BARRHEAD-WESTLOCK - The New Democratic Party (NDP) confirmed that Landen Tischer, a Barrhead farmer, will be their candidate for Peace River-Westlock riding in the upcoming federal election.
The party acclaimed Tischer as its candidate on March 10.
It is the 34-year-old's second election, his first being the 2023 provincial election, when he ran for the NDP for the Athabasca-Barrhead-Westlock seat.
Tischer decided to enter the race because of the NDP's healthcare platform, especially its pharmacare plan, which the party was able to advance by working with the governing Liberals.
In October, Bill C64, the Pharmacare Act, received royal assent. Its first phase will cover some contraception and diabetes medications with provinces that sign deals with the federal government.
"My mother has breast cancer, and there are a lot of expensive drugs to pay for. You don't necessarily think of the costs involved unless you know someone who is directly affected by an illness like cancer or diabetes," he said. "I believe the NDP can help more people by expanding its pharmacare plan. If you have a broader pool of people contributing, it eases the burden on everybody."
Tischer added he was also attracted to the party's dental care plan.
"Your mouth is part of your body, and [dental] needs to be included in a healthcare-type plan," he said.
However, more importantly, Tischer said that since he became involved with the NDP at both the provincial and federal levels, he has made many friends in the organization and has come to "believe in the party and what it stands for."
He also said an NDP government's economic plan would provide stability in an uncertain time, given the "chaos" inflicted by U.S. President Donald Trump.
"We have to be strategic with our economy and not just hack programs and give tax cuts to people who definitely can afford to pay taxes," Tischer said.
Tischer also realizes that he is running in a conservative stronghold and that the chances that the NDP will be able to break through and unseat Conservative Party Of Canada incumbent Arnold Viersen are relatively slim.
In the last three elections, Viersen has easily outdistanced his opponents, taking anywhere from 63 to 80 per cent of the vote, with the second-place NDP garnering between seven and 14 and per cent.
But he hasn't given up all hope, saying there is a chance that he and the NDP could make it a competitive race.
"Yes, a lot of people vote Conservative, but there are a lot of people who don't usually vote that agree with us on many issues," Tischer said.
Tischer pointed to the recent neutrality bylaws in the towns of Westlock and Barrhead as an example. The bylaws, which limit flags on municipal property to municipal, provincial, or federal governments and crosswalks to the traditional white ladder type, passed by only 24 votes in Westlock, while the margin was larger in Barrhead, at 57 per cent to 43 per cent.
"We have a very committed Conservative vote, and if we have any chance to defeat it, we need a very committed progressive vote," he said.
Tischer also suggested that people who don't want a conservative government and are unsure if they are ready to trust the Liberals with their votes have an alternative with the NDP.
"Mark Carney may be financially responsible, but he leads a party that we are all well aware of," he said. "We have seen through the party's history that the NDP can hold the government accountable, whether it be the conservatives or the Liberals, so people don't have to vote for a candidate they don't necessarily agree with."
Tischer added that, similarly, the NDP has shown the ability to work with any party for the good of the country and further its platform.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
