Like tens of thousands of residents of Vancouver Kingsway, I was deeply offended by the dishonest and dishonourable conduct
of David Emerson after the 2006 Federal election. By disregarding the will of the people, as expressed at the ballot box,
Mr. Emerson betrayed the trust of his constituents. For the sake of personal political advancement, he ignored our democratic rights.
It is time to restore integrity to the democratic process in Vancouver Kingsway. Should I have the honour
to be elected as your Member of Parliament, it will be my first and highest priority to do just that.
In my view, Members of Parliament have an obligation to respect the decision made by the voters on election day.
And they have a duty to conduct themselves at all times with honesty, honour and integrity.
My colleagues in the NDP share this conviction.
That is why the Federal NDP Caucus proposed legislation that would require MPs who switch parties to resign their
seat in Parliament and put their decision to the test of the voters in a by-election.
But you, the people of Vancouver Kingsway, expect and deserve much more of your Member of Parliament.
You deserve an MP who will faithfully and effectively represent you, your family, and your community.
My family and I have made Vancouver Kingsway our home for years.
My wife Sheryl and I are actively involved in the community and our children attend local schools.
I am the Chair of the Parent Advisory Committee at Mount Pleasant School and a Director of Composite Hall,
a local resource providing daycare, church, and respite services.
Because I live in the riding, shop in the riding, and do business in the riding,
I know the issues facing the people of Vancouver Kingsway. And just like my neighbours,
I have a stake in finding workable solutions for our community.
In my view, the same cannot be said of candidates who live outside the constituency.
Professionally, I am a lawyer by training and have devoted my entire working life to helping people and our community.
I have helped thousands of working families to secure decent wages, benefits and working conditions.
I have fought hard for people's human rights. I know how to listen, how to act and how to get results.
And as your MP I will fight hard to get results for you.
For too long the people of Vancouver Kingsway have been taken for granted by Liberal and Conservative politicians.
You deserve an MP who will take his responsibilities seriously –
someone who will listen to your views, respect your opinions, and work effectively on your behalf.
If elected, I will give the people of Vancouver Kingsway the representation you deserve – representation you have been
denied for far too long.
Please take a few minutes to read about my background and about the positive direction that Jack Layton and the NDP have to offer.
In the weeks and months ahead I will be knocking on doors in every part of the constituency. If you would like to meet me or get in touch, please click the appropriate tab for contact information.
I look forward to meeting you, speaking with you and, most importantly, to serving you.
