Local candidates expecting federal election call - race underway in Lethbridge riding
Jobs, leadership and handling of the pandemic moving forward are expected to be among the issues in the Lethbridge riding as candidates prepare for the upcoming federal election campaign.
At this point, three parties have selected their candidates for the election that will be held Sept. 20.
It has been less than two years since the last federal election, which saw Rachael Harder, of the Conservative Party of Canada re-elected for a second term, by gathering over 65 per cent of the vote.
Harder, who believes in being prepared, said there were signs of an early election, and she has already been door knocking.
“Together with my team we’ve knocked on over 10,000 doors so far this summer,” said Harder.
ECONOMIC RECOVERY
She added one of the biggest topics at the door-step has been economic recovery.
“They’re telling me life is less affordable than ever,” said Harder.
“Some people are talking about jobs that have been lost, jobs that are being looked for, and wanting to know there is hope for them as a family or an individual.”
Harder was travelling back to the riding from Ottawa on Monday. She maintains this election will be about which leader is best equipped to elevate and empower Canadians, “I would say that Trudeau has actually hindered Canadians from being their best selves. Instead he has positioned himself in such a way that the government will do it for Canadians.”
Local Liberal candidate Devon Hargreaves said there were signs an election was coming. He said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for the province and country, and the government is seeking a mandate to determine how to move the country forward over the next four years.
Hargreaves said Albertans have already seen what a Conservative government looks like in the form of Jason Kenney’s provincial government, “He’s a former (federal) cabinet minister," Hargreaves said. "Now we are seeing what that conservative mindset and mandate is doing to Alberta.”
Hargreaves said there are a lot of people are hurting from the cuts the UCP government made in Alberta.
“My fear is that if the Conservatives were to win an election, we would be looking at that on a national scale.”
Hargreaves maintains the federal Liberal government has been there for Canadians, by offering benefits to the agriculture industry, and starting to move toward $10 a day child care across the nation.
“Lethbridge deserves a seat at the table in Ottawa," he said.
PEOPLE'S PARTY
The People’s Party of Canada will be represented by Lethbridge small business owner Kimmie Hovan, who said she wants to be a voice for everyday Canadians.
“This campaign is basically trying to let people see they have another voice within this country,” said Hovan, who decided to get involved in March of last year, as the pandemic was beginning.
“We’ve had three main parties so long, and we just cycle through them. In order to have change you have to break the cycle,” added Hovan.
The PPC is against further lockdowns and is opposed to the concept of vaccine passports.
Party founder and current leader Maxime Bernier has been strongly critical of public health measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and travelled to anti-lockdown protests throughout the country in 2021. In June Bernier was arrested and fined by the RCMP in Manitoba after attending a rally against restrictions.
Hovan said she expects handling of COVID-19 will be one of the issues during this campaign, but said more focus should be placed on issues such as improving the economy and building resources.
Hovan admits it will be a challenge to represent a party that gathered just over 1,000 votes in the Lethbridge riding in 2019, compared to almost 41,000 for Rachael Harder.
During the last federal election there were six candidates in the Lethbridge Riding. The NDP, Christian Heritage Party of Canada and Green Party of Canada have not yet announced candidates in Lethbridge.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.