Chris Spearman has been announced as Lethbridge's Liberal candidate in the 2025 federal election. (Photo: Chris Spearman)

By David Opinko

updated with additional comments

Chris Spearman named federal Liberal candidate for Lethbridge

Mar 23, 2025 | 8:47 PM

A former mayor of Lethbridge is looking to become the city’s first Liberal Member of Parliament (MP).

Chris Spearman won the candidacy for the Liberal Party of Canada by acclamation on Sunday, March 23, 2025.

He served as Lethbridge’s mayor for two terms between 2013 and 2021 and, for 18 years, was a trustee of the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division.

“I think I have served this city well, I’ve always been open to the media for questions and I’ve been open to the public for questions. There have been great issues and there have been challenging issues, so I think the first thing I offer is transparency and openness as a potential MP,” says Spearman.

During his tenure as mayor, Spearman says the city attracted more than $1 billion in new investments for the first time in its history, including the Cavendish Farms factory, major expansions at Richardson Oilseeds and [PepsiCo Frito-Lay] and the Science Commons facility at the University of Lethbridge.

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He cited Alberta Premier Danielle Smith as one of his “prime motivators” for running in the election, stating that she and federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre have shown a lack of accountability to the public, especially the media.

Spearman says things are not much different for Lethbridge’s current MP.

“Rachael Thomas has been the federal [Conservative] MP for 10 years, and basically, was not even an asset in any of the things we accomplished when I was mayor,” says Spearman.

Since leaving municipal politics, Spearman spearheaded a campaign opposed to creating new coal mines in Crowsnest Pass.

Spearman tells LNN that the environmental harm caused by the potential leakage of selenium into the Oldman River Watershed outweighs the economic benefits of the proposed steelmaking coal mines.

He says blocking the creation of new mines would be one of his top priorities if elected. His other priorities include ensuring Lethbridge gets more services and promoting economic diversification.

The public can stay up to date with Spearman and his campaign on the Chris Spearman – Lethbridge Liberal Federal Candidate 2025 Facebook page.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Mark Carney called the federal election on April 28, 2025.

READ MORE: Mark Carney calls five-week federal election, with vote on April 28

Clara Piedalue has already been confirmed as the People’s Party of Canada’s candidate for Lethbridge.

Conservative incumbent Rachael Thomas is expected to announce a re-election campaign on Tuesday.

READ MORE: Clara Piedalue running for People’s Party of Canada in Lethbridge