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Salesman vying for federal seat

Rob Dunbar aims for Green seat in St. Albert-Edmonton riding
ROB DUNBAR
Rob Dunbar is running for the Green Party in the St. Albert-Edmonton riding.

A former salesman is throwing his hat in the ring for the upcoming federal election.

Rob Dunbar, who is running for the Green Party, is one of six candidates vying for the spot in St. Albert.

Dunbar, who has lived in the Edmonton area for 25 years, said he has been thinking about running for office for a while.

“I guess I've always had that inclination. It just so happened that this was the right time to do it,” Dunbar said.

This is the candidate's first time ever running for political office.

Dunbar said often Liberal and Conservative governments contribute to feelings of western alienation because the base of their votes are in Ontario and Québec. He said because the Green Party doesn’t control how its MPs vote on some issues, that allows members of the riding to have their voice heard more clearly in Ottawa.

“If I get elected, I would actually be able to represent the will of the people of that riding instead of the will of the party,” Dunbar said.

The Edmonton resident said polls are predicting a close race with a possibility of a minority government, which would give a lot of power to those who hold seats in smaller parties like the Green Party.

“We would be able to influence votes in Parliament because a minority government needs the help from other parties to be able to pass bills and get things done.”

Dunbar said the biggest issue facing St. Albert right now is attracting businesses to the community in order to lower property taxes.

Formerly a salesman, Dunbar is in the process of starting up a nonprofit organization to help people experiencing food insecurity.

Dunbar is facing off against five other candidates in the race, including incumbent Conservative MP Michael Cooper.

People's Party of Canada candidate Brigitte Cecelia is representing the party in the riding. Greg Springate will be running for the Liberal Party. Kathleen Mpulubusi will be representing the NDP, and the Veterans Coalition Party Of Canada, a newly formed party, has candidate Robert Bruce Fraser running in the Edmonton-St. Albert riding.

In Sturgeon River-Parkland, Conservative incumbent Dane Lloyd will be looking to earn his seat back after serving half a term. Lloyd won his seat during a byelection after interim leader Rona Ambrose stepped down. Ronald Brochu is running for the Liberal Party, Guy Desforges is running for the NDP, Cass Romyn will be representing the Green Party, Ernest Chauvet is representing the Christian Heritage Party, and Tyler Beauchamp is representing the People's Party of Canada.

The election will be held on Oct. 21.


Jennifer Henderson

About the Author: Jennifer Henderson

Jennifer Henderson is the editor of the St. Albert Gazette and has been with Great West Media since 2015
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