With the federal election now just a few weeks away, Getu Shawile is putting his name in the ring, with hopes of securing the Bow River riding for the Liberal Party on Sept. 20.
“I am running because I believe in the people in this riding and understand the strength of diversity in any community,” he said.
Shawile immigrated to Canada from Ethiopia as a teenager, and said much of his adult life has been spent in the prairies.
“I understand the importance of the agricultural sector and the positive change and benefits that comes from hard work,” he said.
During his years as a young adult, Shawile spent time in Saskatchewan. He received two degrees from the University of Saskatchewan, one in civil engineering, and the other in economics.
According to Shawile, he recognizes the stakes are high in this election, and he’s motivated to broaden voters' perspectives and ensure a strong and sustainable future for Alberta.
“I also recognized that politicians are not always listening to the people they represent,” he said. “People are looking for better leadership that will do what is best for them and bring awareness to the strength of diversity in our community.”
As a professional engineer by day in both the public and private sectors, Shawile said throughout his life, he has seen the importance of a “supportive and educated voice that fights and rallies for the people.”
“I have seen immense change that comes from the advocacy within a community,” he said. “I'll be bringing that tenacious attitude to represent Albertans in Ottawa that I feel is missing right now. When I'm elected, this historical outcome will spotlight the various industries that are within this riding on a world stage for economic benefit as a whole.”
As a Liberal Party candidate, Shawile said Bow River constituents should vote for him and his party because it’s better equipped to get people out of the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added the Liberal government has played an ever-important role in the lives of Canadians throughout the pandemic, providing financial support for individuals and businesses while leading the world in COVID-19 vaccine procurement.
“The worst is behind us already,” he said. “I believe that the Liberal Party has displayed the upper hand in mitigating this pandemic and platform that moves Canadians forward.”
A more accessible child-care benefit for families, more investments in health care, and support for entrepreneurs and business owners are some of the Liberal Party's campaign promises Shawile feels are important to stress to voters throughout the campaign.
He added his work experience as an engineer has taught him to be a responsive listener who evaluates a situation and concentrates on the root cause of issues.
“I plan to act as an active Member of Parliament and create motivation that indeed will help create positive benefits for everyone,” he said. “[I want to be] a sounding board for all concerns, different choices or options to better suit community needs.
“Albertans are resilient and so they will show the world anything is possible breaking the Conservative Party entitlements of voters for new changes, and fresher heads to build better.”
There are five candidates in the running for the Bow River seat; incumbent candidate Martin Shields, who is running for the Conservative Party; Orrin Bliss, who is running for the Maverick Party; Tom Lipp, who is running for the Christian Heritage Party; and Jonathan Nicklos Bridges, who is representing the People’s Party of Canada. Shields has been the riding’s MP for the last two terms.
Shawile said he is the best candidate for the Bow River riding because he presents a fresh perspective.
“I am extremely energetic, I am able to listen to our community needs and be relatable to others on many levels,” he said. “Your vote is an honor to me.”
For more information on Shawile, visit getushawile.liberal.ca or visit his Facebook page.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
