Harder calls election decision unnecessary and hypocritical

“He is going in the opposite direction of what he has advocated for [over] the last 17 months and so, it would tell me – and I think it tells all Canadians – that he is simply being opportunistic rather than showing good leadership, and that’s sad.”

Opposition leaders have called the election reckless. Harder pointed out that families are gearing up to get their children back in school next month, and an election will just lead to more uncertainty on top of the pandemic.

“Families have had to deal with these things for 17 months. They’re tired. They want hope, they want a future, they want a unified Canada working towards a positive outcome. This is not a time to call an election.”

CANADA’S RECOVERY PLAN

On Monday, federal Conservative leader Erin O’Toole announced Canada’s Recovery Plan, his party’s strategy to help the country recover from COVID-19. Harder believes Canadians want to know what the hope is for the future.

She remarked that, “ultimately, as Conservatives, we’re saying [that] the hope we have for our future is actually found in the greatness of Canadians. They’re incredibly innovative, incredibly creative, incredibly intelligent, so let’s unleash the power within Canadians, let’s unleash the potential that exists within Canadians.”

“Let’s make sure that they’re the problem-solvers and the solution-makers and the wealth-generators. Let’s build a vibrant future together.”

Harder stated that, “Trudeau is committed to pitting one region against another, one people group against another, he’s very much wanting to put Canada in this place of great division.”

“Instead, our focus should be on a united effort going forward, making sure that our economy stays strong, making sure that life is affordable, making sure that Canadians are a part of building a vibrant country that we can all be proud of.”

She noted that the country is filled with “brilliant minds”, pointing out the importance and rise of the tech sector in Canada.

Harder said, “under the current government, Trudeau has created a very hostile environment to business, so these tech startups are often selling off to multi-nationals. Well, let’s not do that.”

“Instead, let’s encourage those businesses to stay, let’s continue to make a country that is welcoming and inviting to business. If we can do that, we can great jobs, we can bring the economy back to a roaring place and ultimately, we can build a strong Canada for every single Canadian.”

BOOTS ON THE GROUND

Harder told LNN that her commitment at the local level is to make sure that, “I continue to keep my boots on the ground and listen to the people of Lethbridge.”

She also wants to maintain a unity between the rural and urban community.

“Obviously, I represent the [Lethbridge] County, which is a lot of farmers and producers, and then I represent the City [of Lethbridge], so there’s needs within the urban centre as well and I want to make sure that we’re unified – that we understand that we support one another and that we actually have advantages to offer to each.”

“I want to make sure that I understand the concerns of those that are attending the [Lethbridge] College and attending the University [of Lethbridge]. I want to make sure I understand the concerns of those both within the private and the public sector.”

Harder concluded that she’s always available for meeting and phone calls with constituents, saying, “I’ve done quite a bit of door knocking already but of course, those things will continue throughout the election and I look forward to connecting with people at debates and forums and community events.”

“We’ve got six weeks, so my team and I are going to be working really hard and putting our best effort forward.”

Voters head to the polls across Canada on September 20, 2021.

by Justin Goulet

Harder calls election decision unnecessary and hypocritical

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