'The outcome of this election may well determine whether we survive as a nation for future elections,' a reader writes SooToday received the following letter about the upcoming federal election. Never in my life has an election been more important to the very existence of Canada and our way of life so distinct from our neighbours to the south. In fact, it is that neighbour which immediately poses the greatest threat to our sovereignty. The outcome of this election may well determine whether we survive as a nation for future elections. Because of this, Peter Julian, a longtime NDP Member of Parliament, is right when he calls for strategic voting. It is urgent we put country first over political party and for this reason, I fully support the re-election of Terry Sheehan. One might think this was a difficult decision given I grew up in a strong NDP family and I’ve historically supported the NDP. Indeed, my uncle Ed Broadbent was a resilient voice for social and economic justice, leading the NDP nationally for 15 years. However, like it or not, this is a two-horse election campaign. Only one of those horses is capable of confronting Trump. Mr. Carney as an economist is uniquely qualified to defend Canada in this trade war launched by the U.S. By comparison, Mr. Poilievre has too much in common with Mr. Trump, and as a career politician is woefully unqualified. Canada cannot afford to elect a mini-Trump as Prime Minister. We need a Prime Minister of Mr. Carney’s international credentials, connections and track record to defend Canada. Mr. Poilievre does not have international recognition or respect and does not have the experience or knowledge to work international financial markets to our advantage. Given the difference, the decision is easy – to survive as a nation, Mark Carney is our best hope. In Algoma, his candidate is Terry Sheehan, and I will be voting for Terry. Indeed, Terry has proven himself to be an effective voice for Algoma, bringing over $1 billion of government investment to our community in his term of service. Furthermore, Terry’s door is always been open to constituents, regardless of political stripe, providing effective assistance to all, and advocating for our interests in Ottawa. To be sure, Terry’s work experience sets him apart from the other candidates making him the best candidate to meet the coming challenges. Terry was an employment and training consultant with the provincial Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, assisting many people across Algoma to navigate training and apprenticeship opportunities. He was General Manager of Entrepreneurship for the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. Following that, he worked at the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines as an advisor. Certainly, Terry has demonstrated himself as an able voice in Ottawa for Algoma. He was born and raised in this District and understands the needs of our region. He engages with the voters by attending every all-candidates’ meeting and follows through with his commitments. I personally would not hire a job applicant that doesn’t show up for the interview. For Election Day, Terry Sheehan is the candidate best equipped to represent us through these challenging times. Jeff Broadbent Sault Ste. Marie