Penticton’s favourite slam poet will join federal political figures in a discussion on cross-partisan co-operation set for next week.
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, NDP leadership candidate Nathan Cullen (Skeena-Bulkley Valley) will host Re-think Politics: Bridging the partisan divide to change and build a sustainable economy, a free forum that will cover climate action, electoral reform and cross-partisan co-operation.
One of eight candidates in the running for the NDP leadership to replace the late Jack Layton, Cullen will present his proposal for the cross-partison approach he would like to undertake to defeat the Conservatives in 2015.
The event is drawing interest from NDP circles as well as local Green Party organizers, in addition to those in the cultural sphere like slam poet Shane Koyczan, who said he is usually pessimistic about party politics.
“As I see it, the stakes are so high environmentally and socially right now that if we don’t elect better governments and challenge the status quo in politics, our children and grandchildren won’t inherit the Canada we recognize today,” he said. “I see the potential here to support a candidate who’s running on some truly visionary ideas, and that’s why I’m lending my support to this event.”
Cannery Stage doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the forum begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free, and all are welcome.