There's a five-way race to be the next elected member of the 45th Canadian Parliament for the Yellowhead riding in the April 28 federal election.
The Albertan offered candidates an opportunity to submit a bio and outline policy priorities while also answering two questions: First, what do you think the Canadian government should be prepared to do in response to the ongoing threat of U.S. tariffs? And second, would you support or speak out against any suggestions for Alberta to separate or become the 51st state?
All five candidates submitted responses which were edited to fit the specified word count.
William Stevenson, Conservative Party of Canada
I am a fourth generation Albertan residing on a farm in the Cremona, Carstairs, Crossfield area. My great-grandfather homesteaded on the east side of the riding in the early 1880s. I attended university, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Commerce.
At 23, I partnered with my father to start a trucking company while earning my accounting designation. Simultaneously, I moved to the family farm and began raising cattle.
I have been married to my wife for 25 years, and we have two grown daughters: one is a registered nurse and the other is in communications.
In 2000, I established my public practice accounting firm, where I have prepared thousands of tax returns. Last year alone, I filed almost 1,100 personal tax returns and over 100 corporate tax returns.
This success is due to my focus on customer service, and I plan to bring this strong work ethic and client relations experience to the position of MP.
I believe Ottawa needs more accountants in Parliament to help to solve the fiscal and the monetary mess that 10n years of Liberal mismanagement has caused.
A common-sense conservative government will aim to fix our economy and one of the easiest first "wins" is to simplify the tax code. My 26 years of experience as a chartered professional accountant dealing with the government makes me uniquely qualified to contribute to this effort.
In my business, I have always been accessible and accountable and I intend to uphold these values for the residents of the Yellowhead riding. I'm proud to say that I actually live and do business here in Mountain View County.
Our Party has outlined a three-part plan to address the threat of U.S. tariffs and strengthen Canada’s economy.
1.An immediate response: establish a Keep Canadians Working Fund to directly support Canadian workers affected by U.S. tariffs; we will do targeted advocacy and border security enhancements.
2. Our post-election strategy: expedite trade negotiations, implement counter-tariffs with precision and diversify trade.
3. We will create Canadian-based, long-term economic fortress – repeal restrictive policies, Canada First infrastructure investment, tax and regulatory cuts and create energy independence.
Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada has consistently opposed the idea of Canada, including Alberta, becoming the 51st state of the United States.
