MALPEQUE CANDIDATES
Wayne Easter, Anna Keenan, Craig Nash and Stephen Stewart are on the ballot
See who’s looking for votes in latest riding worksheet
Liberal Party of Canada The who
Wayne Easter, Liberal Party of Canada, Malpeque The resume
I was raised on a family farm in North Wiltshire, P.E.I. I served as president of the National Farmers Union for 11 years before entering politics in 1993. I have been elected eight times as the member of Parliament for Malpeque and have served in several national roles, including solicitor general of Canada and parliamentary secretary for both Fisheries and Agriculture.
What might be something people don’t already know about you?
My first job “off the farm” was as an assistant groundskeeper at the Confederation Centre of the Arts at the age of 15.
What is the top issue facing Malpeque this election? What needs to be done?
The biggest issues I am hearing on the doors in Malpeque is that the next government continue the investments in healthcare and continue investing in Canadians through programs such as the Canada Child Benefit.
What makes Malpeque unique?
Malpeque is unique in its balance of primary industries, and the people are the kindest in all of Canada.
Bottom-line me
Wayne Easter is the incumbent Liberal candidate in Malpeque. He’s been elected eight times. He says the biggest issue is investing in health care and other programs. He says the people of the riding and its primary industries make it unique.
Green Party of Canada The who
Anna Keenan, Green Party of Canada, Malpeque
The resume
I've worked as a climate and renewable energy campaigner for 13 years, including five years with Greenpeace International, based in Europe, where I met my Island-born husband. We now live in St Ann's with our three-year-old, near his grandparents.
What might be something people don’t already know about you?
I'm “from away.” I grew up in Australia and have degrees in physics and economics. On the side, I am a dance teacher, performer and stilt-walker. I love community arts. I love to eat, but am a terrible cook.
What is the top issue facing Malpeque this election? What needs to be done?
Health care — particularly for seniors — is the biggest issue at the doors. Patients, doctors, and nurses all want to bring relationships back into health care. The high-speed, high-referral model is causing staff burnout. We need reforms: more generalists, universal pharmacare and collaboration between UPEI, Memorial and Dalhousie to train Islanders as doctors.
What makes Malpeque unique?
The diversity of its communities. We've got an urban area in Cornwall, small rural centres, a strong agricultural community and fishing and recreational harbours. There are thriving tourism and arts and food scenes, the Mi'kmaq community at Rocky Point and plenty of innovative, rural homesteading families. It is the heart of the Island.
Bottom-line me
The Green Party of Canada candidate in Malpeque, Anna Keenan has worked as a climate and renewable energy campaigner for 13 years, including five years with Greenpeace International. She says healthcare is the main issue in a riding that’s unique because of the diverse communities within it.
New Democratic Party of Canada
The who
Craig Nash, New Democratic Party, Malpeque
The resume
I was born in Gladstone, Man., and call Charlottetown, P.E.I., home. I am currently employed with the Commissionaires. I have worked as a manager for retail and restaurants, as a business owner and as a teacher for Holland College in China. I was in the Canadian military.
What might be something people don’t already know about you?
I am a single father. I enjoy walking in Victoria Park and on our beaches. I have a love of history and music and I love to sing. I recently visited the last province needed for my bucket list. There is one territory left on my list.
What is the top issue facing Malpeque this election? What needs to be done?
I think we need to take care of people that work or are trying to work. I commit to a single employment insurance zone in P.E.I., and to set up a seasonal worker database. We will invest in affordable housing, healthcare, pharmacare and public transportation, all issues that are important to Malpeque.
What makes Malpeque unique?
This is the riding that connects all four federal ridings. All three of our major industries — tourism, agriculture, and fishing — are well represented. We have internationally recognized beaches, Green Gables and the Confederation Bridge. We have treasures such as Victoria-bythe-Sea, Frosty Treat and a huge teacup shaped by the ocean. There is something for everyone in Malpeque.
Bottom-line me
Craig Nash is New Democratic candidate in Malpeque. A former military member, he has worked a variety of professions. He says the top issue in Malpeque is helping workers. He likes that the riding is home to P.E.I.’s major industries as well as numerous tourist attractions.
Conservative Party of Canada
The who Stephen Stewart, Conservative Party of Canada, Malpeque The resume
I live in Baltic, P.E.I., not far from Malpeque Bay, a place that is key to our local aquaculture and fisheries. After working 29 years in the mussel industry, I retired almost four years ago. Since then, my passion for politics has kept me focused on this upcoming federal election.
What might be something people don’t already know about you?
Some people are surprised to learn this is my second time running as the Conservative candidate in Malpeque. It is important to invest the time and put in the effort; to go out and meet people. I enjoy having an opportunity to listen to people throughout the riding and what I am hearing is people are wanting to see some big change in Ottawa.
What is the top issue facing Malpeque this election? What needs to be done?
The government needs to get back on track. Islanders, like all Canadians, want to see some common-sense solutions to problems like climate change, instead of punishing people who need to commute each day for work with a carbon tax. I know as a government we can do better.
What makes Malpeque unique?
Malpeque extends from Covehead to Cornwall and Borden-Carleton to Travellers Rest. Driving around Malpeque, my wife and I love to stop at the many different small businesses. We appreciate the passion, creativity and hard work of all the entrepreneurs who provide a great variety of quality products and services to Islanders and tourists.
Bottom-line me
Stephen Stewart, the Conservative candidate for Malpeque, retired from the mussel industry four years ago. This is his second time running for the Conservatives. He’d like for the government to get back on track with common-sense solutions. Malpeque is unique, he says, because of the efforts of entrepreneurs.