Fraser Valley – Now that the 11 week election campaign is in full swing, FVN Fraser Valley News will highlight all the candidates covering the three riding’s that make up the Fraser Valley.
We ask all candidates to submit their bios and reasons for running. The editor retains the right to edit for brevity and content.
Chilliwack Hope MP Conservative Mark Strahl:
I am running for re-election because I love Chilliwack and Hope. I grew up here and my wife and I have chosen to live, work, and raise our family here because of the strong, family-friendly community that we are.
I am asking for the support of the people of Chilliwack and Hope, because I have kept my promises, worked hard for my constituents, and been a strong voice for their concerns in Ottawa.
Working closely with all levels of government, I have helped ensure that significant federal funding has flowed to our community, such as $19 million for a new RCMP training facility at Canada Education Park and over $4.1 million for a new Vedder Bridge. Our Conservative government also contributed over $3.3 million for the new Kawkawa Lake Road Bridge in Hope.
As Conservatives, we have lowered taxes for all Canadians, taken a strong, principled stand against terrorism at home and abroad, and have cracked down on crime in our neighbourhoods. We have cut taxes and increased benefits significantly for families and seniors, and increased and ensured long-term, stable funding for healthcare — the largest healthcare investment in Canada’s history.
This election is about security: securing a strong economy by promoting growth, keeping taxes low, and giving parents a choice in how they raise their families; securing the safety of Canadians by cracking down on violent crime and standing up against terrorisn. In these times of global uncertainty, only Prime Minister Harper and the Conservative Party of Canada can provide the strong economic vision and strong leadership that Canada needs.
If re-elected, I will continue to be a strong, principled voice for the people of Chilliwack and Hope, and will continue to work hard every day for you and your family.
Mark and his wife, Lisa, have been married since 1999, and the love of their lives is their 10 year old son. Mark was born and raised in Chilliwack, and he and Lisa love living, working and raising their family here.
Mark was elected to the House of Commons on May 2, 2011. He has served on the Standing Committee on Health; Standing Committee on National Defence; Joint Standing Committee on the Scrutiny of Regulations; and the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.
At 37, Mark is the youngest Member of Parliament for British Columbia; however, he has been promoted by the Prime Minister twice since his election. First, he was named the Chair of the British Columbia/Yukon Conservative Caucus, which allowed him to bring the concerns of British Columbia MPs, citizens and stakeholders directly to the Prime Minister. After proving himself in that role, the Prime Minister promoted Mark to the position of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, which sees him leading the Committee, responding to questions in Question Period, handling media responsibilities, and acting on behalf of the Minister.
Mark believes that this election is about security: securing a strong economy by promoting growth, keeping taxes low and giving parents choice in how they raise their families; securing our homes and neighbourhoods by cracking down on violent crime and putting the rights of victims first; securing our future as a society and country by addressing the direct threat that jihadi terrorism poses to Canada and the world; and providing strong leadership on the world stage.
Only Prime Minister Stephen Harper and a strong, stable, national Conservative government can provide this type of security to all Canadians, and that’s why Mark is asking for your vote on October 19th.
