Crowder local NDP federal candidate
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Updated: September 28, 2009 5:47 PM
The NDP candidate for Nanaimo-Cowichan says while the time isn’t right for a general federal election, she’s ready if one is called.
Jean Crowder, the riding’s member of Parliament, was nominated to represent the party in the next federal campaign. Running unopposed, she was selected during a Sept. 25 meeting at the Eagles Hall in Ladysmith.
Crowder said because of the political friction in Ottawa, there’s a 50-50 chance of an election before December.
“I think it’s brinksmanship and I think it’s game playing. Particularly with the Liberals and Conservatives, what they really need to do is put the interests of the country front and centre and park their own political agendas. That’s asking a lot. I don’t think it’s going to happen, but that’s what should happen,” she said.
Crowder said the NDP wants Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his governing Conservatives to try and settle their differences with the other parties.
“We’ve been really consistent about calling to make this Parliament work and we’ve called on Mr. Harper to reach out to the opposition parties and find some common points on the agenda and get those implemented. We had an unnecessary election a year ago and I don’t think Canadians want us to go to another election,” she said.
“But having said that, we won’t vote for Harper on every single issue if we don’t think it’s in the best interest of Canadians,” she added.
Crowder expressed confidence in her chances at the polls, noting her team is campaign-ready.
“I think I can say my track record would stand for itself: I work hard. I try to be in as many places as possible in the riding. I bring forward the issues in the house of commons that people are asking me to bring forward. So it’s always up to the voters, but I think I’ve got a good track record,” she said.
As for the other parties in Nanaimo-Cowichan, the local Conservatives have selected John Koury, a North Cowichan municipal councillor, as their candidate. The Liberals have yet to announce nominees.
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