I’m the Conservative candidate for Parliament in Vancouver Centre, and I’m running because it’s time that Vancouver had a strong voice on the government side of the table. I believe I have the energy, dedication, and experience to be your voice in Ottawa. I was born and raised in Vancouver and my husband and I have raised our three children here. I’ve been a small businesswoman, journalist, and long-time community volunteer. I served three terms on Vancouver city council and have spent thousands of hours at the grassroots level working on economic, social, cultural, and neighborhood issues to help make our city the vibrant place it is to live, work, and play. I understand the riding’s diversity, its wide range of issues, and its place at the heart of the city.

The reason that I’m running as a Conservative is because I believe a Conservative government is best placed to tackle the issues that people in the riding care most about. The number one concern I’m hearing from people is about their jobs or small businesses. The Conservative government has done a great job in steering Canada through the world economic crisis with policies to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and keep taxes low. As a direct result, Canada has become the envy of other nations.

Conservative policies have lowered the small business tax rate, increased businesses that are eligible for it, reduced payroll tax increases, and eliminated red tape. This is making it easier for businesses to keep people employed and find new markets for their goods and services.

I’m a champion for continued investment in infrastructure and tourism initiatives, huge economic drivers in this riding. This government has invested $2.2 billion in British Columbia with tens of millions of dollars into Vancouver Centre in social housing, cultural spaces, and other recreational, environmental, and rapid transit initiatives. But there’s more to be done.

A strong approach on social issues ensures a safe and healthy community. I’m a champion of our urban issue of homelessness and support the Conservative government’s national homelessness strategy, announced in 2008. More than $1.9 billion will be invested over five years to address the needs of low-income Canadians, those at risk of homelessness, and the homeless themselves. The Conservative party, unlike other parties, supports free votes in Parliament on social issues. This means I can support my constituents’ views and vote my conscience.

I will be a strong voice for safety in our communities and will support initiatives to raise funds for youth at risk and the Conservative youth at risk strategy. I also think the Conservative bills to crack down on street racing and money laundering by organized crime, and tougher sentences for violent crime and for offenses committed with guns, will contribute to less crime in our community.

I want to balance the need for economic growth with our responsibility to ensure the protection of the environment. I support Conservative measures to expand protected wilderness areas, legislation to eliminate harmful contaminants from our environment, and investment in environmental technology and research.

As a former university instructor and parent of children in postsecondary education, I’m a champion of education in our riding at all levels. This includes college, university, trades, and apprenticeship programs that will help meet our country’s goal of having the most literate and skilled workforce in the world.

I’m asking for your support because I believe that with a strong economy, social conscience, and a strong voice in government we will make Vancouver Centre cleaner, safer, and more prosperous.

Jennifer Clarke is the Conservative candidate for Vancouver Centre.