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Green Party of Canada

Candidate profile: Ashley MacDonald (GRN) – Red Deer

Mar 31, 2025 | 1:30 PM

This is a candidate profile for the April 28, 2025 federal election.

All candidates have been asked the same four questions, and were given a 600-word limit.

Responses are unedited for grammar and spelling, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of rdnewsNOW and Pattison Media.

Advance voting days are April 18, 19, 20 and 21. More info here.

1) Why are you running to be a Member of Parliament?

I am running because I believe that the people of this new riding deserve a better voice in Parliament. I believe that a Green MP would serve this community well and bring real attention to the issues that face the people of Red Deer, Penhold, Delburne, and Elnora. For over 80 years, this region has voted conservative in one form or another, and I feel we are taken advantage of each time. We need a strong voice in Parliament, and I believe I can be that voice.

2) Why should people vote for you, and what skills do you have that make you suitable for this role?

I have years of experience working with people from all walks of life, as a leader and a team member. I am a consensus-based leader who believes in finding the best outcome for everyone involved. I have worked many jobs, but most recently, I have worked with people coming off of the streets and living in active addiction and those living with mental health concerns trying to make their way through this world. I bring to the position a wealth of knowledge surrounding how the decisions made by elected officials affect the day-to-day lives of my fellow citizens. I am an average person who works day in and day out to make ends meet, and I believe I understand what the people of this riding are experiencing, and I can be the leadership they need during these times.

3) What will you advocate for; and do you intend to fully toe the party line?

The Green Party of Canada is not a whipped party; as such, I, as an elected MP, would be allowed to vote as I see fit to best serve my constituents. Unlike MPs from other parties, I would not have to vote for bills that would harm the interests of the people of this riding. This gives me the freedom to represent you and not my party’s interests. If elected, I would advocate for the people of this riding to make their day-to-day lives easier and more affordable. I believe that we need to address the growing wealth divide in this country, where CEOs make 200X the salary of the average worker, and where grocery store magnates use the ambiguity of the “Carbon Tax” as a reason to jack up their prices and gouge the people. We need to address the housing crisis in this country by building social housing that people can actually afford and not give out hidden bonuses to developers by claiming we are cutting the taxes on new builds. We need to put people first!

4) How do you believe Canada’s federal government should tackle its current predicament with the United States, and where do you sit on Canadian sovereignty?

First and foremost, Canada is a sovereign nation and it must stay a sovereign nation! Trump has made it clear that he will accept nothing short of Canada becoming a state within the United States of America, and we must challenge this every chance we get. Tariffs will hurt the US economy, but they will hurt our citizens as well by driving up the price of everyday consumer goods and products/materials needed to build vehicles, houses, etc. As a short-term challenge, tariffs may help show resolve, but history has shown that they do more harm than good to an economy. In the long run, the best choice for Canada may be to look for other trading partners around the world so that we can diversify our economy to the point that we are not subject to the whims of whichever leader is in power in the USA. We cannot be their punching bag to distract from their own growing economic, social, and political instability. We are Canada and not the 51st State!

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