To The Editor,

I have run as a candidate in a few elections. I have worked on a great many more. There is a camaraderie among most candidates in most elections that cuts through the partisanship. Why? Anyone who puts their life on hold to be a candidate for office knows what their fellows are giving up to participate in the democratic process.

There are some individuals who really stand out when they run. They are thoughtful, caring, compassionate and committed to their ideals. When you meet them, you know they can be entrusted with the public good. You know that they will do their best to fight for our riding in Ottawa. Within just a few minutes of meeting and speaking with Chris Stephen you will be convinced of how genuine he is.

I am excited to have such a strong supporter of gender equality, workers rights, income equality, the environment and fair taxation running here in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound. Chris listens. Too often candidates must answer for the missteps of their leaders. Jagmeet is no Justin. Because of that you could say Chris' job is easier than some of the other candidates. This is the party that has a proven track record of reconciliation (in action), healthcare (the first to espouse universal health care for every citizen and ditto for comprehensive pharmacare), advocating for universal access to post secondary education. Chris never has to apologize or put a spin on his party's policies. On the climate portfolio, the NDP will exceed cuts committed to in the Paris Accord.

Setting federal party policy is something which is formulated by a great deal of expertise and input over a long period of time. Policy forms the basis of Promises given in dramatic settings calculated to bring the biggest impact to voters in a given area. When they are broken, in essence a contract is broken with the people drawn into vote for them. What happened to cleaning up the drinking water on reserves, and to our promised electoral reform? Our federal candidates do not have to put spin on broken promises. It is something the NDP does not indulge in. We keep our word to the people.

At the local level it is so important to have a representative who is approachable, honest and 'real'. He will get the job done for you and respond to your concerns. I am proud to call this gentle, involved community worker a friend, a colleague. Let's do ourselves a favour and send him to Ottawa.

 Karen Gventer

2015 Provincial NDP Candidate, BGOS