Two days the Federal election was called, I went out on a limb and decided to run as a member of the NDP in my old riding where I grew up. I went out and collected signatures (which took me a few days) and ended up with more than the 100 necessary. I then went to my local NDP office and asked if I could run as a member of the NDP, whom I had voted for every election since I could vote.
I have always wanted to work for the Federal Government. I have taken their tests and apply for all the jobs that are posted that I believe I am qualified for. I even once considered the military. But never to any avail. I am right now working a decent job in the private industry, but it has never been my dream. So I decided to go for a seat.
Running as a local NDP candidate did not guarantee me a win. Where I wanted to run has been a Liberal stronghold for the last 50 years. But I figured I'd give it a shot. Being my first go at this, I listened to everything they told me and took everything as gospel. I brought my signatures to the office and my credentials, and I was told that I was not qualified. That being said, I packed up my stuff and left the office, and on election night I voted for the NDP, as I always do.
I live in Quebec, and I finished University quite some time ago with a major/minor in Psychology/Education. I spent 10 years volunteering with children. I helped at a mental institution for 2 years. I've collected funds for the poor. I speak both official languages and I was born in Ottawa, raised in Montreal and now live in Quebec City which is 99 percent French.
Under normal circumstances I wouldn't complain, however, when I saw the credentials of some of the candidates who had actually become NDP candidates, one of which was in the riding I wanted to run in and who had far less credentials than I, and won, I almost flipped. So as you can all see, I'm a little upset with the NDP party right now and their caucus of fully qualified individuals, of which I am apparently not
So my question is; how come I was told I was not qualified to run as an NDP candidate in this election when there were others who had far less qualifications than I, who won?