The New Democratic Party has announced Tyler Downey as its candidate for next month’s byelection for the riding of Bonavista-Burin-Trinity.
Downey works at Memorial University researching icebergs and medical testing equipment used in the fight against cancer.
“I’m thrilled to be the NDP candidate for Bonavista–Burin–Trinity,” he said in a news release Thursday. “It’s an honour to be part of the NDP team that works for everyday Canadians”
Downey is an advocate for affordable and accessible post-secondary education, sustainable municipal development and for youth-oriented economic policy.
“While there is no shortage of doom and gloom stories in the news, I plan to highlight the positive economic stories from around the riding,” he said.
Downey said the NDP is committed to investing in small businesses, education and the tourism industry.
“Investments in these sectors can empower people across the province to build the sustainable rural communities we all want,” he said.
Downey said the young people he talks to feel Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is betraying them by pandering to his wealthy and well-connected friends.
“It’s becoming more obvious every day that hardworking families can’t trust Justin Trudeau and (Finance Minister) Bill Morneau to protect their pensions, help them find good stable jobs or protect our environment.”
Downey will be travelling around the district and will be on the Burin Peninsula this weekend.
With Downey's entry into the race, there are now three candidates vying to represent the district previously held by Judy Foote for the Liberals. Foote resigned earlier this year for family reasons.
Mike Windsor is running for the Conservatives in the Dec. 11 byelection while Churence Rogers won the Liberal nomination this month.
