Austin Mullins, the Banff-Airdrie Green Party election candidate says he has been actively campaigning for months, and will be focusing his canvassing efforts over the next two weeks in Cochrane and Airdrie, sharing his platform for a just transition, economic diversification, and meaningful climate action.

Going by the slogan “Not right. Not left. Forward,” the 21-year-old currently works as a server at Aroma Mexican Restaurant in Canmore, is originally from London, Ontario, and studied Political Science at Western University with additional focus on literature, writing, science, astronomy, and women’s issues prior to entering politics.

“I moved here to climb and pursue an active outdoor lifestyle that comes so easily with living in the mountains. Since moving here I have noticed that many of the challenges that the residents of Banff-Airdrie are facing can only be solved with a strong, progressive voice in Parliament. I am passionate about delivering that voice to the residents of Banff-Airdrie.”

His decision to run for office was initially motivated by a passion for economic diversification, LGBTQ rights, nature conservation, climate change action, and environmental policy.

He said he believes “the queer community” is still facing adversity today.

“Forty per cent of homeless youth in North America identify as LGBT2QIA+. There is still a federal blood ban on gay men. Conversion therapy is an accepted practice nationwide. As the next MP for Banff-Airdre, I would do everything in my power to get queer youth off the street, lift the federal blood ban, and ban conversion therapy,” said Mullins.

He said his recent work in Canmore’s small business and hospitality sector has connected him to people from all walks of life and perspectives from around the world.

“It would be an honour to respond to the needs of his Banff-Airdrie constituents and help them tackle the challenges they face now and in the future.”

He says he has already met with thousands of voters from Airdrie, Banff, Canmore, Cochrane, Crossfield, Rocky View, and the Stoney Nakoda community, and he believes he can craft realistic policy positions to represent their voices at the federal level.

“The Bow Valley is experiencing its own opioid crisis. As the next MP for Banff-Airdrie, I will be a strong voice for all who are suffering with addiction and work to end this crisis. I will also champion a significant investment from the federal government in funding for mental health support.

“I also believe in climate science. I am fighting for meaningful action against the climate crisis. The Green Party of Canada will always fight!”

All-candidate’s forums across the electoral district in the coming weeks include: Cochrane Chamber of Commerce will host a debate at the Lions Club in Cochrane on September 25. Airdrie Chamber of Commerce will host a debate at the Bert Church Theatre in Airdrie on October 2. The 100 Debates for the Environment at the Canmore Town Council Chambers on October 3. The Move Mountains Candidacy Social with Canmore Young Adult Network, located at the Spring Creek Opera House will take place on October 11.