Shannon Stubbs is hoping to continue the Conservative's run in the Lakeland riding as Canada heads into its 42nd federal election.
“My number one focus is based on promoting the Lakeland and the Lakeland's importance to Alberta and Canada as a whole,” said Stubbs. “This is an issue I think is critical for voters in the Lakeland and Alberta to consider as we come up to the next election.”
Nominated in December 2014, Stubbs is taking over the candidacy in the riding from outgoing Conservative MP Brian Storseth. The longtime Lakeland resident currently resides near Two Hills. Stubbs has a diverse background, including time spent working in the Departments of Energy and Economic Development. Most recently, Stubbs held positions with Alberta’s Wildrose party as the director of legislative affairs for the Official Opposition House Leader between 2012 and 2014 before making the move into federal politics.
Voters will be heading to the polls in a little over two months in what Stubbs is calling a “particularly important” election for the province and the riding.
“We contribute so much as a constituency, we put food on the table for the rest of the country and provide fuel for our lives and all of that activity provides jobs and spin-offs in other sectors.”
Stubbs added, “I think that issue is really at stake. The leaders of the other parties you see, on one hand, blame Alberta for the economic downturn in other parts of the country, or they stand in opposition to projects like pipelines, which are critical to Alberta's long-term prosperity.”
With agriculture and energy being central economic drivers in all corners of the Lakeland, Stubbs noted that it's important for the residents to choose an MP who understands those markets.
“One key concern is access to export markets for agriculture and energy. The Conservative government has completed more than 40 free trade agreements for products in various sectors since becoming a majority government,” explained Stubbs.
However, there's more to the area than just industry. Stubbs said she recognizes that new and long-time residents who are settled in the Lakeland have concerns that extend beyond oil and gas.
“People want support for their families. They want the kind of tax relief that the federal Conservatives have delivered for families, seniors and small businesses,” she said.
Stubbs also cited infrastructure funding and the need for municipalities to receive the necessary resources to upkeep local infrastructure as focuses for the Conservatives.
The campaigning might have just officially kicked-off Aug. 2, but Stubbs has been out and about since her December nomination. While she started out doing the majority of her door knocking by herself, the Conservative nominee has since grown her troops to ensure that ever corner of the Lakeland is heard.
However, she noted it’s great to see that there will a few choices for constituents, with NDP candidate Duane Zaraska and Libertarian candidate Robert McFadzean both having thrown their hat into the ring. A Liberal candidate had not been announced as of last week.
“I think that the more people in the race the better, that’s the whole point and the challenge and the fun of democracy.”
