Acton high holds debate

Students question candidates on gay marriage, voting age

cton High School students had a chance to grill local federal election candidates on several issues Thursday morning. All six Wellington-Halton Hills candidates-- Brent Bouteiller (Green Party), Michael Chong (Conservative), Noel Duignan (NDP), Rod Finnie (Liberal), Mike Wisniewski (Independent) and Carolann Krusky (Christian Heritage Party)-- attended a debate hosted by the school's student council. A student asked about Chong's view on gay marriage and if his party would use the not withstanding clause to change the current law. She also asked about his view on abortion. "A Conservative government would not use the not withstanding clause to legislate in this area," said

Chong. He said if the issue comes up again Harper would allow a free vote on whether to reopen the issue. "I will consult my constituents and based on their feedback make a decision as to how I'm going to vote," said Chong, who would not give his opinion on the issue because he said he didn't want to prejudge what the voters will tell him. Reading from his party's platform he said a Conservative government would not "initiate or support any legislation to regulate abortion." "I'm in favour of gay marriages," said Duignan, who also responded. "This is an issue where you stand up and say I'm in favour of this because this is a basic human right."