Kamloops lawyer Bill Sundhu is seeking the federal nomination to stand as candidate of the New Democratic Party of Canada for the Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo riding in the next federal election – Oct. 19, 2015.
Sundhu says he has spoken with men, women and youth from various walks of life within the riding and heard their concerns.
“Many are worried the sacrifices and choices made by previous generations of Canadians – to build a society based on fairness and equality of opportunity is in peril.
“A political culture and ideology, which borrows from the United States Republican playbook by the [Prime Minister Stephen] Harper Conservatives, has brought cynicism and a coarseness that diminishes Parliament, democratic governance and Canada’s international reputation – one that divides Canadians into ‘us and them’, of attack ads, contempt of parliament, and bellicose rhetoric.”
From disrespect of veterans to attacks on the Chief Justice, it is a government that is ruthless, arrogant and out of touch, Sundhu says, adding the real challenges and issues that concern most Canadians are ignored or trivialized or – worse – belittled.
The NDP candidate hopeful says Canadians must stand together for:
• A genuine strategy of creating good jobs and fair economy
• Clean and sustainable environment: addressing climate change
• Reducing inequality: equality of opportunity, inclusiveness, women
• A fair deal for young people
• Supporting families: universal child-care and ending child poverty – once and for all
• Universal health care: preserving and improving health care
• Democratic reform: open, fair, and strong democratic representation and institutions
• Restoring Canada’s international reputation, respect for universal human rights
• First Nations: justice and reconciliation
Sundhu says these are but a few of the main issues that concern Canadians and concern him.
“I believe we live in a time of great challenges and opportunity for Canada – that we can make the hard choices and meet the challenge of responsible leadership – so that we can leave a strong, visionary country, based on justice and opportunity to our children and grandchildren.”
The man who wants to take on Kamloops-Thomson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod, who has already been nominated to represent the federal Conservatives, says he decided to seek the federal nomination because he’s concerned about the direction of the country is going.
“I believe in a responsibility and commitment to fight to make things better for all Canadians – for a fairer and more just society.
“Today, we need principled, forward-looking parliamentarians – who are able reach across the aisle, listen to all voices, make responsible decisions based on evidence and the greater good, and to get things done. We need servants of the public and not servants of the ‘party’. We need a new vision, a new voice – a unity of purpose.”