PoliticoBailey took to the podium in Peterborough to officially kickstart his campaign and talk about Direct Democracy.

Good evening! It’s good to be standing before you all once again as the Pirate Party candidate for Central Ontario and to offer my pitch to be your next Member of Parliament. The Pirate Party is offering a new direction in this election, upon a platform which will put communities first and bring a new life and vision to politics. A clear set of priorities and an alternative which seeks to deliver is exactly what the people of Central Ontario have been calling out for, and we will get straight to work if you vote for me on election day.

The platform that the Pirate Party candidates, including myself, are standing upon in this election couldn’t be more clear. Direct Democracy, a Universal Basic Income, clear reform and offering a brighter future for the people of Central Ontario and beyond. These are all underpinned by a motivation to offer a new direction and change for the communities we are sent to represent, to ensure their voices are heard and that politicians always serve the interests of the people. One of the main policies that represents these ideals is our pledge to introduce a Direct Democracy Act - something that I will speak to you all about today.

The Pirate Party is the party in this election that is truly committed to Direct Democracy for the people of Canada, which will provide a much needed bolster to our democratic processes and ensure you, the people, are able to have your say and feel truly represented. We’ve been consistent in our approach too, and have a plan to deliver upon this commitment. It was the Pirate Party that raised this issue in Parliament, and we’ll do it again at the next opportunity.

We’ll work to create a permanent system of Direct Democracy which allows the public to raise matters that are important to them and force politicians to listen - meaning that those who are elected listen first and foremost to the people that afforded them the opportunity to serve. It allows the voters to put the issues that they care about to the forefront of the agenda - providing the means to keep political debate relevant and in line with the priorities of the electorate. This would be done through petitions, which if signed by a certain number of the population, would trigger a referendum on the subject - the ultimate and most legitimate way that the Canadian people can make their voices and opinions count.

Accountability. Transparency. Representation. These are the three core ideals that I would operate on as your Member of Parliament, and how the Pirate Party would govern if you put your faith in us to deliver. For a more open, more democratic, and more transparent system of Governance - one that allows the Canadian people to choose their future. For a new direction in Central Ontario, vote for PoliticoBailey - the Pirate Party candidate.

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Posters handed to people after the speech.