The federal election campaign in Delta is well underway, two years ahead of schedule.
Currently holding a minority government, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament on Sunday, triggering the election sending voters to the polls on Sept. 20.
The next federal election had originally been scheduled for 2023.
For weeks, an early election call had been widely speculated and the Delta Conservatives and Greens had already lined up their candidates to take on Liberal incumbent Carla Qualtrough.
First elected in 2015 and re-elected in the 2019 election, Qualtrough faces the Conservatives Garry Shearer and Green candidate Jeremy Smith.
As of the Optimist’s print deadline, there was no word from the New Democrats who their candidate will be in Delta.
Qualtrough told the Optimist the past year-and-a half has been difficult with COVID-19 as non-profits and small businesses have been significantly impacted.
“Many Delta families have faced unemployment, personal loss and financial uncertainty. I heard time and again that Delta families, seniors and businesses are grateful for the supports they have been receiving during the pandemic from the Government of Canada,” she said.
Going into this election, Deltans are focused on the future, said Qualtrough.
“They are focused on finishing the fight against COVID here in Canada and around the world, and on addressing the gaps in our health care system,” she said. “They are focused on getting the economy going again through job creation and growth, and they are focused on addressing affordability, including childcare, housing, and transit, so that everyone can succeed and prosper. They want movement on key infrastructure projects, including the George Massey Tunnel replacement. They are also concerned about the impacts of climate change and about preserving the agricultural land and natural spaces in Delta.”
Until recently the executive director of the Delta Chamber of Commerce, Shearer said he is running to continue his long-standing record of community service.
“My wife, Colleen, and I have deep ties to Delta, having lived and raised a family here since 1982. I am a tireless advocate for Delta’s business community and I understand the needs of families in Delta,” said Shearer. “My demonstrated experience makes me ideally suited to support Canada’s economic recovery efforts as Member of Parliament for Delta, bringing bold, new ideas and a plan to secure jobs and get our economy back on track.”
The Optimist has reached out to the Greens and is waiting to hear back from Smith for a comment.
His bio on the party’s website notes he and his family chose to live in North Delta because it offered cultural diversity and a safe and friendly place to raise a family.
Over the past two decades, he has worked in the waste recovery business where he was part of a team that brought oil container recycling and antifreeze recycling to the province, the bio states.
“Through this work experience and mentorship, Jeremy learned the value of recycling, building relationships and pushing himself out of his comfort zone.”
