TORQUAY - Torquay Mayor Mike Strachan has announced that he will be seeking the nomination for the Conservative Party of Canada for Souris-Moose Mountain in the upcoming federal election.
With more than a decade serving the people of Torquay, Strachan said he has a proven track record of being a strong, common-sense local leader.
“Having been asked to run by residents and business leaders in the riding, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the riding of Souris-Moose Mountain,” Strachan stated. “Together we can build a stronger, more common sense-focused, and fairer Canada for everyone."
In addition to serving as mayor of Torquay, Strachan serves on the board of directors of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
“As a municipal leader, I understand that common sense is key to bringing home solutions that work for everyone,” Strachan said.
First elected as mayor of Torquay in 2009, Strachan said he has worked alongside all levels of government, including rural municipalities, provincial MLAs and federal MPs to ensure that southern Saskatchewan received its fair share of investment and support from all levels of government.
Strachan has worked in the coal mines in the Estevan area for much of his adult life.
“Our energy industry is the envy of the world. We need to send a clear message to Ottawa that there is no such thing as a just transition," he said. "The workers in Saskatchewan’s energy industry are some of the hardest working people. If selected as the candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada, I will not forget about the hard-working men and women in our energy industry who work around the clock to ensure Canada has access to the safest and most reliable energy.”
In his announcement, Strachan acknowledged outgoing MP Robert Kitchen.
“Dr. Robert Kitchen has been a strong supporter of local needs and issues over the last 10 years. His strong advocacy for not only our region but Saskatchewan as a whole will be missed. I hope to continue the great work he has done on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan,” Strachan stated.
Kitchen, who has been the Souris-Moose Mountain MP since 2015, announced on Monday he would not seek re-election in the next federal vote, slated for 2025. Moosomin MLA Steven Bonk has also declared his intention to run.
Strachan was part of a six-person field to be the Tory candidate for the 2015 federal election. Kitchen won that race.
