2 weeks Ago By By Connor McDowell, Local Journalism Initiative
Brandon-Souris NDP candidate Quentin Robinson is optimistic that his party has a shot of winning the riding in the April 28 federal election — and he cites two key reasons. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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Brandon-Souris NDP candidate Quentin Robinson is optimistic that his party has a shot of winning the riding in the April 28 federal election — and he cites two key reasons. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Brandon-Souris NDP candidate Quentin Robinson is optimistic that his party has a shot of winning the riding in the April 28 federal election — and he cites two key reasons. First, he came within less than 100 votes of winning for the NDP in the 2023 provincial election.
Second, incumbent Conservative MP Larry Maguire stepped out of the race at the 11th hour, levelling the playing field in the traditionally Conservative-dominated riding. NDP candidate Quentin Robinson (left) stands at the front door of a supporter, Scott Blyth, on Monday afternoon in Brandon's west end. Door-knocking has been a crucial part of Robinson's strategy leading up to the April 28 federal election.
(Connor McDowell/The Brandon Sun) ”Potentially, winds have changed,” Robinson said. “Because the response that I’m getting at the door when I talk about the things that are a big part of our NDP plan ..
. those are the things that are really resonating with people.” In a phone interview Monday, Robinson told the Sun that NDP platform issues are drumming up a lot of support as he campaigns in the riding.
These include the federal government getting a grip on the rising cost of food and housing, and shifting the tax burden away from working-class people. “People are nodding their head through the whole thing,” said Robinson. “A large majority of people are saying, ‘Right on, right on, right on.
We know that these things are huge problems.’” Door-knocking is a big part of his plan to make connections, he said. The relationships he makes at the front doors of constituents in Brandon-Souris are his hope for a breakthrough at the ballot box.
The Conservatives have historically locked up the Brandon area in most federal elections. In the 2021 and 2019 races, roughly 60 per cent of votes went to the Tories under Maguire. But it may be a different story this year, Robinson said.
Maguire stepped down last month and was replaced by candidate Grant Jackson, who resigned as Progressive Conservative MLA for Spruce Woods to take up the federal challenge. The change in candidates presents an opportunity for the NDP and means a more even contest, Robinson said. “Mr.
Maguire, by virtue of being around for a number of elections, gets to be a known quantity for people, which historically in every riding tends to be an advantage,” said Robinson. “So once there’s not an incumbent anymore ..
. that creates a more equal footing for someone like myself, who would hope to be able to change the conversation in the election.” The NDP is aiming to build off its second-place finish in Brandon-Souris in the 2021 federal election, when the party received roughly 20.
5 per cent of the vote, adding about 6.5 per cent more than it had in the previous race. Robinson hopes to multiply that momentum, and said he is in a good position to do so, as he built relationships in Brandon West during the provincial election and nearly won the riding for the NDP.
“Already having connections within one part of the riding, that frees me up somewhat,” said Robinson. “That first experience just became an opportunity to be known and supported in one part of the riding, which gives me a bit more freedom then to move out from there and create a base beyond.” Robinson said his plans for the remainder of the campaign will include visiting rural communities such as Virden, Deloraine, Killarney, Ninette and Baldur.
He said he intends to invest time into the riding’s rural areas, since having lived in smaller centres like MacGregor, he has experienced the feeling of being disregarded by politicians. » [email protected] Advertisement Advertisement.
