The 1997 Federal Campaign: Part 1

I walked away from the Liberal Party in 1995. There were many reasons. a quick search of Chretien’s first term produces a litany of broken promises ( GST / NAFTA) and terrible decisions that are still consequential do this day ( National Housing program / Healthcare cuts).

I felt abandoned by the Liberal party. But the 1997 Federal Election had started and I was not involved, for the first time since 1984. I was in between jobs and had time on my hands, so it was very difficult to sit it out.

When I returned from Montreal in 1992, I opened a bistro downtown Halifax in a building that was home to London Life where Alexa’s son, Justin McDonough worked. Alexa met Justin for breakfast once a week at my bistro, so I got to know the famous NS NDP Leader on a personal level, and quickly became a fan. She was gracious, unassuming, and warm. She had such a presence about her. It didn’t matter to her that in 1993, as a Liberal, I hosted a campaign stop for Sheila Copps who came to Halifax to support the incumbent MP, Mary Clancy.

One week into the 1997 campaign I walked past Alexa’s campaign office on Quinpool Road and stopped. I told myself: walk in now and get involved, or continue walking and sit out this campaign. I walked in.

I nervously said to the office manager who greeted me, “I’ve been a Liberal all my life, but Id’ like to help Alexa.” Before she could respond, Justin McDonough came over with a huge hug and hello.

to be continued……