In Lethbridge, a former mayor challenges long-time Conservative incumbent
Riding claimed by conservative parties in federal elections for more than 9 decades
The Lethbridge federal riding hasn't exactly been a nail-biter on election night in recent years.
Since first winning in 2015, Conservative MP Rachael Thomas has cruised to re-election in every contest, reliably capturing between 55 and 66 per cent of the vote and leaving little doubt about the riding's political leanings.
In fact, though the riding boundaries and political parties have evolved over the years, one has to go back nearly a century to find the last time a progressive politician represented the area — Lincoln Henry Jelliff, who represented the area in the 1920s for the Progressive Party of Canada and the United Farmers of Alberta.
The seat has long been considered safe for the Conservatives, and Thomas could secure her fourth consecutive term. Despite that, this year's contest has drawn some increased attention, largely due to the entry of a former two-term mayor of Lethbridge on the Liberal ticket.
"It's interesting [to] see Chris Spearman, the former mayor, running for the Liberals. This is probably the 'biggest' named candidate to ever run for the Liberals in that riding," said pollster Janet Brown in an email.
"And the Liberals may see a big increase in their vote under Spearman. But it's hard to imagine he could actually win against a long-sitting incumbent."
Shannon Phillips, a former provincial NDP MLA for Lethbridge-West and a former Alberta environment minister, recently endorsed Spearman, writing on Instagram that she had "never been much of a federal Liberal."
"But, as I get older, I've come to understand the real value of friendship, especially when it goes beyond party lines. One of my treasured friendships is with Chris Spearman," she wrote, emphasizing that he had an ability to deliver on key policies, in her view.
That endorsement quickly drew the attention of the United Conservative Party, who characterized it as being emblematic of the "deep and growing alliance between the Alberta NDP and the Trudeau-Carney Liberals."
"The kicker and the question is: Why are the federal NDPs even running candidates? It looks like they have zero support from their provincial members," reads a statement attributed to chief government whip Shane Getson.
Rounding out the race in the riding is NDP candidate Nathan Svoboda, Green Party candidate Amber Murray and People's Party of Canada candidate Clara Piedalue.
A mix of priorities
Located in southern Alberta, the federal riding of Lethbridge includes the city of Lethbridge as well as surrounding rural areas, along with the communities of Coaldale, Picture Butte and Nobleford. It contains a mix of urban and rural priorities, including post-secondary education, agriculture and energy development.
CBC News recently visited the agricultural exhibition in Lethbridge, several weeks before the election was called. The cost of living, cutting taxes and tariffs were big subjects of conversation at Ag Expo.
Though the riding has long been reliably conservative at the federal level, the city of Lethbridge has seen its provincial ridings more open to progressive parties like the Alberta NDP.
WATCH | How agriculture workers in Lethbridge feel about the election | What Matters
Kelti Baird co-owns a brewery in Lethbridge. She said issues like the fentanyl crisis, homelessness and a renewed push for coal mining in the region are pressing concerns that federal candidates should address.
"It would be of great concern to local people to make sure that whoever is getting elected supports housing initiatives and speedy builds for safe and supportive housing for those who need it," Baird said.
Lars Hallstrom is a professor of political science at the University of Lethbridge and director of the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy. He said this federal election in the Lethbridge riding is more interesting than usual, given local concern about national issues.
"People have a sense that we're in a bit of a different international landscape, and are [wondering] what the implications will be for those smaller communities, especially down here in the south," Hallstrom said.
Trade, the threat of tariffs, agriculture, drought, housing and coal mining could all be local factors in the election, he added.
Candidates hit the trail
Thomas, who was named shadow minister for Canadian Heritage in October 2022, launched her re-election campaign in Lethbridge on March 25. She said by far, the number one issue she's hearing while knocking on doors is the cost of living.
"They want to see prices on their groceries come down, they want to see their rent come down. They want to be able to afford a home, especially young people," Thomas said.
"Folks want to be able to know that they can pay their heating bill without having to stress over it. As Conservatives, we are committed to making sure that life does become more affordable for Canadians."
She added she's also hearing concerns around addressing crime in the community and developing the energy sector.
Spearman, the former Lethbridge mayor, said his experience as mayor suggested he would be successful in bringing federal funding and economic development to the region.
He added he believed he could appeal to both progressives and progressive-conservative voters, especially those upset with the current direction of the province, including around coal mining.
"All indications are the Liberals are going to win this election. And if the Liberals win this election, Lethbridge would be well-placed to have a Liberal representing them who can go credibly into the government and speak to the ministers and say, 'This has to stop,'" he said.
Svoboda, the NDP candidate in the riding, works with Recovery Alberta as a paramedic. He has volunteered with Streets Alive, the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen and the Sage Clan, a community patrol group that helps the homeless.
He said he's focused on the cost-of-living crisis, the opioid crisis and homelessness, and protecting Lethbridge's agricultural industry and water supply.
"I see Lethbridge as a very diverse community with such a diverse demographic that are united in our shared values," he said. "I believe those shared values are affordability, addressing the unhoused population and opioid crisis, and how we can support them in that."
Murray, the Green Party candidate, has a background in land management and design.
She said she felt it was time for her to stand up for her community and protect the environment, especially when it came to water and local ecology, being particularly concerned about coal mining.
She also said she's passionate about electoral reform and about provincial policies that she views as restricting the rights of transgender and non-binary youth.
"I talk to a lot of young people who just want to burn it all down, and that makes me scared as a parent," Murray said.
Murray said she believes it's time for proportional representation, which would allow for smaller parties like the Green Party to participate in challenging conversations.
Piedalue, the People's Party of Canada candidate, said she entered the race because of her history working with small businesses.
"I really want to represent business owners that have been burned by the government," she said.
Piedalue said the cost of living and the drug crisis were big issues in the local community. She added that Albertans who were in favour of separatism should consider voting for her party.
"Our platform is different. We believe in ending government overreach and bringing power, restoring power back to the provinces and getting the government out of everyone's hair," she said.
The federal election will take place on April 28.
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