Jackson says economy is No. 1 election issue

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This article was published 17/04/2025 (401 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon-Souris Conservative candidate Grant Jackson says his party is best suited to address the No. 1 issue he is hearing at front doors during this federal election race — strengthening the economy.

On the road in Reston on Wednesday to door-knock in the community, Jackson spoke with the Sun over the phone. The Conservative candidate said his party is best suited to kill two birds with one stone: delivering stronger policy to make life more affordable, and protecting the country against threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Canada has to be prepared to stand on our own two feet and to respond to any economic threats to our sovereignty,” said Jackson. “We’ve got to rapidly grow our economy so that we’re negotiating with the Americans from a position of strength.”

Jackson said that central to affordability in Canada is the policy the Conservatives championed at its core for years — removing the carbon tax. Unlike other parties, he said, the Conservatives are committed to removing the tax permanently, lowering the cost of living for items ranging from groceries to housing.

“The tax has been temporarily removed by (Liberal Leader Mark) Carney, but it’s got to be completely eradicated from the legislative framework of this country,” he said. “Our Conservative team has committed to making sure that it is gone and it’s gone forever.”

The carbon tax is one example of “weak” policies under the Liberals that have brought the country to the situation it’s in today, he said. Housing is another sticking point. He said he supports the Conservative plan to bring building-permit waits down to six months in a bid to build more homes and make them more affordable.

When asked about his decision to resign as MLA of Spruce Woods and run for a federal seat in Brandon-Souris, Jackson said it was a risk he decided was warranted. Despite his emphasis on southwest Manitoba, he said there are some issues that he could not address at the provincial level.

“I feel like there is more that the Government of Canada can be doing to make sure that young people have a bright future across Canada,” he said. “And I’ve got a number of seniors in my personal life who are struggling right now — things have become unsustainable for them to pay their bills. And this is not acceptable.”

Last month, Jackson stepped into the race in Brandon-Souris after the exit of incumbent Conservative MP Larry Maguire, who announced he would not be seeking re-election for health reasons.

“It is a risk, absolutely. It was not an easy decision to make,” said Jackson. “I consulted my family and my girlfriend and my parents, of course, and her family, and also consulted my provincial MLA colleagues. Those were difficult conversations, but they were all very supportive of me taking on this role and trying to fill Larry’s significant shoes and his good work over the last number of years as our member of Parliament.”

Until election day, Jackson said he’ll balance his time between Brandon and the rural areas of the riding. Door-knocking is his primary strategy to connect face to face, as well as stopping by local businesses along the way.

“I really want to get to as many people as I can throughout the course of this election campaign, to touch base, so they know I’m working hard to earn their vote.”

» cmcdowell@brandonsun.com