The interim leader of the Canadian Action Party is seeking a seat in Parliament in Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca.
Christopher Porter said he is “willing to work for a consensus” on all matters and issues.
With regard to West Shore traffic congestion, Porter said building an overpass at McKenzie Avenue and the Trans-Canada Highway won’t solve the problem. He suggests using large, European-style roundabouts at “every high flow traffic intersection,” including on the highway at McKenzie.
“It could be implemented in three months,” Porter said.
He said he doesn’t support the proposed development near the Juan de Fuca Marine Trail that includes the possibility of 257 cabins on private land.
Porter has concerns over supporting trafficking and disturbing animals that call the JDF rural resource lands home.
Mostly, he said he wants to give the voters transparency and accountability in the way the country is governed.
“I want to put trust back into our government and politics,” Porter said. “Everyone (in the other parties) seem to be lobbying their point of view instead of coming together (during this election).”
Porter admits that before he became involved the Canadian Action Party, he didn’t participate in politics.
“Then I realized that if I don’t participate in democracy, I can’t be protected,” Porter said.
For his campaign, Porter is pleading with people to become involved with political process. “Get out and vote and participate,” Porter said.
Porter suggested the MP salary be cut in half and the other portion be put into holding more public forums to help work towards consensus on local issues.
Porter said he’s witnessed governments in indigenous tribes in the South Pacific who find consensus on all issues, where everyone is happy with the outcome. He would like to implement that in Canada.
“I’ve learned to listen to everyone,” Porter said.
Porter has been the interim leader of the Canadian Action Party since September 2010. In the 2008 election, the Canadian Action Party fielded 130 votes in Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca.
Porter once worked for Oak Bay Marina’s now-defunct Sealand of the Pacific, and later as head trainer at the Vancouver Aquarium.
He went onto becoming a dolphin trader in the Solomon Islands before having a change of heart about the industry.
These days, Porter works as a director of visitor experience for the consulting company Oeveo Corporation. He resides in Saanich.
For more, see www.canadianactionparty.ca.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com