New federal party open for candidate nominations

Potential political hopefuls who feel their conservative values are not best aligned with the Official Opposition on the federal stage – the Conservative Party of Canada – are encouraged to take a look at the country's newest party.

The People's Party of Canada (PPC) has extended its candidate nomination deadline to May 7 – due to the Alberta provincial election – and this includes those in the electoral district (riding) of Banff-Airdrie.

"The majority of the members I've spoken with are pre-existing Conservative members who are really dissatisfied with the party," explained Banff-Airdrie electoral district association president Derek Taylor. "There's not enough difference between the two parties ... it's more of the same again and again."

Taylor said most people he is speaking to are frustrated with the "lack of differences" between the reigning Liberals and the Conservative Party – with both parties "pandering to special interest groups."

"It's time for real change and time to focus on doing politics differently," said Taylor, confirming that two potential candidates are going through the vetting process at present, both Airdrie residents, and he is awaiting a third potential candidate from Cochrane.

The nomination meeting for the party will take place at the Cochrane RancheHouse on May 25, where a successful candidate will be voted in to vie for the riding on the PPC banner. Only PPC members can vote.

Conservative MP Blake Richards announced in early 2018 his intentions to seek a fourth term this fall.

"We hope to give Blake a run for his money," said Taylor, adding that he thinks constituents will see that Richard's presence in the House of Commons has had "minimal impact."

Richards, who has been voted three times as the hardest working MP and earned a tourism award for his contributions to that industry, most recently celebrated a victory of moving forward with his bill to earn EI supports for grieving parents facing sudden infant loss.

The People's Party of Canada (PPC), under the leadership of the outspoken Maxime Bernier, was formed last fall shortly after the MP's departure from the Conservative Party.

Citing the basis of his decision to part ways from the PPC, on the "moral and intellectual corruption" of the Conservatives under the leadership of Andrew Scheer, Bernier struck up the party in the face of conservative accusations that he was fragmenting the right. He plans to run candidates in all of Canada's 338 federal ridings this fall.

The party is referred to as "classically conservative," "populist" and "libertarian."

Taylor said constituents he has been speaking to identify with Bernier – not only with his charisma and talking points, but for his platform ideals. He is confident the leader will be strong on the debate stage.

To learn more, reach out to Taylor directly at [email protected] or stop by the PPC at the Cochrane Trade Show on May 4 and 5, where the potential candidates might make an apearance.

Learn more about the PPC at peoplespartyofcanada.ca – where an updated platform is anticipated in the coming days.