Kevin Larson is the People’s Party of Canada candidate in Portage‑Lisgar this federal election.
The nephew of former Reform Party MP, Deborah Grey, answered questions on tariffs, local infrastructure, immigration, and the influence his aunt has had on his political perspective.
Tariffs and trade
Q: “The top of a lot of folks’ minds is tariffs. What is your, and the People’s Party’s, stance right now in terms of where you stand on the whole tariff issue with the US?”
A: “So yeah, that is obviously the probably the biggest coming into this election—the biggest topic people are talking about—and the People’s Party is the only party that don’t think we should be in a tariff war. We think making a deal—a free trade agreement between the two countries—would be the best option. It will keep prices down, maybe even drive them down for people here in Canada. We can’t compete with the US; they have an economy on the world stage, a population 10 times bigger, and their dollar is used around the world. Most of our exports go to the US, but we’re not getting the same percentage back into Canada. We would lose a tariff war, or it would come out of our pockets as citizens. So, end it, sit down, make a deal that’s good for both countries, and use our resources—and the US’s economy—to build us both up.”
Upgrading water infrastructure
Q: “Portage‑Lisgar’s agricultural and industrial sectors rely on reliable water. What role do you envision for the federal government and federal funding in modernizing water infrastructure, and how would you work with local authorities to help ensure that?”
A: “We do believe in local government as much as possible. Most of the planning should be done by local authorities. The People’s Party would say that once local governments identify their needs—after conducting studies and opening up resources—the federal side should then provide the necessary support and advice. The people who live here are the experts, not those in Ottawa. So, be open, offer advice and resources, but ultimately wait for the local plan to come in before meeting the plan.”
Modernizing immigration and workforce training
Q: “There have been persistent labor shortages in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. What would you, as a Member of Parliament—or what would the PPC—do from Ottawa to help provinces modernize immigration and workforce training to better meet those local needs? You’ve spoken about responsible immigration; could you expand on that?”
A: “Yeah. The big one right now is that we are short of a lot of services in the country—we’re short of housing, and housing pricing is insanely high, one of the highest in the first world. We need a more tempered approach to immigration until we can meet that demand. We have seasonal workers coming in on a temporary path, but the big thing is making sure they’re not overstaying and that they complete the proper paperwork. I think that will help, because it stops people from just overstaying without working or proving their need to work. This issue will take time and effort—step by step—rather than a quick fix. It’s about local control with minimal federal intervention, and yes, a tax cut to encourage full-time work would be a big help.”
Climate action
Q: “Where does the People’s Party of Canada currently stand in terms of its climate policies?”
A: “The People’s Party is very much against many of the climate initiatives driven by what some call ‘climate alarmism.’ We agree that, for example, the carbon tax needs to be repealed. Initiatives should allow businesses to take personal responsibility without relying on government credits. Canada’s contribution to global carbon emissions is negligible. Instead of throwing taxpayer money at these initiatives, we believe in making it a personal choice. When people take action privately, they’re far more effective than when government steps in with bureaucracy and overreach.”
Improving rural infrastructure and essential services
Q: “Many constituents have raised concerns about the availability of quality healthcare, education, and high-speed Internet in rural areas. What plans would the PPC implement to address these rural needs?”
A: “This is another big issue. For example, healthcare is supposed to be managed by the province, but the federal government has been dipping into it, creating inefficiency with two levels of government doing the same thing. We’re spending money on bureaucracy instead of on actual services. In Manitoba, for instance, the north-south roads are in terrible condition—so much so that some ‘highways’ are worse than gravel roads. Ultimately, roads and similar infrastructure are a provincial responsibility. The federal role should be to oversee, provide resources, and support local initiatives rather than dictate terms.”
Supporting small businesses and diversifying the economy
Q: “While agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, diversification is vital for long-term stability. What policies do you and the PPC champion to foster new industries and support small business growth throughout Portage‑Lisgar?”
A: “A big one is removing taxes—like the carbon tax that affects farmers. There’s talk of a net-zero plan for farms, which would just cause extra expenses. Manufacturing, too, suffers under heavy regulation, red tape, and bureaucracy. It should be easier for small business owners to start up, whether in agriculture, manufacturing, or another sector. Look at dairy, for instance—30 million gallons get dumped out every year because the dairy board mandates it. We need to give people opportunities without nickel-and-diming them through audits and excessive oversight. Lower taxes and streamlined permits can be a boon as these businesses grow and contribute to our economy.”
Community safety
Q: “How would you ensure that federal support for public safety and policing meets the needs of rural communities like Portage‑Lisgar?”
A: “Public safety is one of our main issues. Many residents live far from an active police department—45 minutes away in my case. We’ve seen incidents where people who defend themselves end up facing legal consequences instead of their attackers. The goal should be to allow people to protect themselves, their families, and their property without ending up in jail. Beyond that, we need to encourage local programs rather than rely solely on the RCMP’s systems. Criminals move across provinces and towns, so local communities should have the flexibility to set bylaws and create plans that address their specific needs instead of a one-size-fits-all federal solution.”
Political legacy and inspiration
Q: “You’ve mentioned before that you are the nephew of Deborah Grey, the first Reform Party MP to win a seat. How did her politics influence and shape your own views?”
A: “Growing up with Deborah Grey’s example was very inspiring. The idea that Canada no longer has a strong conservative voice—that my vote didn’t have a home—drove me to join the People’s Party in 2019. People often talk about vote splitting or stolen votes, but for me, it was about having a political home when the window of conservative representation shifted far to the left. During COVID, more people spoke out and realized they weren’t alone in feeling disenfranchised. I want to reach those who feel their views are dismissed and show them that their concerns are valid and deserve representation.”
Reconnecting with the local voter base
Q: “Recent polls suggest that support for the People’s Party in Portage‑Lisgar has waned since the 2021 federal election, and turnout in the recent by-election was lower. What would you say to voters who have supported the PPC before but now feel disconnected?”
A: “I wasn’t here for the last election—I moved from the Provancher riding to here just a couple of weeks after that election. I was here for the by-election, and I understand the concerns. For those who feel disconnected, first, there’s no need to worry about vote splitting. Whether it’s me or Brendan, someone with a conservative name is coming to Ottawa. The major issue is that if you want your voice heard, you need someone who will actively reach out and represent you. Big parties often leave local voices out by voting along strict party lines. I promise to come directly to the people of Portage‑Lisgar, ask what issues you face, and work to get those concerns addressed in Ottawa.”
Final thoughts
Q: “Do you have any final thoughts for the community?”
A: “I shared a tweet yesterday that resonated with many who feel disenfranchised by the current system. In Canada, 40% of eligible voters don’t cast a ballot—and that 40% can determine the outcome of an election. If that 40% shows up and says, ‘We don’t like what’s happening; we want change,’ we could have any leader we want. So, whether you’re voting for me or another candidate, make a plan for April 28th. Get out and vote, whether it means arranging a carpool or asking for a break at work. Your vote matters, and together, we can bring about real change in Canada.”