Kelly Lorencz: People’s Party of Canada
Current occupation: I’ve just retired from 12 years in federal corrections. Currently, I’m spending my time with my new grandson.
What are the three most pressing issues facing Central Albertans and how will you address them?
Mental health and addiction issues, rural crime, and economic hardships are the most pressing issues facing Central Albertans right now.
Disastrous lockdown policies were imposed upon people as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Families faced time apart, seniors faced loneliness, and business owners faced closures and loss of revenues as a result of these policies. Addiction issues were also exacerbated. I will ensure there are proper financial and governmental supports for mental health issues as well as being an advocate for getting people the help they need with regard to addiction.
Further pandemic policies should be based on common sense. We must protect the most vulnerable in society, but in a way that makes sense for everyone. Mass business closures and lockdowns do not serve the community.
Bad policies coupled with a lowering of oil and gas prices caused incredible economic hardship to the region. The PPC will use the Constitution to get pipelines built and get Alberta oil to tidewater.
Farmers and those living in rural communities are facing an increase in crime. Economic policies that improve people’s financial outlook coupled with increased resources for crime prevention and emergency response will help to alleviate this problem. It is important that the people of Red Deer and Mountain View feel safe in their community.
A few more things …
Where were you born/raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Saskatchewan and raised between Calgary and Regina. My parents were divorced so I split my time between the cities going back and forth between my mom and dad’s house. I’ve proudly called this riding home since 1997.
If you have run for/served in office before, what have you learned? If not, why are you running now?
I ran in the 2019 federal election, also for the PPC. I learned that no matter how difficult things get, it’s important to stay the course and continue to forge ahead, letting your values guide you. I believe in what I’m doing and I believe that I can make a real difference in the lives of people in this community.
Throughout the pandemic, we lost our way. We lost our connections to family and community, to the detriment of society as a whole. I want to see people reconnecting and getting their lives back together.
We’re also facing an unprecedented assault on our freedoms. Vaccine passports, lockdown policies, and online censorship are creating an untenable climate for people. I joined the Canadian Forces because I believed in this country and the freedom it stands for, and I want to preserve that for my children, for my new grandson, and for all Canadians.
Why would you make a good representative for your constituents?
I don’t know how to quit. I’ll never give up fighting for Alberta, for freedom, and for the people of this community. Ottawa might be content with the status quo, but I’m not. Alberta needs autonomy and a fair deal, and I won’t back down.
Tell us a surprising or interesting fact or story about yourself.
I’m terrified of heights, but I used to jump out of planes for a living. I skydive, but I can’t get up on the roof of my house to put up Christmas lights!
Notable past achievements/titles/jobs.
I sat on the Board of Directors for the Wildrose Independence Party and served with the Canadian Airborne Regiment and the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. I represented Canada on several tours around the world. Working in federal corrections, I was a respected crisis negotiator and a union leader.