Advance polls for the 2025 federal election closed Monday, April 21, and eligible voters who haven’t yet cast their ballots will have one final opportunity to do so on election day — Monday, April 28. Polls will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Details on where and when you can vote are listed on information cards mailed earlier this month to registered voters, and can also be found online at www.elections.ca.

To help inform readers ahead of the vote, Shootin’ the Breeze reached out to all candidates running in the Foothills riding, beginning April 11, with interview invitations and reminders. Liberal candidate John Bruinsma and People’s Party of Canada candidate Paul O’Halloran were the only ones to respond.

As the country prepares to elect a new federal government, Paul O’Halloran is on the campaign trail as the People’s Party of Canada candidate for the Foothills riding.

He is running to replace incumbent MP John Barlow of the Conservative party, who is seeking re-election.

A founding member of the PPC, O’Halloran says he entered the ballot battle not with “hollow promises” but with an unwavering commitment to the values of rural Albertans.

He says his platform is rooted in individual liberty, fiscal discipline and rural advocacy.

“I’ve heard your frustrations loud and clear,” O’Halloran says. “Crushing costs, government overreach and a rural identity under threat. I’m determined to confront these challenges head-on.”

O’Halloran tells Shootin’ the Breeze his goal is to be a bold and honest voice for rural communities like Crowsnest Pass, Okotoks, High River and others in the riding.

“I’m not here to offer hollow promises; I’m here to fight for our shared values with conviction and heart,” he says.

Focus on tax cuts, transparency, prosperity

One of O’Halloran’s top priorities is affordability. He is calling for the immediate elimination of the federal carbon tax, which he says is inflating fuel and grocery bills.

“I’ll relentlessly push to demand tax cuts to keep your hard-earned money where it belongs — with you,” he says.

He also advocates slashing federal red tape to make life easier for farmers, entrepreneurs and small businesses. If elected, O’Halloran says, he would push for balanced budgets and cutting “wasteful spending that burdens taxpayers.”

Ensuring transparency in government policies is another focus of O’Halloran.

“I’ll fiercely oppose policies that undermine our freedoms, like unjust gun laws targeting law-abiding farmers and hunters, while insisting on transparent, accountable governance,” he says.

Beyond household affordability, O’Halloran says boosting local economies is central to his platform.

He pledges to advocate for lower business taxes to help local shops, farms and entrepreneurs thrive, and to promote responsible development in oil, gas and agriculture by streamlining permitting processes and rejecting policies that “demonize” these industries.

To keep young people rooted in rural Alberta, he also supports programs to train youth for trades and energy jobs.

Rural advocacy

O’Halloran says rural communities like those in Foothills are being left behind and need a strong voice in Ottawa.

“I’ll stand as a steadfast defender of our agriculture and energy sectors, ensuring they’re not choked by bureaucracy or policies that dismiss our needs,” he says.

He’s calling for a renewed federal focus on rural priorities, including better support for farmers, infrastructure upgrades and improved access to health care.

On agriculture, O’Halloran says he would fight for policies that shield farmers from unfair tariffs and provide tax incentives for innovative, sustainable practices.

He is also advocating for targeted federal investment in rural infrastructure — including roads, broadband expansion and flood defences — to keep communities strong and connected.

In addition, O’Halloran says health-care gaps in rural areas must be urgently addressed.

“I’ll push for funding that equips rural hospitals and clinics to deliver the care our families rely on,” he says.

Resolves to stay connected with residents

O’Halloran says his campaign is built on a simple promise: staying connected with the people he hopes to represent.

“I’ll keep the lines open through regular town halls in Crowsnest Pass, High River, Okotoks and beyond, ensuring every voice matters,” he says.

He plans to maintain an accessible presence through a local office, social media and email, with monthly updates on his work in Ottawa and live Q&A sessions to stay in step with constituents.

“As a PPC candidate, I’m unbound by party whips,” he says. “My votes will always reflect your priorities, not a party agenda.”

Positioning himself as a candidate outside the establishment, O’Halloran says his affiliation with the PPC gives him the independence to vote for Foothills interests without compromise.

“I’ll share every decision openly, earning your trust through accountability,” he says. “I’m here to serve you with integrity, not to chase political clout.”

At the heart of his candidacy is a simple call to action: “Vote for strength, freedom, and a thriving Foothills.”

He acknowledges his campaign lacks the resources to hold meet-and-greets, but says he will be visible in the riding’s communities and connect with voters in person.

Foothills residents can reach O’Halloran at paulohalloran.ppcfoothills@gmail.com or follow his campaign on Facebook (PPCFoothills).