I'm undecided, if it's a two way race why should I vote for Dick Hibma rather than the Conservatives? Most voters who are torn between Green or Conservative seem to be hung up on the economic issues. The following three points show why the Greens economic policy is the better option for the immediate and long term.
1. Dick Hibma and the Greens will focus on re-localizing key sectors of our economy. These include local production, processing, and distribution of food, restoring small-scale local manufacturing, and supporting small business. The Green Party platform includes programs and incentives to encourage this transition as the shift back from a global to a more regional economy takes place.
2. The Green Party focuses on true-costing products and services to allow the strengths of the market to guide consumer behavior. For example, why should we be giving large subsidies to foreign corporations that need them least such as the oil and gas sector, or the financial sector? These and other sectors should be required to stand on their own so that we can put that money into efficiency measures such as incentives for homeowners.
3. If we want to bring economic advantage to our region, we need to be on the forefront of the move to sustainability. Dick Hibma will attract far more investment attention from green business than having a backbencher (with no disrespect to Mr. Miller) as our representative in parliament. We know that the success of the Greens here is already benefiting us in this regard as young entrepreneurs relocate here with their families.

How do you assure me that my voting for the Greens isn't a throw-away vote and a virtual vote for the Conservatives? How is it not just a history-repeating replay of how Chretien stayed in power by splitting the reform/conservative vote?
The situation in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound is quite different than the situation nationally. Thanks to many voters who have been willing vote with their conscience over the past several years, the Green party here has established itself as the only contending party with the Conservatives. This of course makes it easier than ever for voters who care about social, economic, and ecological sustainability to vote for positive change rather than experiencing the morning after blues. Also, electing Dick Hibma as one of the first Greens will provide a national voice for Bruce-Grey that we have not had in many years.

What is your position on supporting and voting for a bill in the House of Commons to revise the Federal Transfer of Funds between provinces, in order to make it equitable for all provinces and stop penalizing Ontario?
The Green Party of Canada does not support the current equalization formula. Under this formula the province of Ontario is still paying equalization based on past economic realities that are no longer valid. I will support a bill reforming the equalization formula to reflect current economic and demographic factors.

Will you have the ability to vote the way you want to - and the way the people you will represent will want you to - or will you HAVE to vote according to the Green Party's policies whatever they may be?
The Green Party encourages independent thinking and commitment to the concerns of constituents within the broad key values of the Greens. We do not encourage or support partisanship, but rather an approach to policy making based on the merit of an idea rather than the colour of the party.

What will you do to help restore respect and productivity to parliament? First and foremost I will treat fellow parliamentarians with respect, even if I disagree with them. I will use opportunities to speak in the house to push forward good ideas and oppose bad ones in a constructive manner. I will vote in consideration of the opinions of my constituents, in balance with the policies of the Green Party. I will vote in favour of positive Bills and against negative ones, regardless of which party brings them forward. We need less partisanship and more constructive cooperation in the interests of Canadians.

What was your motivation to run as a candidate? I decided to run to represent Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound because we need visionary leadership for the region. The economic and environmental challenges that we face require new thinking and a focus on emerging opportunities. Now that my children have left home, I again have the opportunity to serve my community and my country, and will be honoured to do so.

Where do you stand on Bill C-51 to amend the Food and Drugs Act?
I strongly oppose Bill C-51. This Bill would essentially speed the approval of pharmaceutical drugs that have not been sufficiently tested, and restrict access to safe and effective natural remedies as basic as vitamin C and garden herbs. This Bill represents the exact opposite of the direction we should be moving in regard to health and preventative care. It is clearly designed to pad the pockets of shareholders of pharmaceutical companies, one of whom is the Conservative Health Minister, Tony Clement. It is also part of the broader integration effort with the US commonly known as the SPP (Security and Prosperity Partnership).