THUNDER BAY – Richard Harvey won the Thunder Bay Superior North Conservative nomination earlier this week.
Here is the speech that Harvey delivered to the 200 Conservatives who came out to choose their candidate:
I want to start by recognizing Richard Longtin. Richard has proven himself as a hard worker and has great potential in the Party. I also want to congratulate you Richard on your wedding last Saturday.
I know that for me, nothing is more important in my life than my wife and family and I trust you will be as happy in your marriage as I have been over the past 21 years.
No one candidate stands alone. A candidate is a reflection of the beliefs and values of the riding association, the constituents of the riding he represents, the party and the little voice inside that they have grown up with that tells them right from wrong.
Over the years I have been approached by Liberals, I’ve been approached by NDP members, suggesting that I should run for their party.
But quite frankly, as I look at myself I recognize that the Conservative party is the only party that holds the beliefs and values that I hold so sacred.
The reality is, only a strong economy makes it possible to provide programs to take care of those who cannot care for themselves.
Let me say that again, only a strong economy makes it possible to provide programs to take care of those who cannot care for themselves.
Stephen Harper has done a masterful job with the Canadian economy during this recent global economic downturn. Canada is the envy of the world with the strongest economy and fastest recovery of any nation in the world.
I would be honoured to serve as your representative in his government.
The policy of the Conservative government is to invest in research and innovation, and the implementation of that innovation.
Investing in new and innovative businesses and revitalizing existing business.
I know many of you are in business and you know this is true.
We have seen this locally where through the work of Greg Rickford, we have had investment in the hospital, the Cancer Centre, the Medical School and medical research.
Recent initiatives in forestry, mining and industry are helping us emerge as a competitive region and nation.
With a Conservative member of parliament in our riding, we can do even more.
We also need to feel safe in our homes and on our streets.
We need to stop the same criminals from doing it again and again and again. The Conservative crime bill that is presently proposed will take care of just that.
But in fact, that very crime bill may ultimately be what brings down the government.
Why?
Because the Liberals and the NDP believe the protection of the Criminals “rights” are more important than our right to feel safe in our own homes.
You know my record.
I’ve been effective in representing my constituents. I’ve been involved for a long time.
Ultimately though, the question from me is “what are you, the people, concerned about?”
“What do you want from me as your candidate?”.
I want to reflect your views; I want to serve you. I want to be your representative in the next election. I want to be your MP.
Thank you for taking the time to come out tonight.
Richard Harvey
Conservative Candidate
Thunder Bay Superior North
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