Looking for a leader: Here's what some residents across N.L. are thinking about this election

Federal election campaigns are in full swing and election day is just under three weeks away.

Leading up to that, CBC News is asking Newfoundlanders and Labradorians what they're looking for in a leader, and what issues they're keeping in mind when they head to the polls. 

Here's what a few had to say.

Labrador

The cost of living is at the front of Seth Penashue's mind. The Sheshatshiu man has an eight-month-old daughter, and wants to know that he can afford tuition, a vehicle and a place to live.

Penashue says he would like to see a prime minister who can stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariffs.

"It doesn't look very good right now," Penashue said, adding that it seems people are "scared" of Trump.

Randy Jarvis, who works at the Northern Store in Sheshatshiu, has similar concerns about how tariffs may impact his community.

"We have to have a strong team in place" to fight tariffs. He said the cost of living is already relatively higher in Labrador than other regions in the province, and he wants a leader that can keep it at bay.

Western Newfoundland

Students Lucas Dawson and Tirzah Bowles say they want empathy in Canada's next leader.

"I'm just hoping that people around me start to wake up a little bit," Dawson told CBC News. 

He said he's tired of hearing arbitrary "talking points" from politicians, as well as a sense of apathy he's noticed from people in the political sphere.

Bowles was in the same boat, adding that they would vote for someone who isn't in the race for power, but because they care about people.

WATCH | People across N.L. sound off on the federal election race so far:

Central Newfoundland

"Health care is a big concern," says Doreen Roberts of Twillingate. "Getting a family doctor, maintaining a family doctor, getting the care that you need is of utmost importance."

Being from a fishing community, Roberts says she's naturally concerned about how the country will respond to tariffs on the seafood industry.

"I think people are going to be watching and listening for how our leaders are responding to what's happening in the U.S. and how it's going to affect our country," she said. "We're in such [a] close relationship with them, it's kind of hard to ignore it."

Chase Bridger isn't old enough to vote yet, but the 16-year-old from Clarenville says it's important that young people stay informed. 

"Every vote counts," he told CBC News.

Bridger says his ideal leader would be someone who can deal with U.S. tariffs, even though he'll be watching from the sidelines during this year's election.

New-Wes-Valley resident Levi Davis has a clear list of issues he wants to see dealt with: housing, the cost of living and unemployment. 

Davis says he wants national issues to be tackled on a local level.

"If we don't stand up for each other, we're divided and conquered," he said. "You can't fall apart when the battle comes."

Eastern Newfoundland

For David Green, one thing is top of mind this election season: his young daughter Abigail.

"Child care still continues to be an issue," Green said. "When she gets older, is there going to be any affordable housing for her?"

On top of that, he's thinking about the cost of food and other essentials, and which candidate will help keep them affordable for his family.

Just after finishing her shopping at the Walmart in Mount Pearl, Grace Fagan told CBC News that she's thinking about the "everyday things" this federal election.

"I'm thinking mostly about seniors, and our rights and our pay, and what's going to happen to us," said Fagan.

Joy Blandon is looking for someone to lead Canada through the current trade war, but she's also looking for someone who will look after people. 

"I think health care is really, really important, starting with dental care," said Blandon. "I also think child care is really important. Not that I have any children or grandchildren, but it's very important for the next generation."

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