Zachary Linnick, Libertarian Churchill-Keewatinook Aski

Why do you want this job?

I want the job of member of Parliament because I believe Canada is heading down the wrong path. Government is slowly creeping into our lives more and more. Bill C-51 was opposed by most Canadians, yet it was given royal assent by our so-called elected officials. That makes me sick. We spend millions on military campaigns overseas, yet our own veterans suffer here at home. I want this job to give Canadians their country back.

What's the biggest issue for the country and in your riding?

Government interfering in the lives of citizens. Canadians can't decide what to put in their bodies, have their income taxed to fund bureaucratic bloat in Ottawa and are now living in a surveillance state.

Aboriginal relations is the biggest issue in my riding. The federal government needs to step up and be a genuinely interested partner for meaningful change to occur. We believe that First Nations should have full autonomy over their territories, making decisions on resource extraction, education, health care and environmental regulation.

What would you do with the Senate?

I would ask Canadians what they want. I think senators elected with a single transferable vote would be a step in the right direction.

Winnipeg was described as the most racist city in Canada. What would you do to combat racism?

There are many ignorant and hateful people in the world. Luckily for us, they are vastly outnumbered by friendly and outgoing people. You will never eliminate racism or bigotry through legislation, but you can change people's attitude through positive engagement. A community can voluntarily choose to ostracize members that have extreme and hateful views. Hate speech laws often have unintended consequences and don't create meaningful change.

What role should the federal government play in dealing with climate change?

I don't think we have complete certainty on global warning or climate change yet. I think the issue has been highly politicized and without a global consensus, it would be economic suicide for us as Canadians to punish business here when there are many global polluters. We also live in a colder climate, which requires sources of heat for many Canadians.

Until it is economically feasible to transfer to alternate fuel sources it would be foolhardy to rush into new technology. Right now in Ontario, the provincial government has highly subsidized wind and solar power, and it is causing electricity rates to rise. From a scientific standpoint, I would argue that the sun has a more powerful effect on the Earth's climate than humans do.

If there was one government policy you think is done better in another country, what is it?

After the fall of communism in eastern Europe, countries like Estonia introduced a flat tax system on personal and corporate income tax.And currently they rank eighth as the most economic free country in the world [according to The Wall Street Journal and U.S.think tank the Heritage Foundation]. Canada ranks sixth. The United States ranks 12th.

With a streamlined tax policy, we wouldn't need to spend three per cent ($7.8 billion) of our federal budget funding the Canada Revenue Agency. For comparison, we spend three per cent of our federal budget on public safety and emergency preparedness, which includes the RCMP, Canada Corrections, CBSA and CSIS.

Under what circumstances is deficit spending a good choice?

I would argue it never is a good choice. Government intervention in the economy often leads to distorted economic conditions. I'm sure most people are familiar with the U.S. housing crisis. Right now we have historic low interest rates and currently spend 10 per cent($28.2 billion as of '13-'14) of our budget on debt servicing.

What do you believe is the single most effective way to fight crime?

Strong family bonds, education and community involvement. People don't decide to become criminals later in life;there are many predictors we now know that predispose someone to criminality. When communities and families are strong, crime should be minimal. Local groups like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club and others are cornerstones to communities. Tough on crime laws are a reactionary way to deal with this problem. I would encourage people to talk to their neighbours, get involved in your local community and be the positive change you want in your community.

What should be done about homegrown terrorism?

I think what we need to ask is why are these people turning to such a violent path? Canada has been involved in multiple military campaigns overseas in recent history than ever before. We have aligned our foreign policy with the United States. They manipulate governments to suit their interests and are reckless with the lives of non-combatants. We had good intentions but there has been too many unintended consequences to keep following this path. Bring the troops home and focus on national defence. I think the Swiss have the right idea.

If there was a gay pride parade in your riding, would you go? Why or why not?

I wouldn't be opposed to it. Where I am in my life, I can't see myself going to one any time in the near future.

Have either you or your family had a frustrating experience with the health-care system, and what would you do to fix the problem?

In December 2007 my grandmother passed away from cancer. Living in a smaller community, you often must travel to larger centres to receive specialized health services. The entire process of her getting diagnosed to treatment was handled very poorly. When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, you are willing to do anything to see them healthy again.

I think that opening up the health-care sector to private practice will give Canadians more options to chose from. Opening up to a private marketplace would also ease the financial burden on the government. Within the Canadian Constitution it states that provinces have the authority to regulate matters of health. The Canada Health Act impedes the provinces' ability to provide servicesbecause the federal government has tight rules about federal health transfers.

What would you do to get more people to vote?

Voting is a personal choice. You are free to vote or not to vote. We need to realize that maybe the reason people aren't voting is because the electoral system is unfair or that the people they can elect won't really change their lives. I will be spoiling my ballot this election because I don't like any of the policies offered by the major four parties.

What's a better use of federal dollars: fixing roads or building rapid transit infrastructure?

Let the free market decide. People who try and use other countries for an argument of mass transit need to realize the extreme difference in population density most Canadian cities have compared to other major cities. Maybe a handful of Canadian cities could justify major mass transit projects. Government needs to stop protecting cab cartels and allow competition like Uber and Lyft.

Other options for dealing with traffic congestion would be synchronizing traffic lights or modernizing them. I can't remember how many times I've tried driving down Broadway from Main Streetto Osborne and getting stopped at multiple red lights.

Would you support legalizing a small amount of marijuana? Have you ever tried it?

I think all drugs should be legalized. The government doesn't own your body. Anyone who is against this should seriously examine alcohol Prohibition in the United States from 1920-33. We've been fighting the drug war since 1971, and it is a waste of time and money. It's also damaging to family and communities. The drug war needs to be addressed as a health problem not a criminal one.

I have never tried marijuana.