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Politics

Candidates in North Island Powell River Comment On The Election

On Sunday March 23, Prime Minister Mark Carney asked the Governor General of Canada to dissolve parliament and call an election for April 28. Mary Simon, The King’s representative, agreed and signed the proclamations under the Great Seal of Canada to set this in motion.

Cortes Currents asked the candidates in North Island – Powell River (NIPR) for their comments. 

Liberal candiate Jennifer Lash – Submitted photo

The first to respond was Liberal candidate Jennifer Lash, who emailed, “Everywhere I go in this riding, people tell me they want an MP that will fight for North Island-Powell River and a Prime Minister who will defend Canada. I am the candidate that best understands the culture and economy of this riding and knows how to get things done in Ottawa. And Prime Minister Carney is the only leader with the resume, credibility, and disposition to defend Canada from unjustified US threats against our economy and sovereignty.”

“This riding has historically gone either NDP or Conservative, but the erratic behaviour of Donald Trump is exposing the risk of electing an unreliable leader like Pierre Poilievre.”

“The NDP lacks the credibility and vision to form a strong opposition or take on Trump and they stand no chance of forming a government. However, a vote for me is a vote for Mark Carney and the Liberals, who are poised to form the government.”

If elected, she promises to: 

  • “Defend North Island-Powell River (NIPR) by standing up to unfair U.S. trade policies, securing compensation for affected industries, and championing local jobs.”
  • “Build North Island-Powell River by advocating for infrastructure and housing investments in the riding to create jobs, strengthen communities, and make life more affordable.”
  • “Care for North Island-Powell River by fighting for better healthcare, mental health support, and the social programs we need, as well as protecting the nature we love.”
NDP candidate Tanille Johnson – submitted photo

NDP candidate Tanille Johnson responded, “It’s official: the federal election has been called. We hear all the time that ‘this election is an important one’. And if ever a time it were truly true, it’s now. Our riding has never seen a more extremist right wing candidate as Aaron Gunn and we are combining that threat with the constant instability and harm that Trump is offering from the Southern border.”

“I have been door knocking for months. I know that our community members in the North Island – Powell River (NIPR) riding are exhausted and frustrated. Costs are high, bills are up, and people cannot afford a home. But together, we can build the Canada that we are known for and that we know and love.” 

“This election is about who will step out of the comfort zone and take bold action for working people.”  

“Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives have been clear – they want to cut public health care, cut childcare, and cut your pension. 

“Here in North Island-Powell River, Poilievre’s guy Aaron Gunn is a parachute candidate from Victoria with no real ties to our community. He has already proven to push a divisive, far-right agenda rather than focusing on making life more affordable and standing up for workers.”

“In our riding, the NDP is the only party that can stop Conservative cuts, and beat Gunn. We haven’t seen a Liberal candidate MP since the 70s and never have we seen a Green.” 

Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn – from his website

Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn, emailed, “I’ve spent my entire career advocating for Canadian taxpayers and I’ve spent the past year of my life campaigning in our incredible community.” 

“I’ve learned that North Island-Powell River has gone neglected for far too long. The NDP has done a poor job representing us in Ottawa. We need a fighter, not someone who will bend the knee to the Liberals or any threat to our great nation.”

“I will be that fighter and on April 28th, it will be my honour to be part of a strong Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre.” 

Green Party candidate Jessica Wegg – submitted photo

Jessica Wegg, the Green Party candidate, emailed “This election is critical. The parliament that is elected will have to manage multiple crises – the climate emergency, the rising cost of living for ordinary Canadians, the encroachment of the predator class, and now the threat to our very existence by the Trump administration. The Greens are the only party who are ready to face these problems head-on. We are courageous, committed, and ready to work together.”  

Peoples Party candidate Paul Macknight – from PPC website

Paul Macknight is the People’s Party of Canada candidate and according to its website, he particularly endorses “its commitment to individual freedoms, economic prosperity, and limiting government interference. He firmly believes that small businesses are the backbone of Canada’s economy and that entrepreneurs should be free to pursue their ambitions without the burden of restrictive policies imposed by Liberal and NDP governments. Committed to ensuring that small business owners receive government support, Paul believes that those who have invested their time, resources, and vision into their enterprises deserve a business-friendly environment that fosters growth and success.”

Polling Data:

Links of Interest:

Top image credit: Rideau Hall, residence of the Governor General of Canada – Photo by R D Barry via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0); Graphs compiled from sources on the web by Roy L Hales

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