MEET THE CANDIDATES
James MacKay, New Democratic Party of Canada
1. Tell us a little about yourself
I’ve called Alberta home for over half of my life at this point. Graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in Political Science. I am a Union Labourer with CUPE Local 37. In my free time I like to read books, go to the gym, and spend time with my friends and family.
2. Where do you currently live?
I live in southern Alberta, mainly Calgary, I was asked by members of the NDP to run in Battle River – Crowfoot.
3. What is your political background?
I grew up in a political family back in Cape Breton where my family is originally from. I learned early on how politics is life or death for some people depending on the policies and programs that are introduced. While in school, I learned a lot about the NDP and its leaders like Tommy Douglas and Jack Layton and how they always tried to do what they could for regular people. I take great influence from them as well as my Catholic upbringing/teachings of helping out those who have less than others.
4. What motivated you originally to run as a candidate in the federal election? What keeps you motivated to continue?
I was motivated to run because I believe that every riding deserves to be hard fought. More rural ridings like Battle River-Crowfoot tend to be strongholds for conservative candidates, the NDP was originally founded by farmers and labourers and I think it would be a good thing not just for rural ridings but for Canadian democracy for these ridings to be as competitive as the more urban ones. I think every prospective MP should have to fight hard and earn every vote if they want to be on Parliament Hill one day.
5. As you see it, what are major issues facing the Battle River-Crowfoot riding and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
I think some major issues facing Battle River- Crowfoot would be the economy and healthcare. With the Trump tariffs taking place, we need to do everything we can to support our farmers and agricultural workers so that they can still send their products to market and have ample buyers willing to pay good prices for their canola, wheat, barley etc.
I believe looking for more trade partners in places like Asia, Europe, and South America can help us stem the economic crisis the Americans are imposing on nations like Canada.
We also need to make sure that the money that provinces get from the Federal Canadian Health Transfer go towards publicly funded and delivered healthcare in Alberta. Privatization of our health system will lead to more health centres and hospitals being shut down in rural communities if private providers don’t think they can make a profit in those areas. We need to redouble our efforts to preserve and expand our cherished public institutions that operate for the common good.
6. As you see it, what are major issues facing Canada and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
Some major challenges facing Canada are the Trump tariffs and the need to be more self-reliant in these turbulent times for international economics. I’m no Liberal, and I don’t agree with much that Prime Minister Carney has to say, but when he mentioned that we need to build one Canadian economy as opposed to 13 smaller provincial economies, that made sense to me.
We do need to remove trade barriers between our provinces to stimulate further economic development here at home. It makes no sense that a wine seller in BC can ship his product to South Korea easier than across the Rockies to the prairie provinces. We need to work with the provinces to remove these barriers so more Canadians can see the benefit of quality made Canadian goods.
With our trade partners influx. We need to do as much as we can do develop a more robust and resilient Canadian economy that can withstand economic attacks from other nations.
We need to make significant investments in energy infrastructure and domestic manufacturing so that not only can we create good paying jobs here in Canada but that we can keep them too. Industries like Hydrogen, renewables, and potentially small modular nuclear reactors can be targeted so that we can continue to be the envy of the energy world.
7. What drew you to represent the NDP Party of Canada?
I’ve always had an interest in history and politics, reading up on the history of all the major parties is a passion of mine. I was drawn to the NDP because of what they stand for.
A party which looks after the interests of working people, providing programs and services to make sure no one falls through the cracks of life, one which advanced cherish institutions like universal healthcare. Despite not forming government at a federal level, the influence of the NDP has helped shaped our country for the better. I’ve always had a soft spot for the underdog.
8. Why do you think someone should consider voting for you and your party?
I think people should take a historical view of all the parties, I know it can be easy to focus on the here and now, but you can truly understand what every party stands for by looking at the things they have always fought for.
For the NDP, it’s been workers rights, better pay and benefits for workers, stronger pensions so that seniors can live their retirement years in dignity, and expanding public institutions to make life more affordable. These are long-held values that have made New Democrats what we are today. They are values that drive us to push for better, because we know that better is possible for Canadians.
9. Does your party have a plan for addressing President Trump and his tariff threats?
Sort of reiterating my point from question 6, but lessening inter-provincial trade in Canada as well as making powerful public investments in Canadian infrastructure and manufacturing to strengthen our economy, create jobs, tough out any further economic hurdles and make sure no Canadian workers are left behind.
10. Final Word: Is there any lasting message you would like to pass along to members of our riding as we head toward election day?
I hope the people of Battle River – Crowfoot view the platforms of all candidates and are able to be as informed as possible so that they can make the choice at the ballot box that most aligns with their views and values.
