Retired Canadian Forces major and recently manager of communications for Comox Valley Schools, Mary Lee is the Conservative Party of Canada’s candidate for the Courtenay-Alberni riding in the 2021 federal election.
Lee’s work in the military’s public affairs branch took her around the world, including a tour in the Arabian Gulf as part of the U.S.-led coalition force during the war on terrorism. She retired from the Canadian Forces in 2007 and started a communications consulting business. Lee has worked in a variety of industries including aviation, government, health care and education. She earned a master’s degree in public relations in 2019.
Lee said she decided to run in the election because she was concerned about decisions being made by the federal government.
“I felt that democracy was eroding, as were our rights and freedoms, under the Trudeau government. We’re seeing decisions being made in government that were not going to protect our future, there was no plan,” said Lee.
She said the Conservatives’ national recovery plan resonated with her strongly.
“It’s a road map. It’s a strategy to move forward, to get through the pandemic uncertainties and, certainly the fiscal uncertainties, and move forward with stimulating the economy,” Lee said.
Voters across the riding have told her they are concerned about the rising cost of living.
“Canadians are worried. They’re worried about being able to afford their future, their homes,” Lee said. “Everybody’s noticing the rising cost of groceries, filling their tank.”
Housing affordability, the economy, protecting the environment and mental health are all important issues for Lee.
“These are some of the big issues that are addressing our riding and, of course, we’re very diverse, but these needs are percolating to the top of being paramount to our recovery and this is what I’m hearing at the doors,” she said.
Lee said she is a life-long Conservative and was drawn to the fiscal conservatism of the party.
Election Day is set for Sept. 20.
