Liberal Party candidate John Bruinsma during a meet and greet at the Royal Canadian Legion in Pincher Creek on April 10.
Nicholas L. M. Allen photo.
Nicholas L. M. Allen
Apr 16, 2025
John Bruinsma, the Liberal Party candidate for the Foothills riding in the upcoming federal election, met with voters during a meet and greet held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Pincher Creek on April 10. Speaking with the Pass Herald, Bruinsma emphasized his desire to represent communities like Crowsnest Pass by advocating for collaboration across government levels and by championing policies that secure a sustainable and inclusive future.
“I just felt this was the most consequential election of my lifetime,” said Bruinsma, “And it has long term effects. It’s not one of these four year [elections where] Trump’s out… but policies that are being made in the United States are global policies that, you know, are reshaping all global trade.”
Bruinsma said he was recently inspired by a visit to Turner Valley Elementary School, where he was impressed by the Grade 6 students’ thoughtful questions about military spending, housing and the future of the country.
“This is the generation that I’m trying to protect,” he said, expressing concern about the economic impacts of international developments, including tariffs and shifting trade relationships, “We don’t want a lost generation.”
When asked what sets him apart from the incumbent, Bruinsma responded: “I’m a newbie that really wants to help the people and I’m… not going to be around long enough to just get comfortable and collect a pension… I believe in limited terms so that people don’t get comfortable in those positions.”
Housing affordability and access emerged as key issues Bruinsma hopes to address. He noted that while housing is under provincial jurisdiction, the federal government has made historic investments through programmes such as the Housing Accelerator Fund and the National Housing Strategy.
“We’re seeing some pushback from the province on how federal funds are distributed,” he said, “I really want to… find ways to filter the money that’s available into the communities.”
He added that collaboration is vital to ensuring small municipalities like those in the Foothills aren’t left behind.
“If you have not only housing but education, health all under provincial jurisdiction… a strong Liberal mandate from the Foothills would put pressure on the provincial government to deal a little bit more openly and fairly with the federal government,” said Bruinsma.
Bruinsma also spoke about tourism and environmental sustainability in southern Alberta, pointing to recent federal commitments like the creation of 10 new national parks as a positive step.
Asked about his vision for the next four years, Bruinsma said he wants to see Albertans recognize the value in policies that support vulnerable populations and long-term social programs.
“These are social policies [concerning] vulnerable people, disadvantaged people, disabled people, women trying to… still trying to break the glass ceiling. And we have such a large Indigenous population, we can’t leave that behind,” he said.
He also credited the Liberal government with investing in agricultural research and rebuilding after what he described as previous roadblocks.
“We’re just trying to get past all of the… roadblocks that were put in by the previous Conservative government. It takes time bringing in scientists, researchers; and that’s happening. And that’s what the agriculture groups want.”
As the election approaches, Bruinsma urged residents to remember their own role in supporting their communities and one another.
“We always tend to look to government to help us through tough times,” he said, “And I think Albertans and all Canadians can lend a hand… supporting the food banks, supporting purchasing local agricultural products… and just generally looking after their neighbour.”
