Skip to content

PROFILE: Morrison running for Conservatives in Kootenay-Columbia

Former RCMP member, diplomat looking to recapture the riding for the Tories
18610425_web1_Rob-Morrison-192

Rob Morrison has hit the highways around Kootenay-Columbia for the Conservatives as he campaigns for the upcoming federal election.

Morrison, who won the Tory nomination late last year, was up in Golden and Revelstoke when the writ dropped on Sept. 11, distributing election signs and knocking on doors.

“For Kootenay-Columbia, I’ll be travelling extensively to all our different communities, meeting with our supporters— and people who aren’t 100 per cent sure of what the Conservative Party stands on priorities — to get the message out,” said Morrison. “To show and demonstrate that we are listening. That’s probably the hardest thing for any politician, is to listen, but for us, its a matter of hearing what the priorities are for Kootenay-Columbia and taking those priorities to Ottawa.”

READ: Kootenay-Columbia Tory candidate opens campaign office

He will be looking to recapture the riding for the Conservatives, which was narrowly won by Wayne Stetski and the NDP four years ago after being a Tory stronghold since 2003.

Morrison touted recent policy announcements from Conservative leader Andrew Scheer, who recently announced a slew of tax-based initiatives on the campaign trail.

The Universal Tax Cut will reduce the tax rate on income under $47,000 from 15 per cent to 13.75 per cent, according to a Conservative Party press release. For a single-earner taxpayer, it is estimated to save $440 and up to $850 for a two-income couple.

READ: Morrison wins Kootenay-Columbia Tory nomination

“You add that up to the fact that a lot of these families are barely making it from month to month, that’s significant and will help out,” Morrison said.

Other announced measures include the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit, which provides up to $1,000 per child for fitness or sports activities and the Children’s Art and Learning Tax Credit, which allows parents to claim up to $500 for arts and educational expenses.

“So, pretty exciting that we’re looking at families and that’s kind of the Conservative value is family and helping families not just get by but have a little bit extra in their pocket at the end of the month,” Morrison said.

Morrison is a former RCMP member and diplomat for the Department of Foreign Affairs. He retired from his tenure as Director General with the Treasury Board Secretariat in 2013 after a 35-year career as a public servant.



trevor.crawley@cranbrooktownsman.com

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter



Trevor Crawley

About the Author: Trevor Crawley

Trevor Crawley has been a reporter with the Cranbrook Townsman and Black Press in various roles since 2011.
Read more