SAULT STE. MARIE – The Strive Young Professionals Group hosted a debate on October 10 in Sault Ste. Marie.

They wanted to know how candidates plan on protecting the environment and people's health, especially now that a ferrochrome smelter could be constructed.

"I'm really impressed with how involved and passionate young people are about this. Because we do care about a future, we do care about what the world is going to be like for our children, for our grandchildren, not just us," said Terri Sheth, Strive Young Professionals Advocacy Officer.

Noront, the company that plans on bringing the smelter to the city, will be doing an environmental assessment, but some young people feel it isn't enough.

"I'm not really put at ease knowing that there's going to be an environmental assessment until I know what exactly they 're going to be assessing for and who's going to be doing it and making sure that it's a third party. I think that we've got enough to worry about here in Sault Ste. Marie with health as it stands," said Angela Caputo, local business owner.

Candidates say this is something that needs to be addressed.

"It's really important that we require an independent scientifically-backed assessment from a third party not related to Noront, and not even provincialy or federally mandated," said Sara McCleary, NDP candidate.

While others say a federal assessment would be more effective.

"So scientists, medical professionals, top researchers to undertake that process. If it fails that process then I don't think anyone here would be willing to support it," said Terry Sheehan, Liberal candidate.

"The Green Party wants to ensure that everyone has a right to a healthy environment… now what that looks like is strengthening the Canadian environment protections act," said Geo McClean, Green candidate.

"We know sometimes things are not safe. So if people are afraid, it's up to Sault Ste. Marie," said Amy Zuccato, People's Party of Canada candidate.

"I will do everything I can to bring jobs to this community and to keep our people safe, because our jobs cannot come at the expense of our health," said Sonny Spina, Conservative candidate.

Some candidates also brought up the importance of consulting with surrounding First Nations communities and getting their consent.

A public information session about the ferrochrome smelter will be held on October 23.