Peterson planning more ambitious NDP campaign in Cypress Hills Grasslands

Trevor Peterson is preparing for a more aggressive campaign when he carries the NDP banner into the upcoming federal election in the Cypress Hills Grasslands Constituency.

Peterson has an enthusiastic approach following his selection as the NDP candidate for the Cypress Hills Grasslands Constituency during a nominating meeting on Nov. 1.

“I’m going to be a different candidate than I was four years ago,” Peterson said during his acceptance speech. “The experience that I’ve gained, and the contacts I’ve made … is going to make this election campaign totally different. David Anderson is going to experience an NDP opposition like he’s not seen in the last 14 years.”

Peterson, a teacher at the Assiniboia Composite High School, will be looking to make some additional strides after helping the NDP earn an increase in vote during the past election. In the 2011 election MP David Anderson was re-elected with 69.8 per cent of the popular vote, while Pederson and the NDP placed second with 21.2 per cent (6,248 votes) in support. Back in the October 2008 federal election Scott Wilson ran as the NDP candidate and placed second with 15.77 per cent (4,394 votes) of the popular vote. Anderson had 64.35 per cent of the ballots cast in 2008.

“The last election, I said I only ran a one month campaign, and we gained over six to seven per cent. I think this time around we’re going to gain a lot more,” Peterson said.

“I’m going to put up a fight for sure. I think (David Anderson’s) had it fairly easy over the last four years. And I think the government he represents is making mistakes that are going to make his re-election a lot more difficult.”

Peterson said he has been working behind the scenes on his campaign and building a strong grassroots team to run a better campaign.

“I had absolutely zero experience last time around. So one mistake I realize I made was only campaigning for the one month,” he admitted. “I’ve been working the last four years doing things, and we’ve built a great executive in Swift Current here.”

During his acceptance speech he poked some light hearted fun as the Conservatives, but did not pull any punches about Prime Minister Harper.

“I think he’s introducing some policies that are undemocratic. Bill C13, the Surveillance Policies, things like that.”

“I believe the theme for the 2015 election campaign has now been set. The Conservative are going to ask Canadians to make a choice, a choice between security and freedom. As New Democrats, we need to fight for both.”

Peterson said the NDP look good heading into the federal campaign in 2015 under the leadership of Tom Mulcair.

“Nobody can replace Jack Layton, and who knows what would have happened if Jack Layton was still around. I don’t want to compare the two. I think Tom Mulcair has been doing a heck of a job in Parliament. I not only think he makes Harper look bad and holds him to task, but he shows the weaknesses of Mr. Trudeau also. Mulcair is a very good politician and he’s doing a great job in the House.”

Peterson said he would work hard for change in Ottawa, advocating for a national childcare pro- gram, fighting for the CWB and the CBC, and fighting for a strong Canadian Health Accord.