The Liberal Party of Canada went beyond the borders of the Souris-Moose Mountain constituency to select their candidate in this riding for the upcoming federal election.
Steven Bebbington was announced as the Liberals’ candidate on Aug. 20. Bebbington resides in Earl Grey, a village north of Regina that is well outside of the Souris-Moose Mountain boundaries.
He expects to visit the riding during the evenings, weekends and available times so he can campaign.
“I’m really hoping to engage this as much as possible,” Bebbington told the Mercury.
But he’s not sure if he will be able to attend all of the debates and candidates’ forums to be held in Souris-Moose Mountain before the election.
He said some people might think his age could be a drawback. Bebbington turned 26 on Aug. 22. But he also hopes he can entice some younger people to vote.
“I’m working on establishing a team, so I’m hoping to come up with some really good ideas,” said Bebbington. “I’m really hoping to engage my age group, and I would very much like to have some volunteers in the riding who are in my age group.”
He said he has heard of issues related to agriculture, wildlife and the upkeep and maintenance of highways in Souris-Moose Mountain.
An employee with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region for the past eight years, including two years as a shop steward with the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 3967, Bebbington said health care is an important issue in this election, and he believes health care in Souris-Moose Mountain could use some help.
Bebbington believes this election is about the future, and he believes the Liberals are the only party offering a plan with growth that works for everyone.
“Our plan will make a real positive difference for all Canadians,” said Bebbington.
He’s not sure what to expect during the election. He hopes the Liberals will form the next government, but his expectation is there will be a change in government, regardless of whether it’s the Liberals or the New Democratic Party who topple Stephen Harper’s Conservatives.
This isn’t the first time he has sought public office. Bebbington has run twice in municipal by-elections in Earl Grey; he ran for mayor late last year, and councillor earlier this year. He was defeated both times.
“I have an interest in politics, but I’m interested in communicating with people,” said Bebbington. “That’s what’s important to me. I’ve picked a career where I communicate with hundreds of people on a daily basis, and I really enjoy that, because I get the opportunity to help them.”
Bebbington joins the Green Party’s Bob Deptuck, the Conservative Party’s Dr. Robert Kitchen and the New Democratic Party’s Vicky O’Dell as candidates for Souris-Moose Mountain in the federal election, which will be held on Monday, October 19.
