Grande Prairie’s Federal Rhinoceros Party candidate says he’s ready to successfully run in his 10th unsuccessful election bid, running with a sharp focus on communication with Ottawa.
Donovan Eckstrom is a 33-year-old Peace Country product with a knack for teaching kids, and running in elections.
Grande Prairie issues
Eckstrom maintains that if elected, the number one priority for him in office will be issues that affect Grande Prairie.
“Grande Prairie issues are clearly the number one priority for the Rhinoceros Party,” he says.
Reflecting on his previous campaign promises, Eckstrom says his priorities in 2011 are still key issues for Peace Country residents today.
“When I ran in 2011, I ran on a platform to have our voices heard via a tin-can telephone which would be lead from Centre 2000 to Ottawa so our voices would be heard,” he says. “While at home visiting my parents, I found the original can- the promise is back baby.”
Canada’s political climate
The longtime Rhino encourages all Canadians to exercise their right to vote, especially as the country looks more polarized every day.
“I encourage those who are checked out, frustrated, etc. to utilize the ballot to send a message,” he says. “Staying at home to protest lumps you in with those who think Toronto is the capital of Canada.”
“A vote for a Rhino sends a clear, concise message: I would rather a satirical candidate than those who are serious.”
What residents are saying
According to Eckstrom, a trend among Grande Prairie residents seems to follow him wherever he goes- confusion.
“I’ve enjoyed the conversations with people who are completely disenfranchised and convincing them that a Rhinoceros Party candidate has their back because I too am completely disenfranchised!”
Number one priority
Eckstrom says housing affordability is simply “out of control,” and “clearly the number one priority” for the Rhino Party. To combat housing issues, the Rhinos plan to turn to Canada’s wildlife.
“We promise to implement the Moose-Back Mortgage Program- all first time homebuyers will receive a semi-domesticated moose,” he says. “Your mortgage rate will be determined by how much the moose likes you after a one month period.”
Tariffs
Eckstrom maintains the “number one priority” for the Rhinos is settling the ongoing tariff dispute with the US through retaliation.
“We promise to impose a retaliatory tariff on all U.S. country music that mentions tractors, unless the artist has driven one in a canola field during the Teepee Creek Stampede,” he says. “We are sick and tired of Nashville stealing our aesthetic and will fight for all Canadian musicians.”
Cost of living
Eckstrom says the cost of essentials like utilities are “through the roof”- so a federal plan to support Albertans would be “helpful.”
“Cost of living pressures are clearly the number one priority for the Rhinoceros Party,” he says. “We feel that a federal plan to help support Albertans from the feds will be helpful.”
“With that said, the Rhinoceros Party promises to retrofit all homes in northern Alberta with a stove that burns broken promises from Ottawa.”
