Labrador - Candidate responses

	A	B	C	D
1		Liberal	Conservative	NDP - New Democratic Party

2	Name	Philip Earle	Ella Wallace	Marius Normore
3	What community do you live in?	Happy Valley-Goose Bay	Response pending	Response pending
4	What do you do outside of politics?	Outside of politics, I have dedicated my career to improving access and opportunity across Labrador through roles in rural development, aviation, Indigenous business, telecommunications, and logistics. I have worked closely with Innu and Inuit communities to advance community-led initiatives. I also serve as a Paul Harris Fellow and active member of the Rotary Club, and remain committed to volunteerism and service that reflects my deep connection to Labrador and its people.
5	What plans would you support to improve living conditions for people with disabilities in Canada? Would you make any changes to the Disability Tax Credit or the Canada Disability Benefit? If so, what would they be?	A strong Canada is one where everyone, regardless of ability, can live with dignity and security. I firmly support initiatives like the Disability Tax Credit and the Canada Disability Benefit, which are essential in improving living conditions for Canadians with disabilities. However, it's crucial that these benefits keep pace with the rising cost of living to ensure no one is left behind. I would advocate for regular adjustments to these programs, ensuring they remain effective and responsive to the needs of our community.
6	What is your position on the proposal to create a Groceries and Essentials Benefit that would provide $150 a month per adult and $50 per child to the lowest–income households?	I understand the pressure families face with rising costs. While the proposed Groceries and Essentials Benefit is one approach, we already have strong supports like the Canada Child Benefit and the new national dental care plan. These programs help ease the cost of living and leave more room in the family budget for essentials like groceries. I’ll continue to support practical, targeted measures that make life more affordable for those who need it most.
7	Would you support the creation of a Basic Income Guarantee that would ensure that no Canadian falls below the poverty line?	The idea of a Basic Income Guarantee is promising in theory, and I understand why many Canadians support it. At the same time, I believe we need to continue strengthening the affordability measures already in place like the Canada Child Benefit, OAS and Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors, the new national dental care plan, and the Canada Disability Benefit. These targeted supports are helping lift people out of poverty, and I’ll keep working to build on that progress.
8	How would you protect the incomes of everyday Canadians from corporate monopoly power and profiteering? Would you support price caps on essentials such as rent, food, and heat?	The Liberal government has always stood with everyday Canadians and that includes taking on corporate profiteering and monopoly power. We’ve strengthened the Competition Act to crack down on anti-competitive practices that drive up prices and hurt consumers. We’ve also pushed for a Grocery Code of Conduct to hold big grocery chains accountable and promote fair pricing across the board. These steps help restore fairness in the market and protect the incomes of working families.
9	Would you support the expansion of public health care to include vision care and/or pharmacare?	Health care is a right in Canada, not a business, like it is in many other places. That’s why I fully support expanding access to care. The Liberal government has already taken bold steps by introducing a national Pharmacare plan, and I support building on that progress. I would support expanding public health care to include vision care as well, so long as it’s done in a fiscally responsible way that protects the sustainability of our system for future generations.
10	What policies would you support to address the long-term impacts of colonialism and racism in Canada?	Addressing the lasting impacts of colonialism and racism means committing fully to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at all level. Our government and institutions should reflect the diverse communities they serve, ensuring everyone's voice is heard. I support policies that advance meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, combat systemic racism through education and accountability, and increase representation across all sectors, so our decisions truly represent and empower all Canadians.
11	More than a quarter of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are food insecure, and we have the highest rate of severe food insecurity (eg. hunger) of any province. What interventions would you support to address this issue?	Food insecurity is a serious issue in Newfoundland and Labrador, and no one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. I support strengthening programs like Nutrition North Canada to make nutritious food more accessible and affordable in remote and northern communities. I also believe in backing community led initiatives because local solutions, led by those who understand the need best, are key to fighting hunger and building long term food security.
12	For many lower-income families, the carbon rebate system was an important part of their household budget for food and other essentials.Now that this rebate is gone, what would you support as an aid to low-income households who will be hit hardest by this loss?	The carbon rebate was meant to help families while tackling climate change, but it has become a divisive issue because of political spin. With that support now gone, I believe we should focus on strengthening programs that already work, like the Canada Child Benefit. It puts real money in the hands of lower income families and helps with the rising cost of essentials. We need practical and reliable solutions that truly support those who need it most.
13	Organizations all over Canada are advocating for the Federal government to set a target of cutting food insecurity in half by 2030. Would you support setting such a target?	Food insecurity is a very real and pressing issue in Labrador, and it's something I hear about often from people in the region. I would absolutely support setting a national target to cut food insecurity in half by 2030. Setting clear goals helps drive action, and with the right investments in programs like Nutrition North Canada and community-led solutions, I believe we can make meaningful progress and ensure everyone has access to the food they need.
14	What policies would you advance to support food sovereignty for Indigenous communities in Canada?	Supporting food sovereignty for Indigenous communities means empowering them to lead the way. I believe in backing policies that support traditional hunting, fishing, and harvesting practices, as well as greater control over local food systems. True food sovereignty starts with trust, respect, and giving communities the tools to thrive.
15	Canada now has a National School Food Program. Would you want to make any changes to how this program operates? If so, what would they be?	The National School Food Program is a great step forward in supporting the health and well-being of students across Canada. I fully support the program and have confidence in the direction it's heading as it's rolled out province by province. That said, I’m always open to listening and learning from communities, schools, and families on how we can make it even better. Whether it’s improving access in rural or remote areas or incorporating more local and traditional foods, there’s always room to grow.
16	What policies would you support to strengthen local food production and small food enterprises?	Labrador is a beautiful region made up of small, often remote communities. I support community-led initiatives that strengthen local food production and small food enterprises, such as greenhouses, local fisheries, and food co-ops. These efforts not only improve access to fresh food but also help build stronger local economies by creating jobs, supporting self-sufficiency, and keeping more value in the community.
17	What policies would you support toward developing a food system that is resilient to the impacts of the climate crisis?	I support investing in local greenhouses, community food programs, and traditional harvesting to build a climate-resilient food system. In Labrador, that means working with Indigenous communities to protect traditional practices and ensure reliable access to healthy, local food despite changing conditions.
18	Would you commit to continuing and strengthening the Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreements?	Yes, I fully support continuing and strengthening the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreements. In a region like Labrador, where access can be limited, affordable and reliable child care is especially important. I’ll continue to support investments that expand spaces, support early childhood educators, and make sure families across Labrador have access to high-quality care close to home.
19	How would you ensure these programs are funded so that all children in NL have access to safe and quality childcare that is affordable to families?	I will be a strong advocate for young families, especially in Labrador where access to child care can be more challenging. I’ll push to ensure stable, long-term federal funding for early learning and child care so that every child in Newfoundland and Labrador can access safe, high-quality, and affordable care. That means working with all levels of government to expand spaces, support early childhood educators, and ensure rural and remote communities aren’t left behind.
20	Access to affordable and quality childcare is not possible without Early Childcare Educators. What will you and your party do to ensure equitable wages and benefits to promote recruitment and retention of ECEs to the sector?	Early Childhood Educators deserve fair wages and strong benefits. I’ll be a strong voice in Ottawa to make sure ECEs in Labrador get the support they need so we can recruit, retain, and properly value the people who care for and teach our youngest learners.