Conservative Leader Stephen Harper took questions, compliments and criticism from Canadians in a Facebook Q&A on Tuesday, making him the second federal leader to do so.
Harper selected which questions and comments he wanted to answer during the chat, allowing him to carefully script his answers. But the platform also allowed users to freely post their comments -- good or bad.
The Conservative leader chose to answer a number of questions on the economy and security -- the main themes of his campaign.
For instance, when asked how he will lower the federal debt, Harper pointed to his plan to balance the budget and lower taxes, while taking a jab at the other leaders.
“With our current low-tax, balanced budget plan, our debt burden will continue to shrink. The Liberals and NDP will raise taxes and run permanent deficits, even while the economy is growing. This is exactly the wrong choice for Canadians,” wrote Harper.
On the security front, Harper responded to questions about the threat posed by ISIS and Russia. He used the opportunity to emphasize Canada’s role in the fight against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and the need for a strong response, including sanctions, to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression.
Harper also answered questions on topics that have troubled his campaign to date.
On the Syrian refugee crisis, Harper stuck to his position to have Canada take in the most vulnerable, while protecting the security of Canadians.
“We cannot open the floodgates and airlift tens of thousands of refugees out of a terrorist war zone without proper process. That is too great a risk for Canada.”
Conservative supporter Reanne Kronewitt-Springer took to the Q&A to express her disappointment with the Senate, and ask about the possibility of major reform or even abolition of the Red Chamber. Harper put the responsibility on the provinces to bring forward proposals for reform or get on board with abolition. He also reiterated his commitment to continue a moratorium on further Senate appointments.
Harper also took some light-hearted questions, including one about hockey.
However, he did not answer questions pertaining to climate change, a recent slip in the polls and changes to voting rights imposed under the Fair Elections Act.
Other users had more fun with the chance to post unfiltered questions.
Harper answered 19 questions; 16 in English and 3 in French. At time of publication, there were more than 2,100 questions and comments posted to Harper’s Q&A.
Posted by Stephen Harper on Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Harper is the second federal leader to participate in a Facebook Q&A. NDP Leader Tom Mulcair took part in one last month, where he garnered more than 2,300 questions and comments from users.
