Gary Vidal, Conservative Party of Canada

Personal details. Name, age, hometown

Gary Vidal, 54, Meadow Lake.

Tell us about yourself

Husband of Lori for 33 years, Father of four children Kent (Rebekah), Mac (Hannah), Nicole (Washington) and Alex. I am soon to be a grandpa for the first time. I am an accountant by profession. I am the former mayor of Meadow Lake and the former chair of the Sask Water board of directors. I am a sports enthusiast and loved my time coaching minor hockey.

What’s a little-known fact about you?

My family is rather amused by how clean my plate is after I am finished a meal. They say it could just be put away.

Why should voters hire you?

I believe I have had the privilege and opportunity to accumulate significant experience, knowledge, and relationships that will enable me to be an effective Member of Parliament.

Who should we call for a reference?

Former business partner Dave Pliska.

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

Team/relationship/consensus building. Ardent Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

Where do you stand on:

Gun laws? We need to focus our efforts on tackling criminals and gangs that use illegal weapons to commit violent crimes and ensure they are behind bars. There is no need to target law-abiding gun owners.

The need for more pipelines? Pipelines support an industry that puts food on the tables of hundreds of thousands of Canadian families and generates untold growth and wealth across the country. It also pumps billions of dollars into government coffers for programs and services.

Western alienation? I know there is a significant sense of this at the doors. That is why it is important that we elect strong voices to represent us in Ottawa.

China? What should our approach be with some of our markets blocked? Our relationship with China needs to be reset. First comes trust — then comes trade.

Are we facing a climate change crisis? Is carbon tax the answer? I do not believe the carbon tax will address climate change. It simply makes life more unaffordable for all Canadians.

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

Attend a sporting event.

Who inspires you?

My wife and kids.

What is your hidden talent?

I sing in a southern gospel quartet.

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

Play the string bass.

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

Mike Babcock, Bill Hybels and Stephen Harper.

How do you take your coffee?

I do not drink coffee.

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

Anything Gaither Vocal Band. Footloose.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Popcorn twists.

What is the last book you read?

Stephen Harper Right Here Right Now.

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

Everyone Loves Raymond. Designated Survivor and The Crown

What is your all-time favourite movie?

A Few Good Men.