While the party may not be on your radar right now, a Yellowknife man wants to become the first Libertarian MP for the Northwest Territories.
Bob Stewart, 31, says he wants residents to throw away any preconceived notions they may have of the party and cast a vote for him ahead of the October 19th federal election.
The party has certainly had its ups and downs in Canada in recent years. Ahead of the 1997 federal vote, the Libertarian Party lost its status as a registered party in the country.
The party successfully re-registered with Elections Canada in June 2004 ahead of that year’s election.
Stewart told Moose FM Libertarians are primarily concerned with “reducing the tax burden on citizens and reducing the size and reach of the federal government” to bring legislation closer to the people.
Born and raised in Yellowknife, Stewart says the territory has a real opportunity to send a strong voice to Ottawa.
“It doesn’t matter who you’re going to send to Parliament if you’re sending someone that’s a small member in a big party because then you’re sending someone to wear a jersey and raise their hand when they’re told.
“The Northwest Territories has a chance to send someone who can be that strong voice for big things like foreign policy and domestic policy when it comes to law enforcement and issues like that.
“I’m the only person who’s basically got that free reign to be a strong voice and speak truth to power.
“To me, every other vote is a throwaway vote. I don’t understand why someone would vote just to put another backbencher on the bench when you have someone out there who can speak truth to power.”
Nationally, Stewart says the party would also work to repeal Bill C-51, which he says strips away inalienable constitutional rights.
Stewart, who also owns the newly-opened Kilt and Castle on 49th Street, previously worked as a financial planner and budget analyst with the GNWT.
He’s up against Michael McLeod of the Liberals, Floyd Roland of the Conservatives and Dennis Bevington of the New Democrats in the race to become the territory’s next MP.
