One Liberal candidate hopes to be the strong voice Lethbridge needs to represent the city federally.
Amy Bronson grew up in Lethbridge where she attended high school at Lethbridge Collegiate institute before working for several local businesses, such as Exhibition Park.
She continued her education with a degree from the University of Guelph and a master’s degree in global affairs from the University of Toronto.
Bronson has since been working across Canada and internationally building a career as a management consultant.
She learned the importance of music and the arts early in life and has held onto these values ever since. Bronson has made a name for herself within Lethbridge’s local music scene and has been writing and recording music for nearly a decade.
Bronson says her experience as a folk musician has prepared her for a career in politics.
“It’s so similar to be a folk singer and a politician because you encourage people to go on a journey with their thoughts, their beliefs, their values. And introduce something new to them,” Bronson says.
Along with her musical background, Bronson believes her hometown roots will help her best represent Lethbridge.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I stay very motivated by knowing that my views come out of Lethbridge,” Bronson says.
“[It’s] exactly what this community is built on. Which is people from all over the world, from all different countries, from all different backgrounds, all walks of life that have all come here to make a welcoming home for a reason…” Bronson explains. “Lethbridge is a city that is a product of liberal values. Of inclusion, of diversity and of freedom.”
The Liberal Party’s 2019 platform is heavily focused on making life more affordable for the average Canadian. This includes tax cuts for the middle class, affordable health care and improved student loan policies.
Megan Ryan, a restoration and assessment student at Lethbridge College, voted for the Liberal party in the last election and plans to do so again this fall. Her student loan played a large part in her decision.
“My education and whatever comes after it is important to me when it comes to voting. I think education is the future of the world and it should be easier for everyone to get,” Ryan says.
According to Bronson, the current Liberal government has already lent a helping hand to students financially.
“Under the federal Liberal government Canada’s student loans have increased by 50 per cent. There is now no interest paying back on your loans until you’ve got $25,000 of income after a six-month grace period. That is the kind of tangible result that students need to see from their government,” says Bronson.
A re-elected Liberal government hopes to increase student aid by 40 per cent and give graduates a longer grace period of two years to begin paying back their loans, instead of the current six months.
A special ballot is being held later this week at the University of Lethbridge to accommodate post-secondary students. Voting will take place over five days at the U of L between Oct. 5 and 9.
Advanced voting will also be held Oct. 11 to 14 at local polling stations.
More information on voting times and polling stations can be found on the Elections Canada website.
