The Alberta Liberals have named their candidate in the race for the Spruce Grove-St. Albert riding.
Cpl. Chris Austin, a military police officer at the Edmonton Garrison, will carry the party’s banner in the next campaign. Austin said he wanted to get into the race to increase the level of services, which he argues has suffered under the Progressive Conservatives.
“They have been in power for 40 years and we have seen a decline in services over those 40 years and our communities need to have more support.”
Austin argues more and more services like health clinics and counselling have been concentrated in Edmonton, leaving places like Spruce Grove and St. Albert without.
A 12-year member of the military and father of three, this is not Austin’s first run for office having run twice for the federal Liberal party in the Edmonton-Spruce Grove riding. Austin lost both of those contests to current cabinet minister Rona Ambrose.
Austin said those races taught him a lot about campaigning. He said the provincial race is much closer and with the potential of vote splitting on the right, he believes he has a real chance at the seat.
“At this point it is anybody’s game and I think the Liberal party is the best choice.”
Austin said party leader Raj Sherman asked him to consider a bid and he gladly accepted the challenge. He said he is impressed with the party’s platform. The party’s plan to raise taxes on people making more than $100,000, as well as corporations, makes sense because it ensures prosperity for everyone along with a balanced budget.
“I think that is only right that there is an equal balance,” he said “It would be nice to see corporations give more back to the communities.”
To achieve a balanced budget, the Wildrose would cut back on services while the Tories’ plans just don’t add up, Austin argues.
“You are either going to have a lot of money being spent and a lot of deficits or you are going to have people out of work, so I think the only logical choice is the Liberals.”
The party has previously held the seat and Austin said he believes he will have a lot of support to try to take it back.
“I have a lot of people who are wanting to help me. I have a lot of volunteers who are ready, willing and able to put up signs and knock on doors.”
Austin joins current Progressive Conservative MLA Doug Horner, NDP candidate Rev. J.J. Trudeau and Wildrose candidate Travis Hughes in the race.
The riding includes the part of St. Albert north of McKenney Avenue and west of St. Albert Trail.
