By Ben Macintosh
Fred Macleod (Photo credits: Christian Heritage Party)
The Canadian Federal election is less than a month away, and The Cadre wants to UPEI students to know who is running in the Charlottetown riding.
Fred Macleod of the Christian Heritage Party (CHP) is the fourth interview in our candidate profile series.
Macleod has also served as a Shop Stewart & Director of Local 15 (PEIUPSE) and a Gazetted Peace Officer for Highway Safety PEI.
Representing students is an important part of what he wants to do, should he be elected, Macleod said via email on Thursday.
“Students will be the future caretakers, leaders, and workers in all areas of study,†he said. “I believe that successful graduates enhance all of Canada at home and globally.â€
Along with the housing crisis and food security, Macleod says he views debt as one of the biggest issues facing students.
“I think the amount of debt load that is accumulated and the increasing length of time needed to finish their studies is creating added burden on the students and the learning process,†he said.
To manage costs students seeing as they attend university, Macleod wants to see more tax breaks and grants available to students.
“We would work with the Provincial Government, with Charlottetown Council and UPEI to examine a breakdown of all costs involved in the established tuition and other add-on costs,†he said. “Then look for areas where reduction of costs could be identified for students.â€
On the topic of housing, Macleod says that all governments need to work together to solve the housing crisis.
“We would work closer with the province and municipalities to better control foreign purchases of homes, businesses and farmland and work on the rental rules & regulations that are now in place,†he said.
Macleod says he is running in this election to make changes and believes that he can.
“Students are change makers and know that changes need to be made now. I agree with that and as a new politician and with the CHP on PEI, I think starting fresh can and will make positive changes,†he said.