A former two term Lethbridge mayor has thrown his hat into the ring as the Liberal candidate to represent Lethbridge in the upcoming federal election.
Chris Spearman states while he has been out door knocking one of the biggest concerns he is hearing from local voters is the cost of living. Spearman says he has heard the cost of food and housing are big issues for family budgets.
“Our electricity prices are the highest in the country. We need more low cost wind and solar energy to maintain low prices,” Spearman tells mylethbridgenow.com. “Federal government can assist affordability with financial supports specifically targeting affordable housing.’
When it comes to pressures the current trade war with the U.S. is causing the former Lethbridge mayor says he plans to lean on his 32 years of expierience in the local Agrifood industry and the trade missions he led as mayor. Spearman adds it will be important to diversify the markets and be less reliant on the.United States, something he believes he has the experience to do.
“I have a proven record of being able to work with other levels of government to make sure that Lethbridge gets its fair share of funding. When I was the mayor of Lethbridge, our city achieved $1 billion in new investment for the first time ever. We attracted the new Cavendish Potato Processing plat, expansions took place at Richardson Oilseeds and Pepsi Fritolay. The airport was upgraded, the Bunka centre was built at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, the Yates Centre was renovated [and] the downtown bus terminal was built.”
Another issue Spearman shares is important to the Lethbridge riding is ensuring that coal mining projects do not pollute the Oldman River.
Spearman adds he believes he can be a strong and effective voice for the Lethbridge riding on the government side of the house if the Liberals are to be voted back into power.
As of April 7th the confirmed candidates for the Lethbridge riding include Conservative candidate Rachael Thomas, Federal NDP Candidate Nathan Svoboda, People’s Party of Canada candidate Clara Piedalue, Green Party candidate Amber Murray and Christian Heritage Party of Canada candidate Marc Slingerland.
