Tracey Schick Sparrowhawk, People’s Party of Canada

Personal details. Name, age, hometown

My name is Tracey Schick Sparrowhawk. I am 53 years old. I was born in Regina and grew up in Balgonie.

Tell us about yourself

I completed a master’s of science degree with a major in audiology from Minot State University in 1995. I then moved to Ontario, where I worked for two different hearing aid manufacturers in sales and then as an audiology trainer. My family and I moved back to Saskatchewan in 2006, where I have continued my career as an audiologist. I currently work at Beltone Hearing Centre. I have been married for 20 years and have four daughters: Lysaundra (19), Macy (17), Shaylene (15) and Wynelle (13).

What’s a little-known fact about you?

My second toe is longer than my big toe!

Why should voters hire you?

Voters should hire me because I want to ensure that all Canadians will continue to enjoy the freedom that I have known all my life. I want to take responsibility for representing average Canadians that are not being heard by the Canadian federal government; to be a spokesperson for those who have no voice. As someone who looks for the good in people, appreciates each person’s unique strengths, and truly cares for everyone, my mission is to build bridges on common ground. I am very concerned about the future direction of Canada’s governance and its repercussions on every-day Canadians.

Who should we call for a reference?

Kyla Bodnar.

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

My greatest strength is my loyalty, teamwork and discipline will get the job done. My greatest weakness is anything chocolate.

Where do you stand on:

Gun laws? I am for responsible gun ownership and realize that hunting for food, shooting for sport and having guns for personal protection and national defence are part of the heritage, culture and tradition in Canada.

Gun owners, in general, are law-abiding citizens who respect the use of firearms. According to the website Gunblog.ca, there are over two million men and women with gun licences as of March 31, 2019.

I believe the government should put more of a priority on crimes committed with illegally obtained guns and impose maximum penalties for criminals and reduce the bureaucracy around gun registrations. The government seems intent on criminalizing law-abiding, respectful citizens with the introduction of Bill C-71. Businesses who sell guns also are having their rights infringed upon with this bill because they have to track sales of their guns and are required to turn those records over to police at any time.

For the simple act of not renewing your gun licence on time, you could face a potential 10 years in jail. Sexual offenders spend less time in prison for their crimes.

The need for more pipelines? Canada needs more pipelines across the country, and to get our oil to tidewater. I support the People’s Party of Canada’s position to use Section 92.10 of the Constitution to force contruction of pipelines, as these projects are in the country’s national interest. Pipelines are the safest, most reliable way to move oil and gas and if we are using our own oil, it would reduce dependency on oil from Saudi Arabia which has horrible human rights and no labour standards for their workers and is a dictatorial regime.

Western alienation? I understand the frustration experienced in the west, with the government not taking our concerns seriously. The Liberal government, under Justin Trudeau, has taken this disrespect for the West to new levels. I feel that Canada can be united under a People’s Party government, as the policies benefit all Canadians, coast to coast. The People’s Party is the only party that will reduce and reform equalization payments, build the pipelines, and stop corporate welfare, which are the biggest concerns of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

China? What should our approach be with some of our markets blocked? Canada must take a strong approach when dealing with China. However, we should work closely with our allies like the U.S. to develop a good trade relationship with them and other allies.

I think we should stop trade with China, and/or put tariffs on goods coming from China. We should continue to pursue mutually beneficial trade agreements with other countries. We don’t have to rely on China for the bulk of our trade. In fact we import more than we export to China. We can and should find different markets.

Are we facing a climate change crisis? Is carbon tax the answer? I believe that we are not facing a climate change “crisis” or “emergency.” The climate is always changing and will continue to change. A carbon tax will not reduce carbon emissions, as the results in British Columbia show. B.C. has had a carbon tax for years and its emissions are increasing. I believe that we need to take care of our environment, protect our land and water. The environment is a shared jurisdiction between federal and provincial governments, and provincial governments can be in charge of their own climate change plans.

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

I would spend a day off going to the spa to enjoy a mani-pedi, and massage. Then I’d meet friends for a leisurely lunch, then go home to enjoy my family, and in the evening, curl up with a good book and a nice glass of wine.

Who inspires you?

Many different people inspire me for different reasons, so it is hard to pick one person. I am mostly inspired by people’s compassion, their grace toward others, their generosity, their creativity, and their kindness.

What is your hidden talent?

I can do a mean French braid. I learned when my daughter shaved one side of her head, and as it grew out, she needed to put it back for soccer. The only way to make it look decent was to French braid the shorter pieces in with the rest of her hair!

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?

Mel Robbins (personal development guru), Jim Rohn (personal development/business coach) and Candace Owens (conservative commentator for Turning Point USA, Prager University).

How do you take your coffee?

Black, straight up.

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

Toby Mac – The Elements. Any disco music.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Sitting down and taking time to journal.

What is the last book you read?

I have several books on the go at one time. I’m currently reading Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.