Six running in Hawn’s old riding
Six candidates from across the political spectrum are vying to replace Laurie Hawn in the diverse riding of Edmonton Centre.
Hawn, a Conservative, retired this year after more than nine years as the riding’s MP. He first won office in 2006, defeating Liberal Anne McLellan, who had had held the seat since 1993.
Liberal candidate Randy Boissonnault said he has knocked on 20,000 doors in the past two years.
“This is a fantastic example of Canada right in one riding,” he said, referring to Edmonton Centre’s economic, social, ethnic, cultural, religious and economic diversity. “There are $7-million mansions in this riding and people with less than seven cents in their pocket.”
NDP candidate Gil McGowan says he’s developed a deeper appreciation for the riding’s makeup.
“This is a riding that spans almost every demographic category that you can think of, from young to old, rich to poor, and almost every ethnic group that you can think of,” he said. “It’s a riding with many big challenges.”
Edmonton Centre has seen some minor boundary changes since the 2011 election. It lost some neighbourhoods in the west, but gained others, such as Rio Terrace, in the south. Held by: None, after the retirement of Laurie Hawn. Population: 106,121
Randy Boissonnault, Liberal Age: 45 Occupation: Business owner Reasons for running: I want to see Edmonton back on the map politically in Ottawa. I want to see our economy growing again, and I want to recapture and restore our international reputation. I want to see a member of Parliament at the table that goes to bat for our city, and that actually helps our city grow. Top priorities: The overwhelming worry in our riding is jobs. These are dozens of families on EI for the first time in their lives, and they look at me and they say where are the jobs going to come from? I talk to them about the Liberal plan for growth. Website: randyboissonnault.liberal.ca
James Cumming, Conservative Age: 54 Occupation: Entrepreneur (former president and CEO, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce) Reasons for running: Edmonton is my home. I’ve grown businesses and created jobs and opportunities here. I’m running to serve the community that has been so good to me. I value integrity, hard work, fiscal responsibility and loyalty. These values are how I intend to represent Edmonton Centre while ensuring our future generations have the same opportunities we have been so fortunate to have. Top priorities: Our Conservative government’s low-tax, balanced budget plan will steer Canada through this period of global economic turbulence. We have a proven record of supporting victims, making communities safe and getting criminals off our streets. We are the only party with the proven experience to keep our economy strong and our country safe. Website: jamescumming.ca
Gil McGowan, NDP Age: 48 Occupation: President, Alberta Federation of Labour Reasons for running: I want to be part of a government that reflects the values and priorities of Canadians. In the words of Jack Layton, the NDP offers an alternative based on hope and optimism, not hate and fear. Top priorities: The NDP will reform the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, which is being used to suppress wages, will keep upgrad- ing and refining jobs here in Canada, and reverse Harper’s tax cuts for profitable corporations. Website: gilmcgowan.ndp.ca
David Parker, Green Age: 68 Occupation: Retired professional engineer and NAIT instructor Reasons for running: At this very critical juncture in history, only the Green party has a viable concept of how the world must proceed forward. The old way is broken and a more economically humane, realistic and sustainable path must now be adopted. Top priorities: Put Canada back in its rightful place as a leading nation of peacekeepers, environmental stewards and progressive democracies. Repeal Bill C-51, which was only instigated to advance the prospects of the party that created it. Ensure that Canada goes to the Paris climate summit in December armed with policy recommendations that will show the world that we are serious about pulling our weight. Website: greenparty.ca/en/riding/2013-48014
Steven Stauffer, Rhinoceros Age: 33 Occupation: Wildfire fighter Reasons for running: I’ve been frustrated too many winters by snow slowing down the traffic, so I feel it’s important for me to finally put myself in a position to have a dome built over the Prairies to keep the snow off. We are nothing if not an ambitious party. Top priorities: There’s a lot of fuss about global warming and the trouble it’s giving the animals. There’s a lot to be said for fighting it, but maybe we need to roll with that and adjust our lives. As the polar bears move south we need to begin domesticating them. It could cut down on emissions if we could ride polar bears to work. Website: eatgoogle.com/fr/candidats/steven-stauffer-edmontoncentre/
Kat Yaki, Independent Age: 21 (Photo not available) Occupation: Single mom Reasons for running: Yaki wasn’t available for interviews. Her website says if she wins, she will not claim to represent anyone, will not act as an MP and will not accept any money or benefits. She agreed to have her name on the ballot to give voters the option of choosing not to be represented by an MP. Top priorities: Yaki’s father, David Yaki, who is her official agent, said his daughter’s platform presents an opportunity for change. He envisions an alternative parliamentary system that would see elected “voters’ representatives” given “voting power” according to the number of ballots they received. Voters could delegate their decision-making power to the representative of their choice or choose to vote individually on any issue. Website: nomp4me.cadhowell@edmontonjournal.com twitter.com/HowellEJ