 
Occupy Vancouver protesters interrupted the debate between Robertson and Anton Courtesy: Kate Webb
Vancouver debate interrupted by Occupy ProtestersGregor Robertson and Suzanne Anton were supposed to debate housing and homelessnessKate Webb
Nov 08, 2011 04:24:08 AM
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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - It was supposed to be a debate on housing and homelessness between Vancouver's most prominent political rivals, but Occupy Vancouver protesters had their own agenda.
On the same day the city ordered their camp shut down, the protesters arrived at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church in full force to hear - or rather, interrupt - the debate between Vision's Mayor Gregor Robertson and his NPA rival, Councillor Suzanne Anton.
"Why are we just sitting here listening to them lie to us?" they screamed in unison using a "human mic" call-and-answer amplification tactic, as Robertson spoke about the need for a national housing strategy.
Between the moderator's, panelists' and even the church minister's repeated appeals for respect and quiet, eventually, some key civic issues were heard.
Both candidates claimed they would be able to eliminate homelessness by 2015, and neither said they would support a tax on housing speculation by foreign investors as a way to improve affordability.
And then came this question from a panelist, offering a glimpse that was relatively rare on the night at where the candidates differ.
"Should more social housing be built in the Downtown Eastside?"
"Yes," Robertson replied first.
"No," followed Anton, soliciting a loud, angry chorus of boos.
During a portion of the debate reserved for longer answers to questions, Suzanne Anton said the best way to make housing more affordable is to make the city attractive to businesses.
"I will be trying to keep businesses in Vancouver," she said. "That is what leads to prosperity, that's what leads to people being able to afford housing." |
發表於 2011-11-8 06:56
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