DeCosta hoping to succeed Shields as MP

By Cal Braid
Taber Times
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For almost five years, JL DeCosta served in Ottawa as the director of parliamentary affairs, running the political operations for MP Martin Shields. As the longtime MP for Bow River, Shields became a familiar and trusted voice for the region but he will not be seeking re-election in 2025.

 DeCosta hopes to use his service and experience as a springboard to the MP role he has firsthand experience with. He’s competing with Taber’s Graham Abela and Arrowwood’s David Bexte for the role, and while he’s the youngest of the Conservative candidates, he has worked directly under Shields and has considerable political experience in Ottawa. In a campaign letter, DeCosta explained how his skill set is aligned with that of a Parliamentarian.

 “As the Director of Parliament Affairs, I’ve drafted common sense legislation, crafted speeches, and prepared questions for Parliamentary committees and Question Period. I’ve spoken to thousands of Bow River residents like you on the phone and via email. I’ve opened and read the surveys and letters you sent to us, listening to your concerns, stories, and what’s important to you,” he said.

 “I’ve worked with Pierre Poilievre and his team, as well as with other Conservative MPs from across the country on a number of files and issues.”

 DeCosta told Southern Alberta Newspapers that he has been endorsed by former MD of Taber Reeve Merrill Harris. He has taken a leave of absence from the Parliamentary office for the MP for Bow River and is living in Chestermere for the duration of the campaign.

 “I maintained residence in the capital region during my time helping MP Shields represent the Bow River riding in Parliament, and I look forward to living in the riding and commuting when the House of Commons is in session if I am afforded the privilege of becoming the next Conservative candidate,” he said.

 In his time at the Heritage Committee, he said he defended freedom of speech and fought against Liberal censorship Bills C-10, C-11, and C-18 that sought to dictate what Canadians can see and say online. As part of his platform, he is for eliminating the carbon tax and freeing up barriers in the agriculture and energy industries. As a lawful gun owner, he said he defended firearms ownership rights against Bill C-21 and the Liberal’s “gun grab” that unfairly targeted hunters and sport shooters. At the Indigenous Affairs Committee, he worked to help First Nations communities build projects and “get big government out of the way.”

 DeCosta summed up his credentials and ambitions succinctly by saying, “I’m running because I know I can help turn the hurt that Trudeau caused into the hope Albertans and Canadians need.”

 “I’m running because I will always defend Alberta’s interests in Parliament as I’ve done over the last five years, and I will never compromise my values. I’m running because I’m the only candidate with experience working on Parliament Hill so I am ready to get to work on Day One under a new Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre.”

According to the Bow River Conservative Association, as of Feb. 25 the date for the Bow River CPC nomination vote has not been set.