Black Press Media has reached out to all Central Alberta candidates for the 2025 Federal Election and asked four questions:
1) Why are you running to be a Member of Parliament?
2) What skills do you have that make you suitable for this role?
3) What is your plan to address affordability and the cost-of-living crisis?
4) How do you think Canada should handle threats to its sovereignty?
Candidates were given a 500-word limit to answer these questions. Answers may have been edited for grammar or length.
The Federal Election is April 28. Advanced voting starts on April 18.
Riding: Red Deer
Candidate: Burton Bailey- Conservative Party of Canada
1) Why are you running to be a Member of Parliament?
I’m running because Red Deer deserves a strong, experienced representation in Ottawa. I’ve been a committed Conservative all my life and have fought on the front lines of elections at every level of government. I know that local leadership matters. I bring 30 years of business experience and a deep commitment to this community. I’m running to ensure Red Deer continues to have a strong Conservative voice in Ottawa.
2) What skills do you have that make you suitable for this role?
My wife and I have lived in Red Deer with our four children for 22 years. Like many families, over the past ten years, we’ve seen firsthand the damage caused by the Liberal government. Costs are rising, crime is increasing, our economy is struggling, and life has never been more challenging. We deserve better.
I’ve spent my life-solving problems and serving people. As a construction business owner, I learned how to build through economic cycles, create jobs and manage risk. As a fifth-generation funeral director, I have walked with people through their most difficult moments. If elected, I would utilize my experiences to work for you – to help reduce taxes, build homes, prevent crime, unleash resources, and bring jobs home to Red Deer! I want to fight for a future where our kids can stay in this region, build their lives here, and be proud of the country we’ve shaped.
3) What is your plan to address affordability and the cost-of-living crisis?
Affordability is crushing families and farmers. I will fight to scrap the carbon tax for everyone, forever, and build more homes by axing the federal sales tax on new builds. This would save homebuyers up to $115,000 and create an additional 36,000 homes annually. I will also push for a west-east energy corridor to lower costs and grow paycheques.
4) How do you think Canada should handle threats to its sovereignty?
Canada must stand firm in response to unjustified American tariffs. These actions hurt workers on both sides of the border. We must respond strategically — targeting non-essential imports, supporting impacted workers and businesses, and standing united as Canadians.
We need to become firm, self-reliant, and sovereign. That means building an economic fortress here at home: cutting red tape, repealing anti-development laws, unlocking our energy sector, and expanding trade to new markets. We must eliminate interprovincial trade barriers and pass a “Bring It Home” tax cut to attract jobs and investment back to Canada.
We can’t be strong abroad until we’re strong at home. The time for weakness is over. It’s time to stand up for Canada — and put our people, our economy, and our sovereignty first.
