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Stephen R. Campbell - Lambton—Kent—Middlesex
2024 Lambton—Kent—Middlesex Provincial By-Election - Member Of Parliament Candidate - May, 2, 2024
Electorate of Lambton—Kent—Middlesex - None of the Above Direct Democracy Party - Canada
Who is Stephen R. Campbell?
Stephen R. Campbell hails from the farming community of North Ekfrid in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex (LKM).
After graduating high school in Glencoe, he pursued further education at Fanshawe College, where he earned diplomas in Business and Information Systems. Additionally, Stephen has obtained his CANSail Level 1 and 2 certifications from the Fanshawe Yacht Club and Sailing School, indicating his involvement in activities beyond his academic pursuits.
Political Platform and Views:
Stephen is currently running for the position of MPP in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex as a member of the None of the Above Party. This party advocates for electing independent MPPs free from traditional party constraints, ensuring they can prioritize constituent interests without external influence.
His campaign supports the "3Rs of Direct Democracy":
Referendum, Recall, and Responsible Government, aiming for substantial legislative and electoral reforms to foster a more direct and responsible governance structure.
Key Issues and Campaign Focus:
Among the critical issues Stephen addresses are his opposition to the carbon tax, the proposed Dresden Dump, and the installation of transmission lines that threaten valuable farmland in Ontario. He highlights the alarming rate of farmland loss in Ontario, which currently stands at 319 acres per day, advocating for a halt to these losses and a shift in voting patterns away from traditional legacy parties, which he claims are not adequately addressing constituent concerns.
His campaign encourages voters to consider alternative parties in the upcoming by-election as a means to express their dissatisfaction with the current government.
What are Stephen R. Campbell's Political Values?
The None of the Above Direct Democracy Party (NOTA), also known in French as Parti Démocratie Directe Aucune de ces réponses, is a minor political party based in Ontario, Canada. Established in 2014 by Greg Vezina, the party was formed as a reaction to Vezina’s growing dissatisfaction with the traditional party system and major political parties' practices in Canada.
Ideology and Objectives:
The core ideology of NOTA revolves around the principles of direct democracy. The party advocates for greater power to be placed directly in the hands of the people, rather than being mediated through elected representatives who may become disconnected from the wishes of their constituents.
Mission and Political Strategy:
NOTA's main objective is to reform the political system by electing independent Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). These MPPs would not be subject to party control, thereby enabling them to prioritize the interests and concerns of their constituents over party agendas.
The party emphasizes that this approach would lead to more authentic representation and responsive governance.
Direct Democracy Mechanisms:
NOTA supports several mechanisms to increase direct public involvement in governance, including Referendums, Empowering citizens to make decisions on legislative or constitutional matters directly.
Term Limits:
Implementing limits on the number of terms an elected official can serve, to prevent political entrenchment and promote fresh ideas and perspectives.
Recall Elections:
Allowing voters the ability to remove elected officials from office before the end of their term if they are found to be unsatisfactory in fulfilling their duties.
Electoral Performance:
Despite its efforts to introduce a new form of political engagement, the None of the Above Direct Democracy Party has struggled to secure seats in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. The party fielded candidates in several ridings during the 2014 and 2022 provincial elections, but has yet to achieve electoral success.
The None of the Above Direct Democracy Party represents a unique approach to political participation in Ontario, advocating for direct democracy and the election of independent representatives free from party constraints. While it has not yet made significant electoral inroads, the party continues to promote its vision of a political system that is more directly accountable to the electorate, aiming to foster a more engaged and empowered citizenry.
