Stepping into the role of running for Brandon-Souris with the Conservative Party in the Federal Election came as a sudden turn of events for Spruce Woods MLA, Grant Jackson. It didn't take long for Jackson to be asked to step into the federal arena upon the resignation of MP Larry McGuire due to health issues.
McGuire and Jackson have a long history of navigating through the years of provincial politics together. Jackson says it has been a true honor to carry the baton for the PC's and to step into the shoes of his mentor, Larry McGuire.
"My first job in politics was back in high school working in his constituency office in Brandon and he's been a great friend and mentor to me," shares Jackson, "and he's been a great Member of Parliament for Westman!"
"So obviously, I'm very concerned about our Member of Parliament, Larry McGuire, who announced fairly suddenly there that he's had a health diagnosis that he felt he could no longer run in this election," shares Jackson. "I'm very humbled that the Conservative Party of Canada and Pierre Poilievre's team feels that I'm up to the challenge of taking on the federal role as their candidate. And so, I'm excited and I've been out the doors for the last couple of weeks knocking on doors, meeting in businesses, trying to get all across this Riding of Brandon-Souris in Westman here."
Not that long ago, Jackson won the majority vote as MLA for Spruce Woods. He's taking that same passion for his fellow Manitobans to this new challenge in the federal election.
Top issues facing Canadians include the most recent tariffs, and for Manitobans that's been a heavy hit in the Ag industry.
"I think our agricultural industry needs support," he explains. "You can see right now with the impact of tariffs both from the United States and China that are our ag industry is under assault right now and we can't have that. It's the backbone of our economy here, so we need a strong conservative federal government that's going to put agriculture first and that's going to benefit our constituency here."
"So that's a top priority for me," adds Jackson. "I think there are secondary industries that we can expand and bring to this corner of the province, with a strong federal government that has a plan to grow jobs and expand our economy. I think Pierre Poilievre has a good plan for that."
Advocating for the oil and gas sector is also something Jackson is passionate about. "Our oil and gas industry has been under assault the last 10 years from this Liberal government, and the last thing that our energy sector needs is another four years of the Trudeau Liberals. So, I'm fighting hard for our oil and gas sector."
"I think there are good jobs and good growth," he adds. "The world needs our energy from western Manitoba and from Western Canada, so I'm very passionate about that."
Jackson also has his sights on the Brandon Airport. He feels more can be done with that service to benefit not just the City of Brandon, but all of Westman.
And of course, affordability is top of mind.
"Grocery prices are too high," he explains. "I think it's something like 50% of Manitobans or a little under that, are having to decide between their hydro bill and their grocery bills every month. That's totally unacceptable. And the federal government needs to play a role in bringing inflation down. And I think we have a plan to do that."
Please listen to more with Grant Jackson below.
Jackson will be participating in the Candidates' Debate for Brandon-Souris on April 23rd, 7pm at the Brandon University's Evan's Theatre.