Michael Jones seeks Conservative nomination

By Nerissa McNaughton

Michael Jones is seeking the Conservative nomination in the new federal riding of Peace River-Westlock. While the riding is new, the Yellowhead district’s representation in the House of Commons goes back to the late 70s. This riding is diverse in culture, religion, needs, and expectations, and Jones is excited about proving a united voice and helping to create a positive future.

“My first real exposure to politics was seeing Ralph Klein as Premier of Alberta,” says Jones. “There was something about his approach and attitude that resonated with me. I liked the fact that he was focused on what was best for Albertans and that he didn’t mind stepping on a few toes to get things done. That interest stayed with me, and it’s why I studied political science at the University of Alberta before going to law school there. I decided to run in the new federal riding because I think this is a great opportunity for someone to come forward who is willing to work hard and make sure all the people of this riding are represented effectively in Ottawa.”

Jones has spent a great deal of time thinking of the issues in his riding and in Alberta. “I think the most important issues to Albertans are jobs and the safety of their families. Our government is addressing these issues in a couple of different ways. The Conservative government has focused on jobs by working to open more markets to our products and making sure the infrastructure is in place to get our products to market. The Conservative government has focused on the safety of families by making sure our criminal justice system effectively deals with those who break the law. I would continue to support policies that bring jobs in to this constituency as well as legislation that protects Canadian families from criminals.”

In reflecting on the value of the Party and what it has achieved for the province, Jones says, “At this juncture, what Prime Minister Harper and those who work with him should do is point out the benefits to everyday Canadians that flow from Conservative policies. When we look at the overall economic picture, Canada is in an enviable position. When we look at the overall standard of living, Canada is consistently among the best in the world. I look forward to defending and promoting policies that keep Canadians safe and allow Canadian businesses to grow and flourish.”

He concludes, “I think freedom is the most important political principle. This is a principle that has been embraced by the Conservative government of Canada. The government promotes freedom when it lowers taxes allowing Canadians to keep more of their hard-earned money. It promotes freedom when it negotiates trade agreements allowing our goods to flow to even larger parts of the world. Our Conservative government promotes freedom when it focuses on victims’ rights in the criminal justice system. These policies benefit Albertans every day.”