When I learned Kent was running, I couldn’t stay silent

by Earl J. Woods

Provincial election night in 2008 was a tough one for Alberta Liberals. As the results rolled in, we learned that we’d lost roughly half of our seats, and I’d suffered a not-unexpected but nonetheless embarrassing personal defeat in Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, coming in roughly 10,000 votes behind Premier Ed Stelmach. The night had a bright spot, though: our winning incumbents would be joined by new Calgary MLAs Darshan Kang and Kent Hehr.

I’d met both Darshan and Kent at an Alberta Liberal event in Calgary in 2007, but it wasn’t until they joined the caucus that I really got to know them. Both men will make great MPs for Calgary, but in this testimonial I’m focusing on my friend and former colleague, Kent.

Outspoken, straight shooting and good humoured

When Kent arrived in Edmonton for his first caucus meeting, I was there as part of the Official Opposition’s communications team. I was fortunate enough to work quite closely with Kent, providing feedback on his Private Member’s Statements, newspaper editorials, Question Period questions and speeches. Thanks to that work I got to know Kent pretty well, particularly his priorities, beliefs and character. I quickly grew to admire this outspoken, straight shooting, good-humoured champion of the people.

Unlike many public figures, Kent believes in and trusts the scientific method; he understands that properly applied, solid research leads to good policy. That’s why he supports the necessary ideas, instead of just following the conservative mantra of slashing important public services such as education and health care. Kent understands that investing in public institutions actually saves money and delivers better outcomes for everyone. And he’s not afraid to express that belief in public.

Crucial to our mental health

Earl and KentKent listens and keeps his cool. Even during some pretty heated caucus debates, I never saw Kent lose his temper or his sense of humour; he was a calming influence on any room he was in, and he understands the value of considering ideas and philosophies from across the political spectrum. And Kent was never anything less than unfailingly kind and respectful to every employee at the caucus, no matter how senior or junior the role. In a workplace that offered more than its fair share of stress, Kent’s good humour and consideration was crucial to our mental health.

I hesitate to even mention my admiration for Kent’s perseverance in the face of his physical disability, partly because it’s almost a cliché to mention it; it also risks appearing condescending. But I will write about it, because my perspective is a little different than most. My wife, Sylvia, happens to have cerebral palsy, so I understand the day-to-day challenges people with mobility issues have to face as a matter of course. Tasks we accomplish without even thinking about it take much longer for my wife. I know how much extra work it’s been for Sylvia to achieve her many accomplishments, so I know how much grit and determination Kent must have to reach this point in his career as a public servant. That’s an awe-inspiring level of courage and hard work.

A tireless advocate

Kent understands hardship, and he understands that people want to build a better life for themselves and their families. During my years at the Official Opposition, I saw Kent fight for fair taxes, for the environment, for our public institutions.

I left politics after the Alberta provincial election of 2012, burned out after six and a half years of it. At the time, I told myself that I’d restrict my future political activity to voting.

But when I learned that Kent was running for federal office, I couldn’t stay silent. Even though I live and work in Edmonton, I’m lending Kent’s campaign a hand because of all the politicians I’ve met and worked with over the years, Kent stands out as a man of unique character and vision. Canada will be a better place with Kent Hehr in Ottawa as the Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre, and the people of Calgary Centre will have a tireless advocate for their dreams and aspirations. I hope you’ll join me in supporting Kent Hehr.