The Moose Jaw Express/MooseJawToday.com have sent out a questionnaire to each of the candidates in the Moose Jaw — Lake Centre — Lanigan riding. Candidates have also been asked to provide a short video introducing themselves. We will be publishing these results in order they were received.
Name: Talon Regent
Age: 30
Running for: New Democratic Party of Canada
Profession: Lawyer
Currently residing in (city or neighbourhood): Moose Jaw
Who is your political hero?
Jack Layton
What inspired you to enter the election race?
Liberal and Conservative governments consistently abandoning Canadians in favour of ultra-wealthy corporations.
What topics are most important to you in this federal election?
- Eliminating for-profit care homes. When executives must choose between their profits and the vulnerable people in their care, they will choose profit every time.
- Implementing universal pharma, dental, optical and mental health care. It is more ethical and more cost-effective than our current system.
- Ensuring ultra-wealthy individuals and billion-dollar corporations are paying their fair share toward our economic recovery.
Are you concerned about the short campaign timeline for this election?
Canadians are ready for a better government than what they have experienced under consecutive liberals and conservatives. New Democrats are fighting for Canadians and we are ready to govern regardless of how long the campaign lasts.
What supports, if any, do you feel are needed to help businesses and residents with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Affordability is the #1 issue people share with me on the doorstep. While the Liberals and Conservatives want to continue giving billions of dollars to the wealthiest businesses, New Democrats know that investing in small businesses and middle-class Canadians is the best way to grow the economy.
- New Democrats will create over a million long-term, high-paying jobs;
- We will ensure housing, medication and education are always accessible;
- We will ensure all Canadians have the opportunity to succeed; and
- Ensuring the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share means taxes won’t go up for small businesses and average Canadians
What, if any, agricultural federal programs and initiatives do you feel are necessary to help support farmers and ranchers in this year's conditions?
Climate change exists and extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent. The NDP is the only party that is prepared to help struggling farmers immediately while at the same time investing to ensure these extreme droughts and other extreme climate events do not become the norm.
Is there an issue that people are focusing too much?
I am here for the people of Moose Jaw – Lake Centre – Lanigan. Whatever issues they raise are the issues I will raise as this community’s Member of Parliament.
Is there an issue that doesn’t get enough attention?
The Conservatives and Liberals are not prepared to make any meaningful steps to improve the affordability crisis quickly growing from coast-to-coast. GST holidays and other gimmicks have no meaningful impact on the lives of average Canadians. We need affordable phones and internet, affordable education, affordable medication, and good jobs that keep up with the increasing cost of living. The NDP is prepared to make the bold and necessary improvements for our community.
Why did you choose to run for your particular party?
The Conservatives and Liberals prefer to dine with pharmaceutical lobbyist instead of listening to their constituents. New Democrats are the only party prepared to take on the ultra-wealthy, close tax loopholes, and ensure those at the top are pitching in their fair share during our pandemic recovery.
What is the biggest issue facing your party’s chance at success?
The more people hear from New Democrats, the more supportive they become. Spreading the message as far and as wide as possible is our greatest challenge, and it is a challenge we are prepared to overcome.
How will you engage and encourage young voters to participate in this election?
Polls suggest upwards of 80 per cent of young Canadians support Jagmeet Singh and the NDP. Young voters are looking at their future and realizing that post-secondary education and home ownership will be unaffordable for decades to come under a Conservative or Liberal government. Meanwhile, the climate crisis is upon us and lacklustre policies will not solve the problem. Young voters know that the NDP is the only party putting forward a platform that will give our youth a bright future.
What is your party’s leader’s biggest flaw?
Having met Jagmeet Singh a few times, I can personally attest that he is an athletic, empathetic, intelligent, and charismatic guy very reminiscent of Jack Layton. His biggest flaw is being unable to meet one-on-one with every single Canadian between now and the election.
Once elected, your job is to represent your entire riding. How do you plan on representing individuals who didn’t vote for you?
New Democratic policies are all about enabling every citizen to succeed. As your Member of Parliament, every policy I support and every vote I submit will be aimed at ensuring my constituents’ lives will become more affordable and their opportunities will grow.
What informs your political stance? What books, publications, relationships or experiences?
When I am on the doorstep talking with my neighbours, I learn about their struggles. When I am representing a client in court, I am advocating for their betterment. When I am volunteering with a local charity, I see people abandoned by our leaders. It is clear that Canadians are struggling. It is clear that Conservative and Liberal governments cannot get the job done. I am ready for better and the NDP is fighting for the meaningful change Canadians need.
What local project or service would you advocate for more federal spending?
Moose Jaw – Lake Centre – Lanigan has some of the best conditions for renewable energy including wind, solar and geothermal. This area is ready for major energy infrastructure investment and the many high-paying jobs that come with it. As our Member of Parliament, I would be looking for major energy infrastructure investment in our community.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I am a provincial silver medalist in pistol shooting.
