Louisa Gwin is running for the NDP in Bow River in the 2025 federal election. (Photo: Light Delight Photography)

By David Opinko

Louisa Gwin running for NDP in Bow River

Apr 3, 2025 | 7:00 AM

The New Democrats have chosen their candidate for the Bow River riding in southern Alberta.

Louisa Gwin looks to become the riding’s first MP following the 2025 federal election.

She provided the following answers to LNN in a questionnaire.

Why did you want to run in the 2025 federal election?

This is my first time running as a candidate, and I never imagined I’d be doing this. I have been watching what’s happening to our American friends has been a wake-up call. It’s appalling, and I can’t shake the fear that a Conservative government here would implement those same dangerous policies in Canada. There are just too many red flags from the Conservative Party to ignore. So, I’m following my heart and stepping up because I can’t just sit back and hope everything will be okay. I have two young daughters, and the thought of their rights being stripped away terrifies me. We’re already seeing it happen to women in the U.S. I refuse to wait and see if it happens here too. This fight is too important, and I’m ready to stand up for Canada’s future, our children’s future.

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: February 10-16, 2025

Feb 10, 2025

Why did you choose to run for the NDP?

I’ve always been a proud NDP supporter because this party truly stands for working people; built by workers, for workers. The NDP isn’t about handing out tax breaks to billionaires or making the rich even richer. We believe in making sure the wealthiest individuals and big corporations pay their fair share, so every Canadian has a fair shot at a good life.

Unlike other parties, we’re not in politics to cut backroom deals or cash in—we don’t need that. When we fight for better wages, affordable housing, and strong public services, we’re fighting for ourselves too, because the NDP is made up of everyday working people, from the grassroots to the leadership.

What personal or professional experience do you have that you feel would make you a good MP?

I’ve always been the kind of person who stands up against injustice and bullies, even if it means standing alone. I’ve lost friends over it, but I’ve never backed down from calling out discrimination when I see it. One of my deep core values is truth. I am the type of friend who will tell you what you NEED to hear, not what you WANT to hear.

As a woman in construction, an industry where women are still underrepresented, I know what it means to fight to be heard. I started as an apprentice electrician and worked my way up to a Commercial Construction Estimator. In a male-dominated field, I’ve learned to speak with confidence and take on challenges head-on. My experience estimating and building budgets for entire construction projects has given me a strong understanding of financial planning and accountability.

I’m also a passionate advocate for workplace safety. I played a key role in my company becoming COR-certified because I’ve seen the consequences of unsafe working conditions firsthand. My father’s career was cut short by a life-threatening work injury, and I lost a lifelong friend in a tragic accident. Every worker deserves to come home safe at the end of the day, and I will always fight to make that a reality.

What would be a few of your top priorities if elected?

Cost of living! No one working a full-time job in Canada should be struggling to support themselves or their family.

With just 25 elected MPs, the NDP has already delivered real wins for Canadians, including:

• Two GST top-ups
• A national childcare program
• A dental care program for Canadians earning under $90,000
• Pharmacare legislation for prescription drug coverage But we’re just getting started! Here’s what we want to do next:
• Scrap the GST on essentials like groceries, restaurant meals, diapers, kids’ clothes, phone and internet bills, and home heating
• Put price caps on basic groceries so everyone can afford to put dinner on the table
• Expand dental care and make more life-saving prescription drugs free
• Increase seniors’ benefits
• Invest in non-market and social housing, support housing cooperatives, and work with provinces to implement rent control
• Fix EI—eliminating the one-week waiting period and increasing weekly minimum payments

It’s exciting to imagine what the NDP would do with more voices in Parliament. We can build a Canada where working people, not billionaires and big corporations, come first.

Where can people learn more about you and your platform?

You can go to NDP.ca/team, My Facebook page “Louisa Gwin NDP” or email me at louisa.gwin@ndp.ca

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Stay informed and pay attention to the actions of all parties. Words are easy, but real change comes from action. Many parties make big promises but vote against the very things they claim to support. Look up their voting records, see what they’ve actually stood for and what they’ve stood against.

Most importantly, make sure you vote. This is your chance to have your say. Follow your heart and vote for the change you want to see

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.