The New Democratic Party leader is joining the incumbent candidate for the South Okanagan-West Kootenay, Richard Cannings, for his campaign launch at the Linden Gardens in Kaleden Aug. 29.
The “Shindig in the Garden” will include bubbly, desserts and local MP Richard Cannings playing the fiddle with his neighbourhood jam band — and promises of Jagmeet doing a “jig.”
It won’t be the first visit to the South Okanagan for the NDP leader, touring Okanagan College and the En’owkin Centre in Penticton in March of 2018.
The garden party campaign launch suits Cannings well, he said in a press release announcing the event.
“Just as I prefer a bike tour over a campaign convoy, a garden campaign launch suits me quite well,” Cannings said. “Jagmeet and I are looking forward to mixing in a bit of music with the roll out of our platform ‘A New Deal for People.'”
Those platform announcements include expanding pharmacare as well as mental, dental, eye and hearing coverage for all Canadians and putting a price cap on cell phone and internet bills.
Cannings, the NDP critic for natural resources is looking to campaign on his continuing message to revitalize the forestry and agricultural industries, the press release states.
The “Shindig” is $20 a ticket.
“Those wanting to catch a glimpse of Jagmeet doing a jig to Cannings’ fiddle would be smart to get their tickets soon,” the press release states.
Tickets are available in person at Dragon’s Den, 12 Front St., Penticton or online at richardcannings2019.ndp.ca. The event takes place from 7 to 9 p.m.
Ridin’ the riding
Cannings announced he would “ride the riding” on a bicycle for the fourth year in a row.
Each of the last three years he has completed a bicycle trip through the riding, giving him a chance to meet the people, businesses and industries that make up this part of southern B.C.
The tour will use a combination of rail trails and highways, starting in Nakusp on Aug. 23 and finishing in Kaleden on Aug. 29.
“These trails are important to our region allowing people easy access to the back country. I regularly ride them, enjoying meeting the people and the scenery along the route. I invite folks to join me on part of the ride or to meet me during breaks. This is their chance to express their concerns and interests to me,” Cannings said.
Cannings invites people to ride sections of trails with him as he travels from community to community. He has scheduled numerous coffee and meal breaks at various points where the public could meet him to share their concerns, ideas and suggestions for the South Okanagan-West Kootenay.
The complete itinerary accompanies this release and is available online at richardcannings.ndp.ca.
