Candidates for the upcoming Federal Election on Sept. 20, 2021, answered the Pipestone Flyer’s questions to give voters a better idea of who is running for them.
Conservative candidate Mike Lake:
Why do you want to be a local representative for this party?
ML: I have been a Member of Parliament for fifteen years. Originally, in 2006, I decided to run because I was concerned about the fiscal direction the country was moving in under the Liberal government of the day, and the lack of accountability and transparency surrounding virtually everything they did.
Over the past six years, we have seen a return to that style of government, and it is putting the economic future of our kids and grandkids at great risk.
If somebody was to ask you ‘why should I vote for you’ what would you say?
ML: There is nobody who works harder to serve constituents than I do. My experience, both as a Member of Parliament (in government and opposition) and in business with the Edmonton Oilers Hockey Club for a decade before that, has prepared me for the important work ahead of us.
My record is very strong on fighting for my constituency, even in opposition. This year alone, our work has been pivotal in securing key investments at the Edmonton International Airport, on the Nisku Spine Road, in Wetaskiwin to help address persistent homelessness issues, and in many other areas.
When it came to dealing with COVID-19, my team worked relentlessly, with the largest constituency population in Canada, to help constituents first get home in the early days of the pandemic, and then navigate the complex array of programs put in place by the government.
What is your professional political experience and how do you feel it would lend to your time in office if you are elected?
ML: During the Harper-era, I served eight years as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, a key portfolio in one of the most important economic departments in the federal government. In 2012, I was also appointed by Prime Minister Harper to serve on a Cabinet Committee charged with finding ways to return the federal budget to balance after the 2008-2010 global economic crisis. Our small group was ultimately very successful, and that experience will be valuable as we deal with the significant challenges ahead of us as a country.
Which of your party platforms do you feel will impact the local area the most and why?
ML: Alberta has been hit hard economically over the past six years and has been largely ignored by the Trudeau government. Our platform contains an entire section on energy, promising to eliminate both the unfairness of Bill C-69, which has been referred to as the “Anti-Pipelines Bill”, and the shipping ban in British Columbia, which arbitrarily bans Canadian oil and yet inexplicably allows Alaskan crude to be shipped through Canadian waters.
Our detailed plan to get Canadians back to work includes four major initiatives to create jobs: The Canada Job Surge Plan, the Rebuild Main Street Tax Credit, the Canada Investment Accelerator, and the Main Street Business Loan. Details on all these initiatives and many more can be found in “Canada’s Recovery Plan”, our comprehensive election platform at www.conservative.ca.
If elected what are your priorities while in office?
ML: My priority during my many years in Parliament has always been to understand the issues that most affect my constituents and then to advocate powerfully for them. To that end, we have hosted hundreds of two-hour roundtable meetings over the years.
I can then put both my parliamentary and business experience to work in ways that maximize benefit for our constituency, whether advocating for key infrastructure, fairer policies to get our energy to market, or specific constituent concerns on federal issues like seniors programs, CRA, or immigration.
Ultimately, it has been a privilege to serve the people of Edmonton-Wetaskiwin for many years and I would love to have the opportunity to continue our work together.