www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, March 31, 2010 · 4 Oakville NDP select Ede to run in federal election By Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF A newcomer to Oakville has been given the nod from local NDP members to represent the party in the next federal election. James Ede, who moved to Oakville about a year ago, was selected at the Oakville New Democratic Party Riding Association's nomination meeting on Thursday, March 25. James Ede He was up against Michelle Bilek for the nomination, who ran as the NDP candidate for Oakville in the 2008 federal election. "I know it hasn't been easy to be NDP lately. For the last 20 years we have been dominated in this country by very right-wing ideologies that place market before people," Ede told his fellow members. "I believe this is changing. Our party has grown. It has more than doubled its vote share since 2000 and, as I see it, the conditions of the rebirth of the left have never been better in Canada." Ede is a teaching assistant, who is completing his Ph.D. in political science at York University. The Oakville resident has worked with Oxfam and Amnesty International on social justice and human rights issues and has been involved with numerous community development organizations. He moved to Oakville from Toronto and he grew up in Woodstock, Ontario. "Our government for the past 20 years did not protect jobs, did not protect our environment, did not protect the most vulnerable in our society: the sick, the poor and the elderly. They have made people with a lot of money that much richer," he said. "Household debt is rising. People can't afford the rent. People can't afford food. People who attend post-secondary education are taking on tens of thousands of dollars in debt. People can't afford to live these days without taking on debt." Ede said the NDP is the only real solution to the economic problems facing Canada. "The Conservatives are calling for more free trade, more tax cuts and less government intervention. The Liberals, what are they calling for? Just take what I said about the Conservatives and play it back in a friendlier voice. The Liberals and Conservatives are basically Coke and Pepsi. One just has a bit more sugar to make it go down easier, but it will still rot your teeth and make you sick." Ede said he knows the likelihood of an NDP candidate being elected in Oakville is slim, but that he will work to establish a greater NDP presence in Oakville and to lay a foundation for future growth. Bilek congratulated Ede on the win. The meeting also included a guest speech from the Trinity-Spadina MPP and NDP member Rosario Marchese. He told the members and the two nominees that it is not easy being NDP and that candidates have to build their reputation from the ground up. BUNNY TREATS AUCTION Otello's Banquet Hall 2273 Royal Windsor Drive - Oakville 40 FURNITURE & MATTRESS - QEW Saturday, AprilWITH THE to 2:00pm - BUNNY Treats! VISIT 11 - 11:00am EASTER Free Easter Visit either 3 - and get to 2:00pm - Easter Portraits Saturday, Aprilday11:00am ProfessionalFree Easter Treats! only $15.00 per package. Have your photo taken 4" x 6" $5.00 each VISIT WITH THE EASTER BUNNY EASTER EGG -STRAVAGANZA Thursday, April 9 4:00pm to 7:00pm and y Ro Ford Dr. Otello's Banquet Hall al Wi nd sor Dr . 3 QEW - Craft Centre and make your11:00am toEaster Buddy Pet. Saturday, April 3 - very own 2:00pm or bring your own camera. TD court. MAKE & TAKE AN EASTER CRAFT Saturday, April 11, 11:00am to 2:00pm. Visit our Easter MAKE & TAKE AN EASTER CRAFT Plant your very own carrot seeds at the carrot patch centre court. MALL CLOSED Good Friday - April 10 and EasterPORTRAITS 12. PROFESSIONAL EASTER Sunday - April YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE DAY ONLY EVENT!! With Live Bunies Thursday, April 1 12pm - 4pm and 5pm - 7pm Saturday, April 3, 11am - 5pm 1 - 8" x 10" and 2 - 5 x 7" $15.00 incl.Tax Please make an appointment by calling 905-827-7146 Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm MALL CLOSED Good Friday - April 2 and Easter Sunday April 4 HOPEDALE MALL M Y C O M M U N I T Y, M Y M A L L N.E. CORNER OF REBECCA STREET + THIRD LINE P : 9 0 5 . 8 2 7 . 7 1 4 6 W: H O P E D A L E M A L L . O N . C A AUCTIONS EHFI Movers On-Site for Deliveries 10% Buyers Premium 1.877.354.EHFI(3434) For more information call ® CASH