Algonquin College sits within the federal riding of Ottawa West – Nepean. Abdul Abdi is one candidate seeking your vote on Oct. 19.
Abdul Abdi has some big shoes to fill.
The Ottawa West-Nepean riding has consistently voted Conservative for the past nine years with John Baird at the helm. Now with Baird’s leave from politics, Abdi has stepped up to try and keep the riding blue.
In the last election, Baird won by a 13.1 per cent margin over Liberal candidate Anita Vandenbeld. Current projections show that the riding is ‘leaning Liberal’, as shown by statistics provided by the Laurier Institute for the Study of Public Opinion and Policy. The Liberal candidate is again Vandenbeld, who is returning for her second election in a row.
Abdi also has to worry about New Democratic Party candidate Marlene Rivier as well.
Abdi is hoping to keep the blue streak alive, with plenty of support from devoted Conservatives in the area. Blue signs, especially near his campaign office just a few minutes away from the college, are in abundance.
Abdi, an eleven-year veteran of the local police force, has three big goals for his campaign. He wants to focus on support for seniors, new family benefits and crime prevention.
He also has the blessing of incumbent Baird for his work with the Muslim community in building an infrastructure with Canadians and local law enforcement.
With one of the tightest federal elections to happen in years, every seat counts. Abdi aims to make sure that Ottawa West-Nepean does not slip from the Conservative grasp.