Joseph Schow: UCP candidate for Cardston-Siksika

Before running for office, I had the opportunity to own a small business, giving me first hand experience in what the Alberta dream looks like. For everyday families, seniors and all Albertans, we need a government that is making life better and securing a future for our province that is not leaving our children and grandchildren paying back the debts that were created today. When the NDP were in government, we remember the devastating policies that drove more than 180,000 jobs out of the province, forcing families out of Alberta to find work. Today, the UCP government has demonstrated a commitment to economic policies that are bringing back investments, creating more jobs, ensuring that every individual and family can achieve the Alberta dream. That’s why I am running for the UCP.

Why do you feel that you are the best choice to represent your riding as MLA?

Cardston-Siksika deserves representation that can be a voice for them on a wide range of issues. Whether talking about property rights, education, healthcare, agriculture, affordability, housing, or firearms, this riding needs a voice that can stand up for them. Over my four years in government, I have had the opportunity to welcome a number of ministers into our riding to hear the needs of our area, which has opened up discussions for better local healthcare, more parental choice in education, and more housing for seniors, allowing them to stay in their communities. These discussions will continue when the UCP wins this election, which means the trusted relationships I have built will bring more for Cardston-Siksika.

What types of personal or professional experience do you have that would make you a good MLA?

Through my first four years in elected office, I have had the opportunity to chair committees and serve in leadership positions for Alberta’s government. Most recently, I had the opportunity to serve as the Government House Leader. This role is an important part of the legislative process, as I held responsibilities in helping move bills through in a way that served Albertans best. Prior to my time as MLA, I spent many years working in the private sector in advertising and owning a small business. I have also received a Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University and a masters in Political Management from George Washington University.

What would be your top three priorities if elected?

We know how important healthcare is to have locally. With major strain put on the healthcare system the past few years, we can see the clear need for a better system that supports Albertans. This includes faster response times for rural ambulances, more family doctors, and better services through ungraded infrastructure.

Today’s inflation is directly impacting Albertans, especially seniors and families as they are paying more for their everyday cost of living. This challenge was not created naturally, but is a direct result of the spending and taxes forced on us by Ottawa. While in government, the UCP has balanced multiple budget and brought in billions in surplus dollars. Alberta needs to be a place where families and seniors can thrive without the tax increases of Ottawa, forcing them to struggle to make ends meet.

Many will remember the loss that we suffered as a province while the NDP were in government, losing more than 180,000 jobs, forcing 36,000 people out of Alberta to find work. That is not the Alberta I grew up in. This is a place of opportunity, where anyone should be able to find success. Today, we have more than 100,000 vacant jobs, which is an example of the UCP government’s success in attracting investment. We need to keep moving Alberta forward, rather than going back to the destructive NDP policies.

What else should voters know about you and your campaign?

I have been incredibly honoured to serve Cardston-Siksika in the Legislature, and I am excited to be putting my name forward to do it again. As a father, husband, and local southern Albertan, I want to ensure that our province always remains the best place to raise a family and earn a living. This can’t be done without a provincial government that is willing to stand up for our children, our farmers, our land-owners, our businesses, and anyone else that calls Alberta home. That is my commitment to Cardston-Siksika.

Full election coverage: Alberta Votes 2023

by LNN Staff

Joseph Schow: UCP candidate for Cardston-Siksika

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