Liberal candidate and former two-term Lethbridge mayor Chris Spearman fought a good fight in yesterday’s federal election, but Conservative candidate Rachael Thomas’ stronghold on southern Alberta continues for another four years.
As of 10 p.m. Monday night, Spearman unofficially had 19,164 votes or 32.6 per cent of the vote.
Other candidates in yesterday’s federal election in the Lethbridge riding included 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.
Spearman and supporters gathered at the Multicultural Centre Monday night.
Spearman notes the Lethbridge Liberals knew they had a significant issue with the rural areas outside of Lethbridge. “I wanted to represent the whole area. I think I had something to offer in terms of my past experience and involvement.”
“I think my past experience as mayor was an asset, but clearly there’s a strong base of support for Conservatives in this area and overcoming that was a major challenge,” adds Spearman.
“We really need to change minds. I can think about it over the next few days, but I have no regrets,” he says.
Federally, Spearman says, if the Liberals form a minority government any issue could trigger another election. “The challenge will be increasing divisiveness in a divided Parliament, and we won’t solve the problems we’ve been dealing with for the past four years of increasing negativity, increased partisanship and a lack of willingness to work together.”
According to Spearman, when Parliament works in a way parties are always trying to score political points on each other, “that’s not a healthy situation.”
“It’s not a way parties can solve issues on behalf of Canadians.”
There seemed to be a high level of interest in this year’s federal election, Spearman adds. “We certainly invested in our campaign. We tried to raise awareness. This seemed to be one of the most important elections in Canadian history, in terms of future direction.”
(Photo by Stan Ashbee)
(Photo by Stan Ashbee)
