The new federal riding of Lakeland has a declared candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada.
Shannon Stubbs from the Vegreville area will represent the party in the new riding after beating out Terry James from the Two Hills area in a vote held Dec. 19.
Athabasca’s Lewis Semashkewich had thrown his name into the race this summer, but following a lengthy process, he was abruptly told in late November that his application to run for the nomination was denied.
Monty Bauer, president of the Lakeland Conservative Party Association, confirmed the fact Semashkewich’s application was denied. However, in keeping with party policy, declined to provide any further comment or give any specifics as to why it was denied.
In addition, when Semashkewich was approached on Dec. 18, he declined to speak on any issues he had with the process, stating only, “I just simply want to move on with things and let this slide.”
Stubbs, who is married to Wildrose MLA Shane Saskiw, is more than grateful for all of the support the party members have shown her during the campaign and in selecting her as their candidate.
“It was very exciting to see so many people get involved to participate in the nomination, to renew our party, to get engaged locally and to make an impact nationally,” Stubbs explained in an interview last Friday.
“It was rewarding to establish relationships with and receive the support of so many municipal, business and community leaders across the riding. I look forward to continuing to work with them and to make the case to the voters of Lakeland that I can best represent our shared values and our region’s economic interests.
Stubbs biggest challenge will be letting voters know who she is, since the newly created riding that encompasses portions of three current ridings and stretches from Athabasca to St. Paul to the Saskatchewan border, then down to include Thorhild, Vermilion and Lloydminster.
While she has travelled to many areas of the riding, Stubbs is committed to continuing to reach out everyone before the election is called in order to remain aware of their priorities and concerns.
“The constituency is vast geographically and I am committed to being present and accessible in all areas of Lakeland,” she stated.
“It is a lot of miles to cover and a lot of hours on the road. I will work hard to earn the confidence and trust of the majority of voters in Lakeland.”
Stubbs garnered 2,200 votes to win the nomination with a rather large group supporting her campaign, something she at least in part attributes to her victory.
“My team was amazing. We ran a serious, professional, full frontal campaign and so many volunteers got involved. They gave their time, their support, their donations and involved their families, friends and contacts, so our support base grew exponentially,” Stubbs explained.
She added that her focus on issues and values that are shared across the mostly rural riding – such as energy and agriculture – made it easy for party members to agree with her.
“I believe Lakeland is the most important economic region in the country, that contributes so much through products, revenue and employment in Alberta and right across Canada,” she stated.
“I am thankful that Conservative members agreed that my rural roots combined with my diverse professional experience, including a focus on oil sands and heavy oil and advocacy for investment in skilled trades education, makes me a strong advocate for our riding.”
And the riding means a lot to Stubbs, who has resided in the area most of her life and been involved in the party going back to the era of former Elk Island MP Ken Epp.
“It means a great deal to me,” she said.
“I volunteered with Epp and worked for Deb Grey for a number of years. Deb first inspired me to get involved in politics and I have been lucky that she became a boss, mentor and continues to be a good friend.”
Stubbs added, “The people are the most important part of politics. Voters are your boss, don’t say you know an answer when you don’t, don’t pretend and be yourself.”
It is anticipated that the next federal election will be called for this coming October.
