The Liberal Party candidate for the Foothills riding says if elected he will be working towards unity and fairness over competing interests for economic growth, environmental leadership and social justice.
John Bruinsma says what he is hearing while door knocking is the concern residents in the riding have about the US tariffs that are threatening jobs not just in the province but across the country. He adds in the more urban communities he is also hearing significant concerns on housing availability and affordability for the average person, for someone who has a low income and seniors.
“Constituents are informed of who Mark Carney is and generally acknowledge that Mark Carney has a good background and the experience to tackle the economic crisis,” Bruinsma says. “When explained that generally housing is under provincial jurisdiction and that Federal Government significant support to housing is restricted to provincial approval processes, they ask why the province and the Federal Government can’t work to together better to address this issue.”
The candidate tells mylethbridgenow.com that dealing with the housing crisis requires immediate and transformative action. Bruinsma explains Liberal Party Leader Mark Carney has proposed doubling current construction rates and building 4 million homes using innovative methods such as modular housing. Following this plan will reportedly increase private investment and expand skilled workforce training.
“Carney emphasizes cooperation among all government levels, pledging federal action to remove obstacles. Eliminating GST on homes under $1 million will support first-time buyers. Investments in Indigenous housing, sustainable materials, and doubling non-profit and cooperative housing funding are key priorities for affordability, sustainability, and inclusion.”
“Housing affordability is worsening in urban Alberta, with rising rents straining families and seniors due to scarce housing supply… I would advocate to improve food security, worsened by rural isolation and high costs.”
When it comes to concerns about the U.S. tariffs, Bruinsma says they are a threat to Canada that will have lasting repercussions. The concerns from this crisis is what drove Bruinsma to throw his hat into the political ring, as he hopes to “with a Carney-led government to mitigate any economic coercion from United States.”
“I am reminded of JFK saying: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’. With an impending crisis, Albertans and all Canadians can contribute to supporting each other and assisting in making Canada Strong. These can be simple things like purchasing local made products and supporting domestic agriculture.”
“I believe that the tariffs may have a profound effect on the already vulnerable and disadvantaged population in our riding and I would work hard to protect the social programs that support them. I fully support Mark Carney’s Tariff plans.”
He adds these plans include improving transport infrastructure and covered ports for grain and pulse producers, diversifying global trade for beef producers, Right to Repair and an energy corridor to bring products to other markets,. While doing this he says there will be clear communication to Albertans about how tariffs and complementary climate policies align with environmental stewardship and Canada’s global commitments, which is important to the region’s trade position.
As of April 7th, along with Bruinsma other confirmed candidates include People’s Party of Canada candidate Paul O’Halloran and incumbent Conservative candidate John Barlow.
