Tammy Cook-Searson, Liberal Party of Canada

Personal details. Name, age, hometown

Tammy Cook-Searson, 48, Stanley Mission.

Tell us about yourself

I have deep roots in Northern Saskatchewan. I was born and raised on the family trapline close to Brabant Lake with my four siblings and parents, Charlie and Miriam Cook. I have also lived in Stanley Mission and Otter Lake.

I attended residential school, and graduated from Churchill High School in La Ronge. I now reside with my husband Jim on the Lac La Ronge Indian Band reserve in La Ronge, where we raised three children and a nephew. I also have three stepchildren and six grandchildren.

What’s a little-known fact about you?

I am an avid runner and have participated in numerous marathons, and have been a participant in the death race in the Mojave Desert.

Why should voters hire you?

I have proven experience. For the last 22 years, I have been both the chief and a councillor with  the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. Together we’ve had great successes and have faced many challenges together.

I will work hard on the issues that matter to people here, from mental health supports, health care, education, housing, treaty and Aboriginal rights as well as economic development and job creation.

Who should we call for a reference?

The people of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, who have elected me as chief for five consecutive terms.

What is your greatest strength? What is your greatest weakness?

Strength: Unwavering commitment to the people of Northern Saskatchewan.

Weakness: I don’t know how to relax.

Where do you stand on:

Gun laws? I support common sense gun control. We must respect Canadian hunters, farmers, trappers and sport shooters, and not bring back the long-gun registry. However, Canadians do not need military-style assault rifles and to ensure the safety of everyone coast to coast to coast, I do support the ban of those weapons.

The need for more pipelines? We absolutely must get our oil to overseas markets, but we must ensure that the process of having pipelines approved must be done the right way. On TMX, the government has ensured that consultations have been open and transparent and has approved the pipeline.

By approving the TMX pipeline, we are ensuring that we can get better market access and a more fair price for our products.

Western alienation? Our riding in Northern Saskatchewan has made considerable progress under the Liberal Party. From millions in funding for new infrastructure, to expanded mental wellness supports, and to the lifting of six boil water advisories alone in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, it’s clear that this is a government for all Canadians.

Remember: The Liberal government has created thousands of jobs through major natural resource investments from LNG to TMX. It was the Liberal government that announced $1.6 billion to support oil and gas workers and boost competitiveness.

This is a government that is there for the West.

China? What should our approach be with some of our markets blocked? A Liberal government will always work with and equip Canadian businesses to expand into new markets and sectors with the tools and expertise to succeed with Canada’s trade diversification strategy.

With CETA, the CTPP and the new NAFTA, Canada now has tariff-free access to 1.5 billion customers.  We have also modernized bilateral trade deals with Israel and Chile. In fact, Canada is now one of the most trade-connected countries in the world.

Are we facing a climate change crisis? Is carbon tax the answer? The science is clear, the evidence is clear and Canadians are clear — we must step up and protect our environment. Our kids and grandkids are counting on us. A Liberal government will work to achieve the ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Our party has committed to:

• Set legally binding, five-year milestones to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, and exceed Canada’s 2030 emissions goal;
• Ensure energy workers and communities can shape their own futures by giving workers access to training and support;
• Slash corporate taxes in half for companies that develop technologies or manufacture products that have zero emissions;
• Continue to lead by example and ensure all federal buildings run on clean electricity by 2022; and,
• Leverage the purchasing power of the federal government to further drive clean technology adoption.

It’s a day off and you can do anything you want. What would it be?

Spending time with my family in the bush, camping and enjoying a cookout on a campfire by a lake or a river.

Who inspires you?

Many people inspire me. It’s those who keep going despite all of the odds and succeed and strive to make life better for others.

What is your hidden talent?

I’m the second-fastest berry picker in Saskatchewan — right, Doreen?

What do you wish you could do but can’t?

Sing.

Who are the three people, dead or alive, that you’d love to have dinner with?

My late sister Sheila, my late grandpa Soloman Cook, and my late son Alexander.

How do you take your coffee?

Black.

What’s the one album you’d take with you on a desert island? What embarrassing song do you admit to on your playlist?

Any classic country music album. My all-time favourite song; Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Eating junk food.

What is the last book you read?

The Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.

What is your favourite TV show? What are you binge watching?

I really only watch the news.

What is your all-time favourite movie?

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.