Dustin Lee Hiles has announced that he is seeking federal Conservative nomination in the riding of Abbotsford-South Langley.Now-former nominee, Skully White, recently stepped down, and will now serve as Hiles' campaign chair.Hiles, an ex-Liberal who left the party over its capitulation to the "Hamas terrorist lobby," explained in a statement that, if elected, he hopes to ensure the government protects free speech and stands firmly against extremism."Under Justin Trudeau's government, we have seen an erosion of our freedoms, a disregard for parental rights, and a disturbing trend towards overreach in every aspect of our lives," he said. "I am committed to standing up for our community and our country, ensuring that Ottawa works for us — not against us."Hiles, who is of Ukrainian and Indigenous Pacific Islander descent, grew up in the Fraser Valley and began singing at a young age. By his teens, he was studying with renowned vocalists from Canada, the United States, and Germany. He went on to perform for a wide variety of audiences, including foreign and domestic politicians in Ottawa. In 2015, Hiles was invited to perform the french lyrics of the Canadian national anthem by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself, who described him as "my favourite Liberal opera singer."Since then, however, he became disillusioned with the Liberal Party, and its opposition to values he held dear. As a pro-life Ukrainian Catholic activist, he has campaigned for the rights of all, including the unborn. In 2022, Hiles ran for mayor of Mission, and though his attempt was unsuccessful, it helped put his name on the political map.Abbotsford-South Langley will replace the current riding of Abbotsford. Conservative MP Ed Fast holds the seat, but announced his retirement from federal politics earlier this year. Five people quickly threw their names in the ring to be his successor, among them White, for whom Hiles has served as campaign manager. With the roles now reversed, White has been vocal in his desire to see Hiles become the nominee."Dustin is an incredible young man with the determination and vision to lead the next generation of young Conservatives, the generational hand over Ed Fast envisioned when he announced his retirement," he said. "Having worked these past six months with Dustin has only solidified my opinion that he is the only candidate who will actually put families first. He has my one hundred percent support!"
