Matthew Barrett is making his political debut in a big way, by running for Fort McMurray-Cold Lake MP.
Under the People’s Party of Canada banner, Barrett has thrown his name into the running for the fall federal election.
“I’ve been a Conservative my whole life, I grew up that way and of course, it was the one best (party) I could identify with when looking at platforms,” noted the candidate.
Barrett kept up-to-date on political parties’ platforms, and once Maxine Bernier announced he was leaving the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC), Barrett jumped right on board.
“(Bernier) came out and said the CPC has been unreformed, that they’re more or less corrupt. That sparked my interest incredibly,” detailed Barrett. “I researched (about Bernier) as far back as 2008. He almost had robotic consistency, which I loved.”
With the People’s Party of Canada’s platform aligning with his own, Barrett put his name in as the party’s Fort McMurray-Cold Lake candidate.
“I just saw the corruption (in the CPC), and of course, I looked into it more and more and had discovered that Harper’s government had silenced MPs, which I thought was pretty weak,” Barrett said about his decision to join the People’s Party of Canada.
He continued, “I saw a leader (in Bernier) who stood up for my values, and at that point in time, it was just personal responsibility in individual freedom, respect, and core values... I’m finding out every day that these aren’t platitudes, they’re inherently interlaced with every platform that comes out.”
The father of two resides in Fort McMurray with his wife and kids, after moving to Alberta in 2007.
Originally from the east coast, Barrett was excited about a promising career as a heavy hauler.
He joked that after four years of driving trucks, his dream of being a heavy hauler “became a nightmare.”
“I worked for an incredible company… but the job description just wasn’t up my alley. I’m a social person and you’re alone for 12 hours (as a hauler).”
This was one of the reasons why he got into politics, because of his love for talking and people.
Although this is his first time on the political stage, Barrett has campaigned before when he became the vice-president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
“I’ve never really been a union guy, but I did love two things, one very unnaturally... I love justice, people, and fairness,” expressed Barrett, adding he also has a passion for organizational efficiency.
“I actually like seeing things run smoothly, I don’t like wastage at a bureaucratic level or at a household level,” he exclaimed.
It was through his position with CUPE that Barrett found a love for advocating for people.
“In that role (as CUPE vice-president), I saw just plain bureaucracy and a lot of problems. I thought, ‘problems are problems and people are people, so why not get involved at the highest level where you can have the most effect or influence?” explained Barrett.
After watching Bernier step down from the CPC, Barrett knew it was his turn to make a difference in a whole new way.
When it comes to changes he would like to see, Barrett said it varies day-to-day because “it seems as though a different freedom is being attacked, and suddenly, my priorities shift.”
He noted, two consistent concerns are pipelines and supply management.
“These pipelines are already across the country, oil is moving by tanker and train, which of course has even harsher consequences when there’s an accident, and our oil is produced the cleanest in the world, besides for heavy crude.”
Barrett continued, “Any kind of processing of oil, we do it the cleanest in the world, and we should be celebrating that. Getting it to market isn’t just an Alberta issue. Of course, we’re affected, but it’s Canadian oil. It’s in Alberta, but it’s Canadian oil and it’s for the prosperity of Canada.”
Supply management should be abolished, he noted.
“The reason why is not just because of the exclusivity of supply management, it’s the bigger issue of corruption and essentially buying votes,” described Barrett. “I don’t think any special interest groups should be catered to. If it’s not in the best interest of Canada, we shouldn’t be doing it.”
Being new to the political scene, Barrett said his challenges are “learning how to wrap up my gift of gab,” and dealing with “dogmatic views from people who have association with an established party.”
Regardless of whether voters will be casting their ballots in his party’s favour, Barrett encouraged everyone to take the time to get informed before heading to the polls.
“I really want people to vote with courage. If this party isn’t what they stand for, that’s fine. There are multiple parties in Canada and that’s why Canada is so great, you have parties to choose from.”
Also running for MP for Fort McMurray-Cold Lake is incumbent David Yurdiga of the CPC.
