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A newcomer has entered the race for the riding of Chestermere-Rockyview.
Nathan Salmon, 30, a father, is representing the NDP party in hopes of providing an alternative choice for voters.
ìI didnítí want to get involved until the recent push,î said Salmon. ìÖ Inspired by Jack Layton, I decided I should step up and help make a difference.î
Salmon, originally from Nova Scotia, moved to Calgary in 2003 and has worked in the oil and gas industry since.
Seeking a quieter life for his family, he made the move to Chestermere two years ago.
ìI realized Alberta was the place to be if you are just out of school looking for opportunity,î said Salmon, who received his Bachelor of Business Administration at Acadia University.
Over the pasts several years, Salmon has become disturbed by an increasing cost of living and eroding services for Albertans, despite the high profits reported by the oil and gas sector and other corporations.
But it was a change in circumstance that sparked Salmonís motivation to provide an alternative.
ìWhen I came out west, I found a wife and had a baby and adjusted my perspective to realize there is more to life than getting ahead financially,î he said. ìIf we donít start making changes, the cost of living will be through the roof by the time my son is (grown).î
Salmon is concerned about health care, education and the increasing cost of utilities.
According to Salmon, the NDPís plan to increase the oil and gas royalties and corporate taxes will keep the province successful both now and in the future.
ìHow can you be the richest province in Canada and have social services that are basically static?î said Salmon. ìIt doesnít make sense.î
Salmon said the fear of economic downturn should royalties rates be increased is unwarranted as companies have to go where the commodities are.
ìAlberta is where the resources are,î he said. ìWe are in a safe, stable environment in terms of social and political unrest. There are insane margins there,î said Salmon.
Salmon said he would like to see Alberta use increased corporate tax and royalty revenue to build infrastructure and develop green technology to create jobs and diversify its assets.
ìI look at is as an investment,î he said. ìAlberta has all their eggs in one basket.î
Although he concedes it wonít be an easy fight, Salmon remains optimistic about the upcoming provincial election, when he will be up against Progressive Conservative candidate and former Energy Minister Ted Morton and Wildrose candidate and former television anchor Bruce McAllister.
ìIt is going to be difficult,î said Salmon. ìBut at the same time people are starting to have epiphanies that maybe they have been fooled by those around the province. Stranger things have happened.î
Salmon said the NDPís support in the province is increasing with one in 10 voting for the left-wing party.
ìI know there is NDP support out there,î said Salmon. ìThere are a lot of left-minded people out thereÖ they have typically been silent, but now is the time to get active and make your voice heard.î
For more information, contact Salmon at [email protected]
