Federal Election 2019 Meet the Candidates: Liberal Eleanor Olszewski

Meet the Candidates Federal Election 2019 edition is The Gateway’s series of interviews with candidates running in Edmonton Strathcona. This is article the last of five articles. To read the first, second, third, and fourth article, click on the respective hyperlink.

With the October 21 federal election fast approaching, The Gateway sat down and interviewed candidates from the major parties running in Edmonton Strathcona.

In the final article of the series, Liberal Party of Canada candidate for Edmonton Strathcona Eleanor Olszewski is interviewed.

Olszewski grew up in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She left the city to attend post-secondary at the University of Alberta. She has two degrees from the U of A, including a bachelor of science in pharmacy with distinction and a Juris Doctor. Olszewski built her law career as a civil litigator in Edmonton.

She previously ran as the Liberal candidate in 2015 within the same riding, losing out to Linda Duncan of the New Democratic Party of Canada.

The Gateway interviewed Olszewski to see how, if elected, she plans to represent those living in Edmonton Strathcona and students in the House of Commons.

Responses have been edited for clarity and length.

The Gateway: Why did you decide to run in this election?

For two reasons. One, I had unfinished business after running unsuccessfully in 2015. Secondly, I have really been an advocate for all of my career. It’s really important to me to continue to advocate for the people of Edmonton Strathcona — whether it be students, families, or professionals. I really believe in lifting people up and do things that enable all Canadians to have the chance to do what they love. The Liberal party has made really good progress. I want that to make sure that continues and that we do not see the type of cuts we are seeing on a provincial level.

What is the single issue that is most important to you?

That is a tough question. There are a number that are near and dear to my heart. The most important one to me is that we continue to take action to fight climate change. That we take all the steps that we possibly can to protect our environment.

I have talked to a lot of people living in the riding, including some university students. Many not only want, but expect some action on climate change and environmental protection. I completely understand how important that is for young people.

What is your stance on climate change? How will your party concretely work to address it?

We must continue to do everything we can to address this issue. We must use good science and evidence-based steps to make sure we protect our environment.

My view is that the Liberal party has taken some really unprecedented steps in order to deal with climate change from putting a price on pollution, banning single use plastics, to programs like the ocean protection plan. These are the kinds of things that I really care about.

If the question is, ‘can more be done,’ I believe absolutely more can be done. It is why I believe the Liberal government should receive another mandate because this is one area we cannot move backwards. We must continue the phenomenal progress that we have made.

What is your party doing to support post-secondary education?

This party fundamentally believes in the importance of education. Education is the great equalizer for people.

The Liberals have already done a lot to help students. We have increased greatly non-repayable Canada Student Grants so as many students as possible can take advantage of them. We have made changes to the Canada Student Loan program. We still have more to do.

I know young people today are anxious; that they will be able to turn their education into a good job. We aren’t just focused on access to university but providing people who are struggling with the ability to buy a home or raise a family. Our government implemented the first-time home buyers program, ensuring housing affordability, and the Canada Child Benefit.

If you were to choose one initiative or area of policy, what makes your party stand out from the rest?

From an overall perspective, our Liberal Party commitment to ensuring as many Canadians have a fair chance for success as possible sets us apart. If you look at virtually all the programs implemented by this government over the past four years, they all fall under that umbrella.

Now for a joke question. Dead or alive, who is your favourite Canadian Prime Minister or the one who inspires you the most?

My favourite prime minister is Justin Trudeau. I think he shows incredible leadership. He has taken stances that are not necessarily popular with all Canadians but because he believes and knows it is the right thing to do. He has been steadfast of his support for all Canadians.