Amidst a crowd of supporters Sunday afternoon, Richmond Centre candidate Jack Trovato and Steveston-Richmond East candidate Scott Stewart, both of the New Democratic Party of Canada, opened their joint campaign office on No. 3 Road, across from Richmond City Hall.
Stewart said going door-to-door he’s been seeing an “upsurge” in NDP support, self-dubbed by New Democrats as the ‘orange wave.’
Should either candidate be successful on Oct. 19, such a wave would likely need to resemble a tsunami to cover what has recently been a vast ocean of Conservative blue in Richmond.
Trovato, a school teacher, and Stewart, a retired police officer, thanked their supporters in the tiny office littered with orange balloons.
Trovato made a point of his concerns about growing inequality in Canada.
“The reason that so many Canadians (immigrate here) is for hope, for an equal opportunity. And that’s what the NDP stands for. Whether it’s pensions for our seniors, or healthcare, or good public education; it’s about creating that level playing field for opportunity. What you do with that opportunity, that’s up to you through hard work, dedication and sacrifice,” said Trovato.
He said he witnesses inequality daily at his job in Burnaby, where kids come to school hungry.
“No one’s addressing the fundamental root cause” of poverty, said Trovato, who ran unsuccessfully for the Richmond school board last year.
When asked, Trovato said healthcare and small business concerns were predominant amongst people as he has gone door-knocking.
His party plans to cut small business taxes by 20 per cent.
Trovato said families want affordable childcare and seniors want better pensions.
How the NDP will pay for increased expenses has been a common criticism, to date, of the party. A debate on the economy this week may shed more light on leader Thomas Mulcair’s plan.
Going door to door, Trovato said marijuana law reforms are not something many people have spoken to him about.
“We don’t believe people should have a criminal record for possession,” said Trovato.
When asked about an important local issue is to him, Stewart said better protection of the Fraser River’s ecosystem is something the NDP will achieve by strengthening environmental protection laws.
“The current federal government has allowed environmental laws to be gutted. Under the NDP we would strengthen those laws,” said Stewart, noting the river’s health is important to the fishing industry.
He also said the NDP will invest more money in clean energy sector.
Stewart spent 25 years working as an officer with the New Westminster Police. He also has 40 years of experience with the Canadian Armed Forces reserves, having completed two projects overseas.
He stated he wants to increase funding and improve administration at Veterans Affairs Canada.
“Its not something one would normally hear in Richmond but it’s something I’m hearing,” said Stewart.
Campaign manager Dale Jackaman said the joint office was chosen for its centrality and to save money.
