ASSINIBOIA - New Democrat Party candidate Alex McPhee got his political start by working a data desk, and completing data analysis of poll results.
He also has a love of history, and has an unusual line of work as a professional cartographer.
“In fact, according to Elections Canada, I am the first political candidate in our countries history to put cartography as my professions on my candidate papers,” he explained during an interview with the Assiniboia Times.
He is very excited to put his name out as the candidate for Cypress-Hills Grasslands. Especially as the NDP have a rich history in Saskatchewan. “The NDP were founded because of compassion and cooperation, right here in this province.”
He particularly enjoyed volunteering helping to collect signatures for the NDP candidate in Souris-Moose Mountain, as he was able to walk along Douglas Road in Weyburn, and be close to the home of NDP founder Tommy Douglas during his time.
McPhee noted that it is especially important that people recognize how different it can be for candidates in rural ridings to collect their signatures. He enjoys the fact that a little more time can be spend getting to know the person at the door, and learning about their voting history too.
“I just love hearing the stories, especially when they have a NDP background,” said McPhee. Since he spent some time as a museum tour guide, he has always loved researching and learning about the past.
Right now, McPhee is hearing that a lot of prairie people are upset with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “The perception is that this snap election was decided purely on Trudeau’s self interest. There was no need to hold an election, the NDP and the other parties in opposition to the minority government were holding the Liberals to be accountable.”
Another key issue also spoke very personally to him. “When the federal government was working on Legislation that would make conversion therapy illegal in Canada, the fact that MP Jeremy Patzer spoke against the Bill really bothered me. Especially when Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole and the supported the legislation,” said McPhee.
Self-proclaimed as bisexual, McPhee noted that the lack of support on this bill was something that really motivated him to run against the incumbent candidate. “MP Patzer has a poor record with gay rights, during his time in office.”
Advance polls for the federal election will be held September 10 to 13. The election date itself is Monday, Sept. 20.
