Federal Election 2025: Could there be a change in the Edmonton-Manning riding?

Could winds of change be swirling in the Edmonton-Manning riding?

Conservative MP Ziad Aboultaif spent the last three terms representing the Edmonton-Manning riding, but he is facing competition from Liberal MP candidate Blair-Marie Coles and NDP candidate Lesley Thompson.

Robert Bard, a former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, is running for the People’s Party of Canada.

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Aggregate polls like 338Canada currently suggest the Edmonton-Manning riding could be a toss-up with Coles, who has an MBA in business specializing in public policy and management, in the running.

Aboultaif took 41.1 per cent of the vote in 2021, 56 per cent of the popular vote in 2019 and 45 per cent in 2015.

Liberal: Blair-Marie Coles

On the doorsteps, Coles is finding many constituents in her riding that want a better connection with their MP.

“I love this community. I’m passionate about this community — it’s my home,” said Coles, who has lived in Edmonton-Manning most of her life.

“One thing that is really important to me is my connection to the community. I will have an open-door policy. I will steer my efforts to where it’s needed based on the voices of the community.”

Coles has worked as a probation officer, sitting with victims through some of the toughest times of their lives. She feels she understands what it takes to support families, people and businesses in the community.

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Coles said she is committed to working with Prime Minister Mark Carney to create one Canadian economy instead of 13, because many people struggle with the cost of living.

She’s also strongly focused on making housing more affordable, investing in important infrastructure, and she wants to strengthen supports for seniors and military veterans as well as the $10-a-day child care program.

“People are excited about real leadership, and people who have tangible plans and the knowledge and experience to get us there,” said Coles.

“It’s about caring for this community, and taking a stand for what I believe in.

“I won’t get everyone to agree with me, nor would I want to. Diversity of voice is really important.”

NDP: Lesley Thompson

Thompson has lived in the Edmonton-Manning riding for 20 years, and is a lifelong northsider. Before becoming a professional project manager, Thompson worked several years in media and television as a producer and writer. She’s also done a lot of advocacy work on health care and affordable housing.

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“I wanted a representative that represents me. I’ve never had a member of parliament truly represent myself and our community, and the values we all share in this community,” said Thompson.

“We need to make sure we have strong progressive voices in Ottawa, because we don’t have enough of them.“

While the Edmonton-Manning riding has held a strong Conservative presence over the last decade, Thompson is confident that the NDP’s popularity in Edmonton will give her a strong push with the voters on April 28.

Thompson’s main focus is strengthening the public health-care system, bringing in pharmacare, and providing more affordable housing and rent control.

“People are having a hard time affording a roof over their head and feeding their families. Too many Canadians are being forced to give up the dream of having a home they can afford,” said Thompson.

Conservative: Ziad Aboultaif

Aboultaif has held the Edmonton-Manning riding for three terms and is seeking a fourth when the polls close on April 28.

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According to Aboultaif’s website, he brings more than a decade of experience as a business owner and operator to the House of Commons.

Originally born in Lebanon, Aboultaif moved to Edmonton in 1990, and is married with two children.

Ziad is a strong advocate for small business owners.

From 2015-17, Aboultaif served as the official Opposition critic for national revenue, and was the shadow minister from 2017-19. In 2019-20 he was the shadow minister for digital government.

Postmedia reached out to Aboultaif’s office on multiple occasions, and campaign manager Don Leben told Postmedia on Thursday over the phone that the campaign is going ‘very well’ but they’re ‘too busy’ to accommodate an interview request.

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