Conservative candidate Lewis officially launches campaign

Chris Lewis (right) kicked off his campaign last week with support from fellow PC candidates, Dave Epp, left; and Mark McKenzie. CTV News reported April 1 that Mackenzie is no longer a candidate.

Canadians are facing unprecedented times and Chris Lewis is hearing it throughout Essex County.

Seeking his third term in the April 28 federal election, the Conservative candidate launched his campaign last Wednesday night in Essex amongst a large crowd of supporters.

“People are saying they are frustrated, they are hurting, we are full of anxiety. We don’t know what our children are going to do to get out of our basements and afford their own homes,” said Lewis.

With less than 30 days left to knock on doors and get the Conservative message out, Lewis said the response to his seeking re-election has been positive.

“The response has been remarkable. When we are out pounding in signs, people are honking their horns and giving the thumbs up.”

Amongst those at the kickoff last week was Dave Epp who is seeking his third seat in Ottawa representing the riding of Chatham-Kent-Leamington. Also, on hand to lend support was Mark Mckenzie who was the candidate in Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore until CTV News reported he was dropped by the party April 1.

“We are all in this for Canada as my good friend Chris has said,” said Epp.

Lewis will have more voters to attract this go around as the riding boundaries of Essex has been increased to include Comber and Stoney Point. Both in 2021 and 2019 he garnered about 41 per cent of the votes.

This time he goes up against Liberal Chris Sutton, NDP Lori Wightman of Amherstburg and Jason Henry of the People’s Party of Canada.

For the past three years Lewis has been fighting to have the Income Tax Act amended to allow tradespersons and apprentices to deduct travelling expenses.

Conservative candidate Chris Lewis greets supporters at the opening of his campaign office March 26 in Essex.

Lewis said that while his Private Members Bill, C-241 will not move forward, that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has promised that if elected, it will go ahead.

The Conservatives slogan is Axe the Tax and one big item for cost cutting will be to defund the CBC.

Asked by the River Town Times on his comment about that, Lewis answered, “I find it very strange that it’s the only news agency funded by the federal government. I’m sure Mr. Poilievre will come up with some more information. I believe all businesses should be stand-alone businesses and we need fair reporting.”

Conservative candidate Lewis officially launches campaign

By Fred Groves