Judy Mergel, Green Party of Canada

Personal details. Name, age, hometown

Judy Mergel, 69, Wood Mountain.

Tell us about yourself

I’m a widow, and since retiring from full-time cattle ranching, I fill my time with gardening, teaching Tai Chi and running a private animal sanctuary.

What’s a little-known fact about you?

I’m an amateur historian.

Why should voters hire you?

I’ve been told I’m a good listener, and I would work to make the world a better place for everyone I represent.                   .

Who should we call for a reference?

Dave Abbey, my political mentor.

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

I’m OK with changing my mind. I’ve always disliked public speaking.

Where do you stand on:

Gun laws? Ban handguns and assault rifles.

The need for more pipelines? We have enough pipelines.

Western alienation? I have no sense of western alienation. I’m a content Canadian.

China? What should our approach be with some of our markets blocked? Quit all trade with China.

Are we facing a climate change crisis? Is carbon tax the answer? Yes, we are facing a climate crisis. A price on carbon is needed, Ms. May has a plan.

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

I’d like to be in the bush with my chainsaw, gathering firewood.

Who inspires you?

(No answer provided.)

What is your hidden talent?

I can teach almost anyone to play the guitar in an hour.

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

(No answer provided.)

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

My late husband, Vernon, my son Bob and my daughter Laurie.

How do you take your coffee?

With buckwheat honey and a little milk.

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

Poco’s “Crazy Eyes.” John Prine’s “Illegal Smile.”

What is your guilty pleasure?

(No answer provided.)

What is the last book you read?

Fascism by Madeleine Albright.

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

Hell on Wheels. I never binge watch.

What is your all-time favourite movie?

Babe.