Ray Aldinger, NDP

Personal details. Name, age, hometown

Ray Aldinger, 49, Regina.

Tell us about yourself

I grew up in Central Texas and Germany. I went to Central Texas College. I have worked in adult and youth corrections for over 29 years.

What’s a little-known fact about you?

I don’t like confined spaces and clowns.

Why should voters hire you?

I would never give up when it comes to doing the right thing.

Who should we call for a reference?

Scott McNeil or anyone that has known me for several years.

What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness?

My family. My weakness is Reese’s Blizzards.

Where do you stand on:

Gun laws? New Democrats have always worked to make sure that our gun laws strike a good balance between public safety and the ability for lawful firearm owners to hunt and shoot recreationally without unnecessary red tape. While the Liberals and Conservatives continue to play politics with firearms legislation and public safety, we’re committed to sensible legislation that will keep communities safe and work for lawful firearms owners.

We have always appreciated the advocacy of law-abiding firearms owners who made the case that the regulations and laws that are adopted should not create an overbearing burden and a cumbersome system on sports shooting, hunting, or other activities that take place in communities across the country. Our approach will always ensure that we balance the needs of lawful gun owners with the need to crack down on illegal gun crimes and gangs in the big cities.

The need for more pipelines? New Democrats have always had the backs of energy workers. They power our communities and they power our economy across the country as well. While we acknowledge the importance of getting our products to market, the climate crisis requires serious and immediate action. Our plan fights the climate crisis while growing our economy and creating new opportunities for our energy workers and communities at the same time. By redirecting billions of dollars we currently spend subsidizing big fossil fuel companies, we’ll create over 300,000 good new green jobs in everything from construction to green energy.

Our priority is in making sure that public money is invested in renewable energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, tidal), that we’re developing the needed energy infrastructure, and getting Canadians trained up for these good jobs when they come.

New Democrats believe that we can tackle the climate change crisis head on, but that we can do it in a way that economically benefits provinces and regions that currently produce and depend upon revenues from the fossil fuel sector. No community and no worker should be left behind.

Western alienation? Western alienation is real, but it doesn’t have to be. A federal government that cares about the challenges faced by each and every citizen, in each and every region, is what is needed in Ottawa. New Democrats know this, and as a resident of Saskatchewan, I know this too.

Saskatchewan is the birthplace of Canada’s NDP, and our party is a product of western alienation. We know that farmers, resources workers, Indigenous people, and families deserve a stronger voice at the table. The Liberals are the party of the corporate elite. They stand with big pharmaceutical companies, the banks and insurance companies, and their rich friends. The Conservatives talk a good game, but just like the Liberals, when they get in power their only priority is cutting taxes for corporations and the rich.

New Democrats will never forget our roots, and unlike Liberals and Conservatives who only fight for their rich and powerful friends, we’ll never stop fighting for western farmers and every-day families.

China? What should our approach be with some of our markets blocked? China is a global economic superpower that touches nearly every sector of the Canadian economy. China is a very important country for Canada, and deteriorating relations with the Chinese are very concerning. We share strong demographic, cultural, economic and other ties, and the diplomatic crisis between our countries must be resolved.

The decision of the Chinese government to stop accepting or delaying some Canadian products like canola is very concerning and unjustifiable. Trudeau and the Liberals have done nothing to defend our farmers and our jobs against these unfair trade policies. He’s only made things worse.

New Democrats believe that our federal government must uphold Canadian values — at home and abroad. We must stand up for human rights, the safe return of our detained citizens, and the resumption of normal trade relations and access to the Chinese market for Canadians farmers and manufacturers. Should we be elected to govern, New Democrats will work hard and in good faith to do just that.

Are we facing a climate change crisis? Is carbon tax the answer? The scientific evidence is clear. Whether we like it or not, the world is experiencing rapid climate change. The effects of climate change upon our society have been enormous, as we have experienced a rapid increase in global temperatures; floods, droughts, and forest fires; and an increase in the frequency and intensity of severe weather events like hurricanes, and heat waves. We must act now to ensure that the earth remains habitable, and that our society can continue to function as we would like without fear of environmental or economic disaster. To do so, we must reduce our carbon emissions, but punishing families without taxing our biggest polluters is not the right answer.

Canadians want to do their part to fight climate change — but they’re also struggling with the rising cost of living. The Liberals promised to make big polluters and wealthy corporations pay their fair share, but behind closed doors in Ottawa they caved to their lobbyist friends and let the biggest polluters off the hook. Unlike the Liberals, we’ll work to make life more affordable for everyday families while ensuring that we tackle the climate crisis at the same time.

It’s a day off and you can do anything you want. What would it be?

Spend time with family and friends.

Who inspires you?

Winston Churchill and my ancestors.

What is your hidden talent?

I can’t think of any, I use them all according to my family and friends

What do you wish you could do but can’t?

Travel to Mars one day.

Who are the three people, dead or alive, that you’d love to have dinner with?

Winston Churchil , Sam Houston and Barack Obama.

How do you take your coffee?

One black cup at a time.

What’s the one album you’d take with you on a desert island? What embarrassing song do you admit to on your playlist?

In Between Dreams by Jack Johnson, Mallrat by Charlie.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Having a good cigar with my friends.

What is the last book you read?

The Alchemist.

What is your favourite TV show? What are you binge watching?

Outlander, All caught up.

What is your all-time favourite movie?

Star Trek The Motion Picture.