A Walpole Island councillor will be representing the New Democratic Party in the upcoming federal election.
Rex Isaac is hoping to become the next Member of Parliament representing Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
“I’m honoured to have been given this consideration,” Isaac told the Sydenham Current.
Isaac won the nomination uncontested over the weekend at a NDP riding association meeting held at the Watford Legion.
“I was taken back and surprised, but I am honoured,” Isaac said. “I’ve been volunteering with the NDP since I was studying at Lambton College in the late-1980s. I’ve been supporting them ever since. Together, we have the opportunity to make history and destiny.”
Speaking of history, Isaac, who is 45-years-old, said he believes he’ll be the first First Nations member to run for MP in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.
“My wife and I have four children. I’ve always tried to be a positive role model. I hope to inspire other young people. We can accomplish great things, and they can accomplish great things too. I’ve spoken with the Chiefs in the area about how to get the voters out. We’re hoping for a lot of support.”
Isaac said he is going to focus on “local issues” concerning Lambton-Kent-Middlesex in his campaign.
“The NDP have a platform overall and we are going to concentrate on those local issues… agriculture, the economy. The economy has taken a down turn on Mr. (Bev) Shipley’s watch.”
Isaac said feels he is following along the same type of path similar to some “great leaders” in history, including Tecumseh and Tommy Douglas.
“They did what they had to do, not for fame or fortune, but because they felt it was what was needed to be done. They felt they were the one’s to do it. I feel the same way… this nomination sought me.”
Isaac said he has a familiar local face on his team as his campaign manager – former federal and provincial candidate, Joe Hill.
“Joe approached me. He has a lot of experience, he works very hard. I was honoured that he asked me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Isaac is currently serving his third term on Walpole Island council.
Over the years he oversaw the education portfolio on Walpole Island and is currently working on the healthcare portfolio for the First Nation reserve.
Isaac said he has no intentions of running a “mud slinging campaign” against the incumbent MP, Bev Shipley.
“However, he has been there for a number of years. I have heard from many people involved in politics saying that he is a ‘backbencher.’ You would think he would be the Minister of Agriculture or have another role in the cabinet.”
Isaac added he intends to fully seek out leadership roles if elected.
“I’d like to become a major part, something the people of our riding can be proud to be represented by. It is our duty to represent everybody, not just the NDP. We all have equal rights.”
Isaac added: “We have that core support. I want to compliment it. Our riding association have worked their behinds off. It is a big task and I’m up for the challenge. I’m going to commit 100 per cent of my effort to it.”
Isaac said with Lambton-Kent-Middlesex being such a large riding geographically, it will present challenges throughout the entire election process.
“It’s going to be a marathon and I have my running shoes on. I’m ready.”
Isaac joins Shipley as the only other candidate who have announced their intentions to run in the federal election this year.
Shipley was acclaimed as the Conservative candidate last March.
Isaac said he heard rumblings of a potential election call in the early part of the summer.
However, the election is currently scheduled to occur on October 19.
– Submitted photo
