Conservative candidate Gail Shea

About Conservative candidate Gail Shea
• Hometown Skinners Pond
• Married to Russell Shea
• Member of the P.E.I. legislature 2000 to 2007, representing Tignish-DeBlois
• Served as Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and Minister of Transportation and Public Works
• Former civil servant, having worked at the Summerside Tax Centre; and a former school board trustee

1. How would you deal with the ongoing migration of young people out of P.E.I.?
We need to create opportunity for people here in Egmont. During this campaign I have had the opportunity to visit new businesses in Slemon Park and western P.E.I. People want to be able to plan a life for themselves and their families, and a good paying job with security is a huge part of those plans. We know that Islanders have the skills and the desire but what is lacking sometimes is the opportunity. The Summerside Tax Centre, put here by a Conservative government, is a clear example of how good paying jobs keep people in their communities. I am pleased that our party is going to ensure rural islanders will have access to high-speed Internet through the Building Canada Fund. We are increasing money for training and we will reinstate the $30 million in cuts made by the Liberals at ACOA. The tax cuts for small business will also have a beneficial affect. Being a member of the governing party will increase my opportunity to deliver on behalf of the residents of Egmont.

2. What is your personal position on Canada's role and/or future in Afghanistan?
Knowing many families who have sons, daughters, husbands and wives in the military I want to start by thanking these brave men and women who put others ahead of themselves. The sacrifice these men and women are making for the people of Afghanistan is nothing short of heroic. World peace and security is so important and Canada has a role to play in those efforts. Canada has a long history of assisting other whose security was put in danger. During the world wars Canadian sacrificed their lives to bring peace to Europe. As peacekeepers we worked with struggling governments to bring stability to their nations. In Afghanistan we are assisting young girls to attend school for the first time in their lives. Peace and security has to be established before it can be maintained. Canadians are building security and training the Afghans to build the capacity to secure peace within their own nation. I support the decision of the Canadian government to withdraw in 2011.

3. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing your constituency?
The biggest issue presented to me is the cost of home heating. This comes up at least four times as often as any other issue. With the higher price of oil people are really worried about the coming winter. I have heard from seniors and families who turn down the thermostat because they have to choose between heating oil or groceries. For many the idea of using anything besides furnace oil to heat their home is simply not practical. Eighty-five per cent of Island homes use furnace oil as their main or partial heat source.
People cannot understand how any political party wants to impose a carbon tax on something that is a basic necessity. The suggestion that tax credits will ease this burden on this is totally impractical because people are having trouble paying for oil now. They can't wait and hope for a tax refund. The carbon tax really has people worried. Fishers, farmers, construction companies and truckers are all struggling with higher costs and low margins. They really don't need a new tax.

4. What is the one issue you feel has been overlooked and should be brought into the spotlight?
The cost of living is the main issue facing everyone and sometimes I feel it is being overshadowed with lesser issues, such as the clothing the leaders wear or the behavior of some candidates. The real issues facing ordinary families are sometimes only mentioned as an afterthought. I would have liked a greater focus on youth issues as well. Youth provide so much life to our communities and they often feel forgotten in the world of politics. As well, this relates to opportunity, youth need to see that they can have a bright future. I really believe it is important for us adults to show our youth some optimism. Our youth are eager to do their part to make our world a better place and can provide inspiration to us all. One need I have made a personal promise to address is the creation of a youth addictions centre.

5. Given this opportunity, on a personal basis, what do you want to get across to the voters about you?
My theme for this election is For Your Future, For Your Family, and this says it all. Family is important to everyone. Your family may be your aging parents or your newborn child. Your family could be your sisters or brothers, grandparents, grandchildren, uncles and aunts or cousins. Family is about belonging and we all need to belong. An election is always about the future, we are choosing a government that will be part of our lives for the next number of years. It is very important in Egmont we choose a candidate best able to deliver for the riding. I believe my past experiences of family, volunteer, living in a rural community and provincial cabinet minister have all prepared me to serve the people of Egmont as their member of Parliament. What I have learned about politics is that it is about service and I want the people to know I am willing to put my experience to work in their service.

6. What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever received, and from whom?
I have learned so much from others throughout my life and many, many people have helped me. I have received advice and guidance from my husband, my children, co-workers and my teachers. Everyone who I have interacted with has had an influence on me and I have been given much good advice over the course of my life. As well, as a politician I received much advice about everything and have always tried to give consideration to how people felt and the conviction of their positions. The greatest advice I have received would have to be the example shown to me by my parents. Their desire for us to treat everyone as we would like to be treated has left a lasting impression. I believe in showing respect to everyone regardless of his or her background.