Advance polling opens April 18–21, and the race is officially on.

The Incumbent: Rachael Thomas (Conservative)

Seeking her fourth term in office, Rachael Thomas is once again carrying the Conservative banner. Confident in her track record, Thomas says her focus is on amplifying Lethbridge’s voice in Ottawa.

“It’s about listening closely to Canadians and delivering on what truly matters to them,” she said on the campaign trail.

The Challenger: Chris Spearman (Liberal)

Former Lethbridge mayor Chris Spearman is stepping back into public service, this time at the federal level. Known for his strong stance against coal mining, Spearman says his decades of civic leadership — including 18 years on the school board and 8 years as mayor — prove he’s ready for Ottawa.

“Experience counts. I’ve spent over two decades working for Lethbridge — and I’m not done yet,” he stated.

The Disruptor: Nathan Svoboda (NDP)

Offering a progressive alternative, Nathan Svoboda wants to break the Liberal-Conservative tug-of-war. Focused on affordability and support for working families, he promises to champion the everyday Canadian.

“The NDP brings real, grassroots solutions. I want to be the voice that working people can trust.”

The Environmentalist: Amber Murray (Green Party)

For Amber Murray, the campaign begins — and ends — with the Oldman River. She’s running to ensure that environmental concerns, especially around coal mining, stay on the national radar.

“If I can be the one MP who stands up solely for the Oldman River, that’s a win.”

The Libertarian Voice: Clara Piedalue (People’s Party of Canada)

Small business owner Clara Piedalue says she’s tired of seeing entrepreneurs “regulated into the ground.” Her platform centers on shrinking government and cutting red tape.

“We need to unleash the potential of small businesses. Right now, it feels like they’re under siege.”

The Ideas Guy: Marc Slingerland (Christian Heritage Party)

Even as an underdog, Marc Slingerland isn’t deterred. Representing the Christian Heritage Party, he’s focused on broadening the conversation.

“I want to bring fresh ideas into the political space — especially ones that currently go unheard.”

What’s Next?

Canvassing is heating up across the riding, and all six candidates will be pushing hard to connect with voters in the final stretch. For a region that’s often seen as a Conservative stronghold, 2025 could deliver a few surprises.

Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for updates, interviews, and election night results from Lethbridge and across Canada.

Election Day: Monday, April 28
Advance Voting: April 18–21
Need to register? Visit elections.ca

The post Six Candidates, One Seat: Lethbridge Election Showdown first appeared on Maple News Wire.

As the 2025 federal election countdown intensifies, energy policy is once again emerging as a political lightning rod — especially in resource-rich ridings like Prince George–Peace River–Northern Rockies.

From climate-conscious commitments to oil-fueled growth strategies, each party is carving out its stance on how Canada should power its economy, protect the environment, and navigate its relationship with global markets.

Let’s break down where the five major parties stand on energy heading into the April 28 election:

Liberal Party of Canada: Clean Incentives & Phasing Out Fossil Fuels

Under new leadership from Mark Carney, the Liberals are pledging a pivot to cleaner energy — starting with the repeal of the federal carbon tax as of April 1.

Other energy-related promises include:

• Subsidies for zero-emission vehicle purchases
• Phasing out fossil fuels in government buildings by 2030
• Focus on carbon sequestration and environmental conservation
• Opposition to “unsustainable development practices”

The Liberals frame their platform as balancing economic resilience with climate urgency — signaling more private-sector-friendly green innovation ahead.

Conservative Party of Canada: Oil, LNG, and Energy Sovereignty

Led by Pierre Poilievre, the Conservatives want to make energy Canada’s “economic backbone” again — by boosting exports, breaking U.S. dependency, and greenlighting major infrastructure.

Core commitments include:

• Expediting new pipeline approvals
• Fast-tracking LNG projects across the country
  
• Approving a Canada-first national energy corridor
• Supporting mega-projects like LNG Newfoundland and Labrador
• Challenging U.S. influence and promoting “energy independence”

The message: Let Canada sell its energy to the world — and use the profits to reinvest at home.

New Democratic Party (NDP): People First, Profits Last

The NDP says it’s time to stop rewarding polluters and start prioritizing affordability, equity, and environmental accountability.

Led by Jagmeet Singh, the party proposes:

• Ending oil and gas subsidies and tax breaks
  
• Implementing a border carbon adjustment to protect Canadian industries
  
• Linking climate action to job security and affordability

The NDP is pitching a bold, people-centric energy transition — one where workers aren’t left behind.

Green Party of Canada: Full Clean Energy Transition

For the Green Party, there’s no middle ground: Canada must exit fossil fuels completely and embrace a fully renewable energy economy.

Their plan includes:

• A ban on all new fossil fuel projects
• Major investment in clean energy research and tech
• A nationwide building retrofit program to lower energy use
  
• A national power grid to expand access to renewable electricity
  
• Strict mining rules and clean-energy requirements for AI data centers
  
• Full Indigenous consultation on all natural resource projects

The Greens are painting a vision of Canada as a climate leader — one that acts boldly, fast, and fairly.

People’s Party of Canada (PPC): Pro-Pipeline and Proud

The PPC takes a sharply different approach, emphasizing growth in the traditional energy sector and rejecting the shift toward alternative sources.

Their platform features:

• Repealing legislation like Bill C-69 to clear the path for pipelines
  
• Privatizing and fully activating the Trans Mountain pipeline
• Rejecting “green energy hype” in favor of global oil competitiveness
• Framing Canadian oil as a cleaner ethical alternative to imports from countries like Russia or Venezuela

The PPC says Canada shouldn’t shy away from oil — it should own its strength in the sector.

Why It Matters in the North

In ridings like Prince George–Peace River–Northern Rockies, where oil, gas, and resource development are key economic drivers, energy policy is more than a talking point — it’s a matter of livelihoods.

Voters will get the chance to ask tough questions during the April 15 all-candidates forum in Fort St. John, where five local candidates will face off:

• David Watson (PPC)
  
• Mary Forbes (Green)
  
• Cory Longley (NDP)
  
• Peter Njenga (Liberal)
  
• Bob Zimmer (Conservative – incumbent)

Energy, Climate, and the 2025 Ballot

As the climate crisis accelerates and global energy markets shift, the energy platforms of each party reveal not just different policies — but entirely different priorities and visions for Canada’s future.

So the question isn’t just where Canada gets its energy — it’s who decides, who benefits, and how fast we change.

The post Canada Election: Party Plans for Energy and Power first appeared on Maple News Wire.