayor of Wainfleet says there is a lack of long-term care beds, and access to mental health services.
She says the PC party will open 15,000 long-term care beds immediately, and 30,000 over ten years to take pressure off hospital staff.
She says the Conservatives will also commit $1.9 billion dollars for mental health services.
When it comes to top priorities, Mercier says healthcare, securing good jobs, and quality education are at the top of his list.
Burch says his priority list includes healthcare, affordable housing and reliable public transit.
Jeffs wants to see job creation, improve healthcare, and make life more affordable for Ontario residents.
Joe Dias the Green Party candidate was invited, but was unable to attend the debate.
There are four other candidates in the riding including Joe Crawford for the None of the Above Party, for the Libertarian Party - Patrick Pietruszko, The People Party - Dario Smagata-Bryan and for the Independent Party Steven Soos.
To read more about the candidates click here.
You can hear Niagara Falls candidates square off in our CKTB debate Tuesday at 2pm, and a replay will be aired at 7pm.