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The amiable politician said those federal supports are important to helping struggling Canadians back onto their feet, noting they helped him when he was paralyzed in a drive-by shooting.

“I have always understood as a result of that unfortunate incident that government is there to ensure that families and those that struggle have opportunities to get on with their lives,” he said.

Hehr, who zipped around the legislature in a battery-powered wheelchair, was shot Oct. 3, 1991.

He told reporters at the legislature in 2009 that a stranger armed with a gun opened fire on a vehicle in which he was riding after the two vehicles stopped at a Calgary stoplight.

Hehr was 21 at the time of the shooting.

“We stopped at a red light. We look over. They look over. The next thing you know some guy pulls out a gun. The gun goes off. It hits me in the neck. I am a C5 quadriplegic.”

The gunman and another person in the vehicle were convicted and sent to prison, he said.

Hehr said Tuesday that his parents and sister helped him overcome his challenges, and he considers his life to have been “truly blessed.”

“I’m very thankful for the support I have had,” he explained.

Photo by Crystal Schick / Calgary Herald

He credited Monday’s victory over Conservative Joan Crockatt to “a whole concoction of things that came together,” including the work he did in the Alberta legislature, as well as “luck, timing, hard work and Justin Trudeau knocking it out of the park on the national side.”

“I will do my best to represent all the citizens, whether they voted for me or not, and see that Calgary has a role to play in shaping public policy going forward in this country,” Hehr said.

Hehr said the first Liberal wins in Calgary since 1968 make the city a better place.

“I think you will see all political parties pay more attention to Calgary — and that’s a good thing.”

Hehr said it is “fabulous” to be going to Ottawa with Kang.

“Darshan and I have a great relationship,” he said. “He works super hard for his constituents. He has the perspective of being an immigrant to this country and building a life, and he will bring that voice to Parliament Hill. It will be an extra … quiver on our bow.”

dhenton@calgaryherald.com

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