A long history of community activism has motivated Calgary-based paramedic, Pete Helfrich, 42, to run as the Liberal candidate in the Banff-Cochrane riding.
ìMy community involvement has always been politically-based,î said Helfrich. ìI have always been involved in some regard with local community and environmental issues.î
Raised in Bragg Creek, Helfrich attended Springbank High School before going to SAIT where he earned his paramedic qualification. He has been working in the industry for nearly 20 years.
During that time he was heavily involved with the Free Tibet and Peace Calgary movements, as well as the Alberta College of Paramedics and the Alberta Wilderness Association.
But it was the transition following Alberta Health Serviceís take over of the EMS system across the province, that rocketed his activism to the next level.
ìI went up to Edmonton toÖ help them understand how this provincial take-over was badly affecting EMS service,î said Helfrich. ìI was never naive to their rhetorical, flippant disregard, but seeing it first hand was kind of shocking and that definitely motivated me.î
Helfrich, whose family homesteaded in the Cochrane area, says he is well acquainted with the riding, having spent hours in the backcountry climbing, hiking and riding.
ìThat is where my home is,î he said. ìIt is kind of spiritual for me.î
Helfrich feels his unique understanding of the diverse riding, along with his background in healthcare, his travels and his ability to deal with difficult situations make him a good man for the job.
ìI am not afraid to have dialogue,î he said. ìTo talk and to explore different ideas and I think that is what people need. I donít view myself as a leader, I see myself as a representative.î
Key issues for Helfrich include a lack of seniors housing, opposing logging in the Kananaskis, promotion of tourism, quality and quantity of water and the environmental impact of the oil sands. On all fronts, the perceived apathy of the government is astounding, according to Helfrich.
ìWhat it shows is just a lack of government that is willing to step up and have the difficult communication with people in order to create a working, amicable plan that people can live with,î said Helfrich. ìPeople are opposed to the fact that the government doesnít mandate more of an open, transparent process so that people can have their say.î
Helfrich chose the Liberals because he appreciates leader Raj Shermanís approach and is happy with the partyís platform.
ìLife is not black and whiteÖ life is about finding a middle way, a balance, that is why I like the Liberal party,î he said.
Helfrich will be up against candidates including Tom Copithorne of the Wildrose, PC Ron Casey, and Jamie Kleinsteuber of the NDP.
Despite the competition, Helfrich is optimistic about his chances.
ìWe are working hard right now and I think if we continue working hardÖ the people of Banff-Cochrane are going to consider voting for an alternative this time,î he said.
For more information about Helfrich, visit www.electpete.ca
