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: Yellowhead
Candidate: Michael Fark- Liberal Party of Canada
Why am I running to be a Member of Parliament?
This is a critical election for both Canada and Yellowhead. We need strong representation for rural Alberta, which has been chronically underrepresented by both the conservatives and liberals in Ottawa. I have a track record of delivering solutions at the community level and I have consistently worked to support populations in crisis and led initiatives intended to build community. I have seen decision makers letting their constituents down and I want to bring real accountability to the residents of Yellowhead. We have an opportunity to get a real seat at the table and shape a future of Yellowhead that is unified and strong. We need strong representation and a commitment to doing the work.
What skills do you have that make you suitable to be an MP?
I have spent over 25 years dealing with challenging and complex governments and have a high degree of experience when it comes to difficult negotiations and crisis management. We face crisis both locally and nationally, and I can bring a seriousness to the table that will increase and benefit Yellowhead residents. We also face a potential recession due to US trade actions, and as a political economist I understand the economic tools we can use for an effective response. Finally, I have a dedication to true representation. My commitment is to genuinely engage and listen to constituents because they deserve to feel respected and heard – our constituents are intelligent and their perspectives matter.
What is your plan to address affordability and the cost-of-living crisis?
Regarding housing, I’ve worked on housing initiatives in both Canmore and Jasper, dealing with provincial and federal programs and regulations. Mark Carney has released a comprehensive housing plan that I believe will be effective at efficiently delivering housing that is appropriate and attainable for various life-stages and needs. The policy has innovative construction methods, as well as the federal government becoming directly involved in housing construction for the first time in over 50 years. Regarding affordability, I support a progressive taxation model that reduces the burden on the middle class and ensures the highest tax bracket pays their fair share.
How do you think Canada should handle threats to its sovereignty?
The threats from the Trump administration are real and cannot be ignored. I have every intention of leveraging the position of MP to drive forward strong and effective policy that enables Canada to diversify its trading partners, reducing our reliance on the US. Diversified trade partnerships strengthen our relationships with likeminded countries so that we can stand together against any hostile government now and in the future. We must invest in Canada, and we must invest in Yellowhead industries and residents.
