LAURIE WEIR

With a federal election on April 28 and national concerns around affordability, housing and cross-border trade growing more urgent, candidates across the country are beginning to define their priorities.

In Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, a riding shaped by its rural communities, international connections and small business economy, only one candidate has stepped forward so far to take part in our “3 Questions” series.

Liberal candidate LJ Edmonds shares her views on the issues that matter most to voters here—including the economic impact of renewed U.S. tariffs, the importance of federal leadership, and how she hopes to connect with long-time Conservative supporters.

1. How will your party’s plan protect local jobs and small businesses from the impact of U.S. tariffs?

Prime Minister Mark Carney is Canada’s strongest and most experienced leader to negotiate a trade deal with US President Donald Trump—there’s no question about it. We are a border riding, and everyone here understands the threats to our economy and our sovereignty posed by Trump’s return to the White House.

Mark Carney has already cut the consumer carbon tax. To further support workers, the new Liberal government will make the Employment Insurance program more flexible by:

• Temporarily waiving the one-week EI waiting period.
• Suspending the rules around separation for a six-month period, so workers don’t have to exhaust severance pay before collecting EI.
• Making it easier to access EI by increasing regional unemployment rate thresholds.

To support businesses, the new government will:

• Defer corporate income tax payments and GST/HST remittances from April 2 to June 30, 2025—providing up to $40 billion in liquidity to businesses.
• Deploy a new financing facility for businesses.
• Provide more funding to Canada’s regional development agencies so they can better support businesses.

The Liberal Party is focused on building a strong Canadian economy—that means protecting existing jobs and creating new ones. As your MP, I will fight alongside Prime Minister Carney to protect our businesses, farms and communities here in LGTIRL.

2. What’s your stance on party leadership? Do you support their approach to Canada’s economy, and why?

I fully support Prime Minister Mark Carney. He is by far the best leader to deal with President Trump’s threats to Canada’s economy and sovereignty.

Mark Carney is both an economist and a leader. As the former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, he understands how the economy works. He has a plan to make Canada’s economy the strongest in the G7 while also safeguarding our social programs.

He knows—as I do—that housing and the cost of living are major concerns for people in our riding.

Mark Carney is bringing Canadians together to create a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. He is the right person for this moment. We will work together to help everyone prosper. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Carney to achieve that.

3. Why should long-time Conservative voters in this riding take a chance on you—or your party—in this election?

Voters in LGTIRL won’t be taking a chance on me—or on Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Carney has a proven track record internationally. He’s worked with leaders around the world. He knows what he’s doing and has the experience to back it up.

Likewise, I am an experienced and accomplished leader. I’ve worked in Canada, the U.S., and internationally, leading initiatives that have helped thousands of people. I care deeply about this riding, and I will do everything I can to protect our jobs, businesses, livelihoods and way of life.

We are both focused on Canada’s strengths, and we will use our skills, experience and insight to make this country more productive and globally competitive. Everyone will benefit—and we’ll make sure your voices are heard.

This election is the most critical since the Second World War. Voting Liberal will bring our riding to the decision-making table in Ottawa. As a border riding, we must be there. You deserve a seat at that table, and I will fight to make sure your voice is heard.

This election, in my view—and likely yours, too—is about leadership, not partisanship. We need a leader who will protect Canada’s independence and sovereignty now and for the future. Mark Carney is earning national support for that role and showing us all what strong, competent leadership looks like.

If we want a voice in the decisions that matter, then the way to get there is by electing me, LJ Edmonds, as your MP.