Now that the federal election has come to an end, I would like to extend a sincere (albeit belated) thank you for all your support. It was an honour and a privilege to represent the NDP and its members and supporters in Kings-Hants.
We should be very proud of the campaign we ran; our vote total for Kings-Hants increased from roughly 3,000 in the 2015 federal election to 8,200 this time around.
I am particularly grateful to my dedicated and tireless election team who deserve much of the credit for whatever success we achieved in this election. On those days where my motivation may have been lacking or I had an especially exasperating time canvassing, a spark within me was rekindled by the commitment and enthusiasm of those working within and outside of the campaign office.
At my nomination meeting, I paraphrased Robert Kennedy when I said, "I am not running to oppose any individual but to propose new ideas." Indeed, inspired by our party’s history of progressive and consequential policy prescriptions, I emphasized that in this election, the NDP must put forward big, bold, innovative, ideas (and ideals) that reflect our social democratic roots.
Now that we hold the balance of power in Parliament, we have the opportunity to push for the ideas we campaigned on: a comprehensive climate change strategy, pharmacare, more affordable housing, debt relief for students, reconciliation with First Nations, better care for seniors and veterans, a livable wage to lift those out of poverty, and electoral reform, to name just a few.
In a political climate increasingly characterized by division, acrimony, and ad hominem attacks on political opponents, the Canadian electorate was forced to make choices about what we ultimately stand for, and to consider how to talk to one another about divisive issues.
Indira Gandhi once said, “Winning or losing of the election is less important than strengthening the country.” Following this discordant election, we, as New Democrats, must continue to build upon the values and hard work that not only strengthen but unite our great country.
The pride I have in being Canadian is what ultimately binds me to the values of the NDP and of social democracy. During this election, we lived up to our repute as the conscience of the nation by emphasizing social justice issues the other parties were not talking about. We were also blessed with a party leader, whose moral leadership and unifying message of love, inclusion, and tolerance shined a light on a path forward that rose above the rancour and discord of the election.
Throughout the campaign, I personally drew strength and inspiration from Jagmeet, from my family, from the indomitable spirit of my campaign team and supporters, from our dedication to social and environmental justice, and from the sincere belief that our party and our cause is resolutely guided by what Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature."
Thank you once again to everyone for your support and dedication!
Steve
We should be very proud of the campaign we ran; our vote total for Kings-Hants increased from roughly 3,000 in the 2015 federal election to 8,200 this time around.
I am particularly grateful to my dedicated and tireless election team who deserve much of the credit for whatever success we achieved in this election. On those days where my motivation may have been lacking or I had an especially exasperating time canvassing, a spark within me was rekindled by the commitment and enthusiasm of those working within and outside of the campaign office.
At my nomination meeting, I paraphrased Robert Kennedy when I said, "I am not running to oppose any individual but to propose new ideas." Indeed, inspired by our party’s history of progressive and consequential policy prescriptions, I emphasized that in this election, the NDP must put forward big, bold, innovative, ideas (and ideals) that reflect our social democratic roots.
Now that we hold the balance of power in Parliament, we have the opportunity to push for the ideas we campaigned on: a comprehensive climate change strategy, pharmacare, more affordable housing, debt relief for students, reconciliation with First Nations, better care for seniors and veterans, a livable wage to lift those out of poverty, and electoral reform, to name just a few.
In a political climate increasingly characterized by division, acrimony, and ad hominem attacks on political opponents, the Canadian electorate was forced to make choices about what we ultimately stand for, and to consider how to talk to one another about divisive issues.
Indira Gandhi once said, “Winning or losing of the election is less important than strengthening the country.” Following this discordant election, we, as New Democrats, must continue to build upon the values and hard work that not only strengthen but unite our great country.
The pride I have in being Canadian is what ultimately binds me to the values of the NDP and of social democracy. During this election, we lived up to our repute as the conscience of the nation by emphasizing social justice issues the other parties were not talking about. We were also blessed with a party leader, whose moral leadership and unifying message of love, inclusion, and tolerance shined a light on a path forward that rose above the rancour and discord of the election.
Throughout the campaign, I personally drew strength and inspiration from Jagmeet, from my family, from the indomitable spirit of my campaign team and supporters, from our dedication to social and environmental justice, and from the sincere belief that our party and our cause is resolutely guided by what Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature."
Thank you once again to everyone for your support and dedication!
Steve
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