Once again running for the Conservative Party of Canada, federal MP candidate Mike Lake, 46, is hoping to add another term to the 10 years he had already served as a member of parliament.
Lake was first elected in 2006, then again in 2008 and 2011.
He first became interested in politics when he saw a need for better accountability. “I’m pretty conservative, fiscally. I think what I saw was a need for better stewardship of taxpayers dollars at the federal level.”
“What still drives me at this point is the need to balance our budget,” he added.
In the MP position, Lake is focusing on maintaining a high standard of living in Canada and keeping a competitive edge when it comes to trading.
Lake feels what sets him apart from the other candidates is the amount of experience he can bring to the table. “I do have experience, significant experience.”
In the last three years he has also sat on a cabinet committee tasked with balancing the budget.
Lake says he has also hosted over 300 round table conversations with constituents, “Making sure everybody has a voice, not just the ones that voted for me.”
Lake also grew up in the area, which is why he chose to serve in the Edmonton-Wetaskiwin riding after a change in electoral district borders split his old area. He says it feels like coming home. “It’s very familiar territory for me.”
Serving as MP is a full time passion and career for Lake, and something he enjoys investing the time in. “It’s a lifestyle.”
However, in his “past life” Lake worked for the Oilers franchise.
As the campaign has progressed Lake says there are a number of significant issues rising to the top of most people’s lists.
“Certainly the economy has been the issue that’s been discussed the most,” said Lake.
The international refugee crisis is another hot topic. “We want to make sure we have a balanced approach,” said Lake.
He feels it is important for Canada to maintain a balance between military and humanitarian efforts.
While Canada has always played its part globally, says Lake, security needs to remain a priority also. He believes countries fast-tracking or airlifting refugees are sacrificing their due diligence when it comes to security.