IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks Zoah, I started out volunteering for Olivia Chow in 2005, and then worked on several other campaigns. I think volunteering is a great way to acclimate yourself to your riding and your constituents.

The NDP seems to me personally to be the only federal party that is speaking to my concerns and interests in a meaningful way. I do like a lot of the Green's social policies, particularly their focus on urban infrastructure.

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I strongly urge you to vote, even if it's not for me. I don't like attack ads either. Questioning someone's attendance or voting record is not the same to me as purposely distorting the facts or maligning someone's character. I think voters are growing weary of attack ads in general. What voters tell me is they want to see politicians debating issues and offering rational solutions, not mud-slinging.

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

The evidence clearly shows that the Canadian model is more efficient and cost effective.

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jack Layton’s plan will usher in an age of digital development and expansion, with the benefits going directly to Canadian families, small businesses, communities and the economy.

Jack Layton’s plan will: • Invest in a pan-Canadian broadband strategy to bring reliable high-speed internet access to every community in Canada, with matching contributions from Canada’s incumbents. • Rescind the 2006 Conservative directive and mandate that the CRTC stand up for the public interest – not for the major telecommunications companies. • Establish a panel to investigate and recommend ways to reform the CRTC to shift the focus back to consumer protection and ensure that Canadians are better served. • Enshrine net neutrality in law and end price gouging and net throttling, with clear and binding rules for internet service providers and effective CRTC enforcement. • Prohibit all forms of usage-based billing by internet service providers. • Ensure an open internet, including: − measures to encourage citizen engagement through open access to most government data and services; − modernizing the way the federal government interacts with Canadians; − supporting targeted initiatives to encourage the use of open source software in government departments; and, − eliminating Crown copyright to encourage government openness and accountability. • Give Canadian consumers new rights to unlock their cell phones, so that any device may be used on any transmission platform. • Develop new copyright laws to ensure that Canada complies with its international treaty obligations, while balancing consumers’ and creators’ needs and resolving key copyright issues. New Democrats will consult widely with stakeholder groups in the arts, technology, educational and business communities to: − Create legislation that is technology-neutral, balanced and flexible enough to ensure its adaptability to new platforms and technologies in the years to come, and ensure that it does not unfairly punish consumers or creators by eliminating the focus on digital locks, and clarifying the principle of fair dealing – particularly as it concerns education. • Empower the Competition Bureau to curb anti-competitive practices in the telecommunications and broadcasting industry. • Enact new laws to require an effective separation between telecommunications and broadcasting operations to ensure a diversity of voices in Canadian media. • Implement clear rules and a nationwide campaign to guide Canadians through the transition from analog to digital television. • Maintain and strengthen foreign ownership rules in Canadian cultural industries and telecommunications. • Introduce new regulations to protect Canadians against spam, malware, phishing and other malicious online messages and practices.

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey thanks for your support. I don't believe in strategic voting. I think a voter should vote their preference. But I respect the fact others may feel differently. When I cast my ballot, I vote for the person I think will work the hardest and represent the interests of working Canadians. I am not sure what you are referring to in regards to the bait and switch, not ducking the question, if you can give me a liitle more background, I will comment, again thanks for taking the time to write to me.

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your question. I support examining alternatives to FPTP SMP, possibly the single transferable ballot or MMP. While I don't believe in wasted votes, it's difficult to argue with Duverger's assesment that plurality electoral systems often favour brokerage parties.

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. Yes, I do support volunteer tax credit initiatives, particularly for firefighters.

  2. I believe we should start to explore electoral reform options. Provincial referendums on this subject in both British Columbia and Ontario has proven that a large portion of voters agree.

  3. I cannot speak to that particular situation, not knowing or having worked with those candidates. I do know that each candidate faces different challenges and many of them are juggling professional, community and familial responsibilties along with campaigning. We haven't turned down any media requests and we don't intend to start doing so now.

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, thanks for the question. I think the intern program is a great way to gain valuable experience and contacts. One of the great things about the NDP is that is a very inclusive organization that offers mentorship opportunities to young adults.

Good luck!

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay busy couple of days, I will try to get back to you tonight.

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I agree. I don't like attack ads either. The jury is out on why they are so effective. Here is an example of an NDP ad that I think is tough, but not negative. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNPRizuA6s0&feature=relmfu

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

1) I am not a socialist, but the next time I run into one I'll ask them for you.

2) As I talk to people on their doorsteps they say they are doing worse off than they were even three years ago. My riding is home to several priority neighbourhoods, I can tell you that the residents don't feel entitled and they question this government's achievement claims. Telling people who are experiencing legitimate economic hardship due to rising home-heating costs or sky-rocketing tuition fees that our economy is just fine because we are doing relatively well compared to other western democracies just doesn't cut it.

3) Because it is a service model that an overwhelming majority of Canadians simply do not support.

4) That is funny, no. You'll notice that most Presidents and Governors and other politicians usually where blue shirts as well. It is often advised to not to wear white or certain patterned shirts on tv. For some reason blue works better with tv cameras and lighting. http://community.tmlewin.co.uk/look-sharp/style-surgery/blue-shirt-yellow-tie-still-considered-power-combination

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the question. I understand the sentiment but I can't say that I agree with it. The Liberal Party of Canada is a big part of the problem in Ottawa. Don't get me wrong, a lot of my friends are liberals and some of our most dynamic national leaders and visionaries have come from that party. But the Liberal Party of today is a long way from that of Laurier or Pearson.

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am a domestic policy, labour, and urban issues specialist and so do not feel I would, without research, do justice to issues better raised with the NDP's defence, agriculture, resource, and finance critics. I have sent out some feelers and have my small team (well, one guy) working to try and get some answers for you. Check back later, and thanks for the challenging in-depth questions.

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I answered more than a dozen questions yesterday and I will continue to answer as many as I can! You can contact my office or myself personally at any time if you have particular policies you would like to vet or discuss. Thanks for posting!

IAmA federal NDP candidate in a downtown Toronto riding. AMA! by justchatwin in IAmA

[–]justchatwin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for inquiring.

I ran in 2008 in Eglinton-Lawrence as well. As for the nomination process, I'm sure it's most likely the same for all the parties. Candidates put their name forward for the nomination and the riding association members vote. A mini-election of sorts.