Trevor Peterson, NDP

Personal details. Name, age, hometown

My name is Trevor Peterson; I’m 49 years old and live in Assiniboia. I grew up on a family farm between Central Butte and Riverhurst.

Tell us about yourself

I have been a teacher in small-town Saskatchewan for 26 years. I teach health, wellness and construction along with coaching a variety of school and community sports. I grew up on a family farm; we raised cattle as well as grew a variety of commodities. I have spent my entire life living in rural Saskatchewan and have always been involved in the community, especially with sports. I spend many hours throughout the entire year volunteering in the community as a coach for various teams.

What’s a little-known fact about you?

Our family spent part of a year living in Rwanda, Africa. We volunteered with CUSO International and I was a stay-at-home dad. It was a great experience that our family learned from and will never forget.

Why should voters hire you?

I am committed to Saskatchewan and I want to help to bring positive change to Saskatchewan. I will be visible in the communities throughout the great southwest, listening to the concerns and issues of the people and being their advocate. As someone who has grown up and lived my entire life in rural Saskatchewan, I have a strong understanding of the needs and wants of this constituency.

Who should we call for a reference?

The students that I have taught over the years. They would know me well and have seen my compassion and work ethic.

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

My greatest strength would be my work ethic. I would also say that I am very approachable and care about others. I truly want to do my part to make the world a better place. My greatest weakness is my ability to learn a second language.

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), and 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 in a way that economically benefits provinces and regions that currently produce and depend upon revenues from the fossil fuel sector. No community and workers 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 rural Saskatchewan, I know this.

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 everyday 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 value — 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 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?

I spend most of my time off working with kids in a coaching role. I also like to spend time with my family travelling around the province taking in the events and attractions.