Martin Shields has announced his bid for a third term as the Member of Parliament for the Bow River constituency in the upcoming federal election, set for Sept. 20.
In a written statement provided to the Rocky View Weekly, Shields said he’s had the opportunity to work with many individuals in various sectors in the riding, and said these individuals would benefit from the plan the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) has put forth.
“I want to be able to help deliver Bow River riding’s potential across the nation and beyond,” he said via the statement.
Shields touted the Canada Recovery Plan proposed by the Conservatives as “the most comprehensive platform ever,” adding he considers the plan to be “a positive alternative to what the current government has provided for Bow River and Alberta as a whole.”
The MP was first elected to the House of Commons in 2015. He previously served as mayor for the City of Brooks, according to his website. Before entering politics, Shields worked as a teacher and administrator for 30 years and as a university instructor for 20 years.
His website also stated Shields has served on the House of Commons’ committees for environment, heritage, status of women and the Centre Block Rehabilitation Project. He has also served as the vice chair of the CPC-Alberta MP caucus.
Shields’ provided statement explained he believes the CPC platform is the best choice for voters in Bow River because it supports the economy and restores jobs. He also went on to say the Conservative platform supports the resource sector rather than ‘demonizing’ it, and provides people incentives to return to the workforce.
The incumbent indicated he thinks the economy, federal debt, and the desire for a “positive vision, unity and a future” are at the top of voters’ minds this election.
Shields elaborated the Conservatives have a plan to address fiscal concerns and balance the budget within 10 years, while he claimed the Liberal Party has no interest in doing so.
The timing of the election has been a topic of conversation since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called a 36-day snap election on Aug. 15. Shields said many Canadians don’t feel the desire to go to the polls at the moment, adding he has visited several communities during his campaign already, and many have indicated they feel this way.
He also said Trudeau did not take into consideration the major issues that are facing Canadians at the moment, including the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, droughts, and international humanitarian crises, when he called the election.
“The only reason Mr. Trudeau called this election was because he had a personal goal of winning a majority,” Shields said in the statement.
As of press time, four individuals are running against Shields for the title of Bow River MP. Getu Shawile is running under the Liberal Party’s banner, Tom Lipp for the Christian Heritage Party, Jonathan Nicklos Bridges for the People’s Party of Canada and Orrin Bliss for the Maverick Party.
The federal election is set to take place on Sept. 20.
