The New Democrats were just 128 votes behind Gerrard. Hilstrom figures his higher profile as CA agriculture critic will help. Local activists from the Manitoba Wildlife Federation and Manitoba Firearms Coalition are also helping by campaigning against gun registration. In both ridings, where every vote will count, agricultural issues play a prominent role. While NDP and Liberal candidates defend existing Canadian Wheat Board monopoly marketing powers, CA and Tory candidates promote an end to its monopoly.
Liberals fend off criticism of their farm aid programs.
Position questioned And CA candidates are asked some blunt farmer questions about their new-found support for the principles of supply management protections. I tell them we are committed to supporting supply management, but if because of trade deals signed by the Liberals, we lose those tariffs, then we will make sure there is compensation. In 1993 and 1997, a Reform-Conservative split allowed him to win a traditionally conservative riding represented for a generation by Tory Jake Epp. It is a riding with a distinguished history. He has voted against his own Liberal government several times in Parliament, including gun legislation, which he knew his constituents opposed.