Ed Fast, the Conservative candidate in the Abbotsford riding, sat down with The News for an interview Monday.
We asked Fast about house prices, climate change, and his party’s leadership..
He also responded to a written questionnaire about his priorities and suitability for office. Find both below. For information on the boundary of the major local ridings, and information on other local candidates, click here.
1. Why are you personally running to be a member of Parliament?
I love Abbotsford and its people. As a 37-year resident of our community, and with my 28 years of experience as city councillor, school board trustee, MP and cabinet minister, I believe I am still the best person to promote Abbotsford’s and Canada’s interests in Ottawa. Additionally, during my 14 years as MP, I delivered infrastructure funding for the McCallum Rd. and Clearbrook Rd. interchanges, Mt. Lehman Rd. widening to the airport, Mission Bridge and JAMES sewage treatment plant improvements, and $6 million for Abbotsford’s gang crime prevention program. My next priority will be to widen Hwy 1 between Abbotsford and Langley.
2. What skills and attributes do you have that would make you a good elected representative for your constituents?
I am a skilled relationship builder, an experienced parliamentarian, and have a proven record of delivering infrastructure & services for our community. The skills I honed as Canada’s trade minister in negotiating trade agreements will help me play my part in restoring competency and public trust under a Conservative government.
3. What are the two biggest issues for your constituents in Abbotsford and how will you and/or your party address them?
Affordability: We have a plan to reduce the pressure on housing prices and make it easier to qualify for mortgages; deliver a universal tax cut and a seniors tax cut; provide tax incentives to take public transit; and make parental benefits tax-free. It’s time for Canadians to get ahead.
Violent gang crime is taking too many young lives. Our former Conservative government gave $6 million to Abbotsford to keep youth from falling into gangs. The Liberals refused to extend the program. I will work tirelessly to restore that funding and to toughen prison sentences for gun crimes.
Video interviews/questionnaire answers
Abbotsford
Aeriol Alderking - Christian Heritage Party
• • •
Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon