I recently spent a day canvassing with NDP’s Peggy Nash. I’ve worked with MPs Andrew Cash and Rob Oliphant too. In support of their campaigns or just as a colleague fighting for workers’ rights and the public interest.

Maybe it seems strange that I’ll support both NDP and Liberal candidates. The thing is; I’m interested in people who stand up for the working Canadian. People who understand our membership and our industry.

When it does come to party politics, I want a federal government dedicated to keeping jobs in Canada. A government that supports a healthy telecommunications sector accessible to consumers and communities.

Not Harper’s Conservatives, in other words.

Harper has attacked unions, undermined health and safety laws. And he’s made foreign ownership of Canadian companies easier. Now Harper’s talking about international trade deals – without saying how they’ll work.

In our industry, the Conservatives have offered up telecom spectrum to Americans without reciprocity. They’re threatening Canadian jobs. They’ve also failed to regulate the sector in the public interest. Better access to reliable and affordable telecom services isn’t assured either.

The NDP inspires confidence.

They’ve called the Conservatives out on the secrecy behind the Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership. And they’re only in favour of foreign investment policies if they support Canadian jobs.

They’ve also pledged to reintroduce the Fair Wages and Hours of Labour Act. Abolished by the Conservatives, it ensures adequate compensation for tradespeople working on federal contracts.

The NDP is committed to repeal Bills C-377 and C-525, which make it difficult for workers to join a union. These bills also cost unions and other professional organizations millions of dollars in unnecessary red tape.

The NDP supports affordable childcare, a universal drug plan, fair wages, and human rights. They seem to understand the range of issues confronting working Canadian families today.

People as committed to public interest are inspiring.

Did you know she ran ten times before getting elected? That’s commitment. That’s grit.

She’s also traveled the world, led union negotiations, and fought for women’s rights.

Peggy stands up for working people, pushing workplace and social equity.

Most of all, she’s there on the street in Parkdale, participating in her community and listening to what matters to her constituents.

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sure Stephen Harper isn’t listening to people like us.

Tonight, I’ll be out in my riding supporting Andrew Cash.

Voting day is October 19th – so WHOEVER you support, it’s important to get out and mark that ballot!