The federal NDP have announced a candidate for the Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge riding in the looming national election.
Daniel Heydenrych said he grew up in South Africa, where he saw the societal harm caused by hateful and divisive policies.
He is alarmed by the rise of intolerance globally, and the prevalence of reactionary extremist rhetoric that seeks to normalize discrimination, marginalize minorities, promote authoritarian ideals, undermine democratic institutions, and attack civil liberties and human rights, he said.
While serving in the British Army, Heydenrych was deployed on a UN peacekeeping mission to Cyprus and worked on a civilian and military cooperation team involved in reconstruction and development in Southern Iraq. He still serves in Canadian Army Reserves as an officer with the Royal Canadian Artillery.
Heydenrych has also worked for a variety of government and NGO relief programs across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. He has worked in security and risk management, including as a consultant and trainer, and as the director of security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver.
Since moving to B.C. in 2014, he has been an active and engaged community member. His main priority in running for MP is to increase the supply of affordable housing, and to ensure food security for all.
Heydenrych said he is committed to safeguarding Canadian sovereignty in the face of foreign economic aggression, strengthening and expanding the public healthcare system (including Pharmacare and dental care programs), providing better access to mental health and addiction services, and protecting the natural environment.
According to pollster Angus Reid Institute the governing Liberal Party, with new Prime Minister Mark Carney sworn in, has surged in the polls, after trailing by 29 points just three months ago, and could win a fourth term.
An election must be held this year, by Oct. 20.
