Nathan Svoboda is running for the NDP in Lethbridge in the 2025 federal election. (Photo: Nathan Svoboda)

By David Opinko

Nathan Svoboda looks to become Lethbridge’s first-ever NDP MP

Mar 27, 2025 | 7:00 AM

The New Democrats have announced their candidate for Lethbridge in the federal election.

Nathan Svoboda says he wanted to run with the NDP because they are fighters, not talkers.

He told LNN that he was inspired to join them after seeing them get real results for Canadians, like pharmacare and dental care coverage, despite not being the governing party.

“We have fought, no matter what position we’re in and we’ve gotten results. We will continue to advocate for Lethbridge and Canadians,” says Svoboda.

The Lethbridge man works with Recovery Alberta supporting harm reduction efforts and has volunteered with groups like the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, Streets Alive Mission, Sage Clan, and community youth programs in Coaldale.

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“This has been a very natural… next step in that advocacy, to take my passion and bring it into action and be the type of person who’s willing to be rooted in Lethbridge and advocate for it.”

A recent report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce showed that the Lethbridge area exports over $2 billion worth of goods every year, more than 90 per cent of which goes to the United States.

READ MORE: Lethbridge would be among the hardest-hit Canadian cities from tariffs: report

Given that, Svoboda believes maintaining a strong response to the U.S. through reciprocal tariffs is crucial. He says all of Canada’s major parties agree on that but feels the NDP is different in some ways.

“What’s unique about the New Democrats compared to other parties is that we are also so focused on protecting everyday workers. It’s more than just build and buy Canadian, because that’s not going to be able to protect everyone,” says Svoboda.

For Canadians who are laid off or have their hours reduced, he says he wants to increase employment insurance (EI) payments and eliminate the waiting period, and create work share programs with businesses.

The federal election is set to be held on April 28, 2025.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Conservative Rachael Thomas announces re-election campaign

READ MORE: Chris Spearman named federal Liberal candidate for Lethbridge

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

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