Richard Harvey says in many ways, he feels like the incumbent in Thunder Bay-Superior North.
Harvey, who has served as mayor of Nipigon for most of the past decade, said during debates and while talking to people on the streets, he’s constantly being called upon to defend Conservative Leader Stephen Harper’s policies – or reap the praise from those who support the country’s 22nd prime minister.
As a second-time federal candidate – he finished second to Bruce Hyer in 2011 – Harvey says now is not the time to change Canada’s course.
The Conservatives are the party voters trust with the economy, Harvey said.
That’s one of the main reasons he decided to throw his hat back into the ring.
“Looking at a lot of what’s been happening around here, I felt it was really important,” said Harvey, whose family has strong roots in both Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
“If I’m able to bring something and to really help the voice of the people of Thunder Bay-Superior North be heard in a strong way, I thought it was important.”
Harvey said nothing he’s hearing about other parties raising taxes and running deficits makes any sense.
“The economy is fragile right now and I’m recognizing that we need to make sure that what we pass on to our children and our grandchildren is solid, that they’re going to have good success in life,” Harvey said.
“We need to make sure we keep the taxes down. We need to make sure that we eliminate the deficit and run balanced budgets. To me that’s really important and really why I’m running.”
Harvey said it’s clear to him the other parties believe the best person to spend Canadians’ money is the government.
That’s not the Conservative way, he said.
“Fundamentally I disagree with that. The best person to spend your money, to make decisions about how the money of hardworking Canadians is spent is you.”
Asked about the Ring of Fire and the Conservative’s reluctance to match the province’s $1 billion infrastructure offer, Harvey said his party is on board, but first the province must present a viable business plan. Until then, the money won’t flow.
Harvey added having an MP on the government’s side makes sense, noting that recent representatives have voted against funding opportunities that would have brought money and investment into the riding.
