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Candidates entering the final days of a long election campaign

Oct 17, 2015 | 8:53 AM

With the October 19th election coming up on Monday, federal candidates in the Prince Albert riding are trying to supply voters with as much information about their respective parties as possible.

Lon Borgerson, NDP

NDP candidate Lon Borgerson is continuing to knock on doors heading into the final weekend before the election.

Borgerson said there was a theme emerging as he spoke with people within the riding. That theme was change.

“Certainly that’s what we’re hearing on the doorstep, that people don’t like the idea of another four years of a Stephen Harper government,” said Borgerson. “And in this riding here the best chance of making that change is with the NDP.”

He said the last federal election was a tight race between the Conservatives and the NDP and he expects that to be the case again this year.

“In the last federal election we came in a strong second and the Liberals came in a distant third. So we’re hoping to win this riding,” said Borgerson.

Borgerson said he was optimistic about the high number of people voting in advanced polls and is expecting a good turnout on Monday as well.

“How that all spells out, I guess we’ll see Monday night.”

Byron Tenkink, Green Party

Green Party candidate Byron Tenkink is spending his last few days campaigning for people to vote. He said he was encouraged by the significant increase at advanced polls over previous election years.

“The big push is to keep that moving forward and trying to reach everybody,” said Tenkink. “Not just the demographics that we know are going to vote – the seniors, the registered voters – but reaching everyone.”

Tenkink said he would like those people still considering where their vote will go, to visit the Green Party’s website and look into Green Party values.

 “I do truly believe that the Green Party is playing a long game with this one,” he said. “We will continue to make gains. As a small party any gains are a big deal.”

Heading into election day Tenkink is excited to see how everything will finish up. 

“I’m looking forward to being able to wrap this up and then we will see where the cards fall on October 19th.”

Randy Hoback, Conservative

Conservative Randy Hoback is also out door knocking and making sure people are planning to vote.

He said Canadians should look at the economy and the way the Conservatives have used tax dollars.

“When you compare us to the others, they’re going to spend a lot of money and they’re going to end up taxing you a substantial amount,” said Hoback. “That means money leaving your pocket and being spent by someone else, which we think is wrong.”

Despite previous wins, Hoback said he is a bit nervous for Monday’s election.

“You’re always nervous I guess. But you know, we take nothing for granted. I think we’re good. I’m confident, but having said that, like I said we take nothing for granted we just keep our head down, keep working hard, and make sure we get everyone out to vote.”

Hoback said people need to decide which party is going to be making their lives easier, and he believes the Conservative platform is the strongest.

Gordon Kirkby, Liberal

Gordon Kirkby of the Liberals says his party is campaigning hard, and as they do that they are recognizing a need for change.

“We see that we need bridges, water treatment plants, hospitals, and jobs in this riding,” said Kirkby. “We need to get our economy moving and the Liberal plan is the biggest plan that is being offered to achieve the kind of results we need and deserve.”

Kirkby said the Liberal party will solve many of the important issues being discussed throughout the campaign but it’s his personal initiative to deal with crime and addictions within the Prince Albert riding.

Kirkby stated he was feeling optimistic towards the election. He said things started slow but good news continues to come in.

“We need to keep working really hard,” said Kirkby, “but it is our belief that if we keep up the work and the support that we’re seeing gels we’re going to do very, very well on election night and there are going to be some surprises.”

 

jsperling@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jnsperling