ACT releases disarmament survey of Toronto candidates

Eudora Pendergrast — September 1984

TORONTO – On August 16, the Against Cruise Testing (ACT) coalition released the results of a survey of Metropolitan Toronto candidates regarding their position on cruise missile testing in Canada and their commitment to disarmament.

Candidates in all ridings were asked to answer either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the statement “I oppose cruise missile testing in Canada if elected.”

According to the ACT survey press release, the double question was intended to determine the sincerity of any candidate who cIaimed that he or she would work for disarmament. As stated in this press release, ACf’s position is that “the candidates who responded ‘no’ to opposing the cruise but ‘yes’ to working for disarmament (are) blatant in their hypocrisy.”

Only five Liberal candidates and no Conservative candidates answered ‘yes’ to the double question. All New Democratic Party, Green Party and Communist Party candidates answered ‘yes.’

The five Liberals who opposed cruise testing were: Terry Kelly (Beaches), Ken Paige (Broadview Greenwood), David Weatherhead (Scarborough West), Jim Coutts (Spadina), and John Nunziata (York – South Weston).

It should be noted that the PC candidate for Spadina has changed his position. At an all-candidate meeting on disarmament, Ying Hope agreed with all thirteen questions of the Election Prioritie Project, which includes cancellation of the cruise missile testing agreement. According to the ACf sur vey, he now favours cruise testing,

More information about the survey and the specific responses of the candidates can be obtained from Bert Keser or Steve MacDonald at ACT’s office in Toronto xxx-xxxx.

The Peace Calendar

Canadian Disarmament Information Service, 1983-1984

ACT releases disarmament survey of Toronto candidates