It takes courage to reveal your political views in front of hundreds of people, particularly so when you are a first-time politician. Enter Paul Arsenault, who is running as a New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for the first time in the Ontario riding of Oxford. Arsenault admitted the toughest part of hitting the campaign trail for the May 2 Canadian federal election is being in front of crowds and doing public speaking. However, he is getting more relaxed as he attends more and more all-candidates’ meetings. “I believe the more I do it, the easier it is for me to get the message out,” Arsenault says in an April 24 interview.
Supporting the Party Platform
Planks for both the federal and local campaigns for the NDP focus on the economy, education and health care, and that’s the message Arsenault is putting forth at meetings and in his door-to-door canvassing in the riding – “I really enjoy going door to door… hearing what people in Oxford have to say.” And he has plenty to say to the people opening those doors as well, telling them what his party stands for. “We will reward companies that are hiring people now, locally and federally,” Arsenault says. As for post-secondary education, the New Democrat plan is to make it more affordable for students, while making it easier for students to access funding. On health care, the NDP would make it easier for foreign doctors who come into Canada to practice in this country.
“I believe in the party platform, and I’ve always had an interest in politics,” Arsenault says. He adds that, considering his work as disability support staff at an organization called Operation Sharing – a faith-based, multi-denominational organization that provides various programs for people in poverty, ranging from offering inexpensive Christmas gifts to a homeless shelter in the colder months of the year – “it seemed like a natural progression” to speak for the disabled and impoverished on local as well as national stages through the NDP.
Arsenault gives his campaign team a lot of credit for helping him along the way to election day. “There’s a lot of work that goes into running a campaign and it’s good to have a good team of people behind you, to help you through this process. I really appreciate all the hard work that all the campaign (workers) and those helping the campaign have put in.”
Meeting the NDP Chief
In addition to canvassing and public meetings, Arsenault’s trek along the campaign trail has included meeting federal NDP Leader Jack Layton at a party faithful rally in nearby London, Ontario that attracted close to 300 people. “It was really cool to meet Jack Layton… he’s approachable. He and Howard Hampton inspired me to be part of the political process.” In 2004, Hampton – who was, at that time, Ontario NDP leader - met with participants in the March for Dignity and took their petition into Queen’s Park, where politicians were in session. The March for Dignity was an epic walk involving 18 people who went from Sarnia, Ontario to Toronto with the aim of getting a financial increase for people on social assistance. The walk, an effort of Arsenault’s in co-operation with Sarnia’s Jim Young, a fellow advocate for the disabled, resulted in a three per cent social assistance increase.
Polls and Taking on the Local Incumbent
A poll released on April 24 showed a healthy surge for the NDP, who clocked in with 23 per cent support across the country, just two per cent behind the Liberals. The Conservatives remain in the lead at 38 per cent. Arsenault said he’s “not much” for following the polls, although he adds “but I believe Canadians are ready for change. Our platform is one that best serves the Canadian family.”
In the first several all-candidates’ meetings in Oxford, Arsenault has put incumbent Conservative Dave MacKenzie in his sights. In one meeting, Arsenault pulled out a packet of seeds, making a play on the packets MacKenzie has been handing out during his campaign. Arsenault said the seeds had better be “magic,” as people locally need jobs rather than simple seed packets.
And if Arsenault does become Oxford’s next Member of Parliament (MP), what will he do? “Within the first 60 days, people will see me at work, putting forth our platform. I would like to sit on committees addressing the issues of poverty, social housing, and issues surrounding the disabled.” In addition, if his party comes into power, “we’ll have a balanced budget by 2014… we’re trying to make Canada a better place for all. If elected as the MP, I will work for the people of Oxford.”
Eric Schmiedl - Eric Schmiedl is an award-winning reporter and editor who has worked in journalism since 1989. He has a degree in English language and ...
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