Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Shelby Kramp-Neuman made a brief stop at Napanee’s Conservation Park on Monday morning to officially announce her intentions to run for MP of Hastings-Lennox and Addington as a member of the Conservatives.
Born and raised in Hastings, she is a graduate of the University of Ottawa where she studied Communications and Political Science and has experience in government, public service and the private sector.
“I’m entering this race because I’m really concerned about the current state of our country and the direction in which it’s headed,” Kramp-Neuman said to supporters gathered at the park. “As we come out of this COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadians are worried about our economic recovery, security and future prosperity. Unfortunately debt loads on individuals on all levels of government have exploded. This is putting businesses, jobs and home ownership for too many people at risk. As communities and families face unprecedented challenges, the current Liberal government is continuing to reward its friends and associates. Promises made to our veterans, seniors and small businesses have been broken. All the insiders with ties to the Liberal party like SNC-Lavalin and the WE charity continue to line their pockets with tax payer dollars.”
“When looking at the build back plan, voters should not forget that the Liberal government has a long and proven record of not getting the job done for Canadians,” she continued. “From building pipelines to getting clean water on First Nations reserves, to procuring sufficient vaccines in a timely manner to keep Canadians safe, the Liberals have consistently shown all of us they’re not up for the challenge. I believe that Canadians deserve so much more.”
Along with teaching, working as a parliamentary assistant and working as a financial advisor, Kramp-Neuman also served on the municipal council of Centre Hastings for 15 years, including four years as deputy mayor.
“My 15 years in municipal politics has taught me that the foundations of a strong society and a prosperous country, start with healthy communities that have the ability to create and sustain and secure well-paying jobs,” she said. “The key to moving past this pandemic in H-LA is to give our community tools and resources we need to become more self-reliant and resilient. Building that self-reliance and resilience in H-LA starts with creating the framework. This framework starts with governments providing the necessary investments in municipal and regional infrastructure. Relief from taxes that stifle productivity and the cutting of red tape that completely inhibits growth. It also includes investing in mental health programs, cleaner energy, our farmers and local businesses by creating an environment for new opportunities and investments.”
Kramp-Neuman says she plans to be ready for whenever the next election is called, whether it be this autumn or next spring.
“With a minority government there’s always speculation when the election will be called,” she said. “At this point we’re gearing up. We have a tremendous team of volunteers, we’re always looking for more.”
She’s looking to carry on a family tradition of sorts, as her father Daryl Kramp served as a local MP for parts of the current riding from 2004-2015 before the boundaries were re-configured. In 2018 he successfully ran at the provincial level and currently serves as Hasting-Lennox and Addington’s MPP.
“Working with my father would be a tremendous experience,” she said. “But whomever their role is just the coordination and being able to work together is the main key. My focus is on how I can move forward and excite a new generation of people to get involved in politics.”
Kramp-Neuman joins Liberal candidate Mike Bossio and independent incumbent Derek Sloan as those who have put their name forward to run in this riding for the next federal election, which is currently slated for October 2023, but is expected to happen much sooner. Kramp-Neuman will replace Sloan’s name on the federal Conservative ballot after he was ejected from the party in January. Late last year he had been acclaimed as the Conservative candidate for Hastings-Lennox and Addington.