By Mark Squibb
Corey Curtis of Paradise has been named the Conservative candidate for Cape Spear district.
Curtis is vice-president of marine fleet operations at Oceanex Inc., and boasts several decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, including over a decade with Husky Energy.
“I’m not a career politician by any means,” said Curits. “I think I bring some real-world experience to the table, especially from the marine and oil and gas sector. I come from a humble family where hard work paid off. I bring fresh ideas and a fresh voice to Ottawa. I’ve always prided myself as someone who will speak up.”
Curtis, who worked on Conservative candidate Matt Chapman’s 2021 campaign in Avalon, said the top issues this time around are the rising cost of living and the need to promote Newfoundland’s offshore industries and the fishery.
“I’ve talked to families that have two really good jobs and they’re still struggling to make ends meet,” said Curtis. “Between taxation, the cost of living, the uncertainty of the economy — even before Trump’s tariffs people don’t have a lot of disposable income.”
Regarding the tariffs, Curtis said if the Canadian government had invested more in pipelines, strengthened the offshore energy sector, diversified the economy, and reduced taxes, Canada would be in a better position to respond to Trump’s constant threats.
Newfoundland and Labrador in particular, said Curtis, has much to offer the world, from the fishery to oil and gas to minerals.
And while the Conservatives have taken a hit in the polls following the election of Mark Carney as new Liberal leader, Curtis said that hasn’t impacted his campaign message.
“Mark Carney has been involved with the Liberal Party and created some of the situation we’re in today,” said Curtis. “His track record is available, as it relates to his focus on carbon tax and what not. So, for me specifically, everything stays the same. Everything we’ve been saying we want to do as a party still resonates.”
Curtis said he stands firmly behind Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whom he believes should be the country’s next leader.
“Poilievre has always had a clear message right from day one, which has been reducing overall taxes, driving the resource sector, and reducing red tape, which ultimately helps small business,” said Curtis.
A family man, Curits lives with children Sierra and Jayden, partner Andrea, and their dog, Rhea. He’s also vice president of Paradise Minor Hockey and has volunteered with other sports groups within Paradise.
The Liberal party has not yet named a candidate, although former MHA Tom Osbourne, Mount Pearl Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley, and Home Builders executive director Victoria Belbin have all thrown their hats into the ring for that party’s nomination. The riding includes Paradise, Mount Pearl, and a section of St. John’s extending into Petty Harbour. The riding was reconfigured for this coming election from its previous incarnation of St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, which is held by Liberal Seamus O’Regan, who is not seeking re-election.
