Joe McWilliams
Lakeside Leader

Joussard resident Peter Nygaard was announced last week as the Green Party of Canada’s nominee for Peace River-Westlock in the upcoming federal election. As such, he’ll be campaigning against the incumbent MP Arnold Viersen, People’s Party of Canada candidate John Schrader of Jarvie and probably a couple of others.

Party members chose Nygaard over Jule Asterisk in a nomination process that went on over the past few weeks. An Aug. 3 news release from the party said Nygaard received 67 per cent of the votes of the membership.

Unlike Asterisk, Nygaard is brand new to politics, not having run before. He’s a plumber and gas-fitter with his own business, is married and is the father of two children. He’s also a member of the Onion Lake First Nation, a world traveler and a bicycle enthusiast. He even plans to cycle around the riding to engage with voters, says the release.

“I am honoured to be given the chance to work hard for you,” says Nygaard. “I want this riding to have an economically stable future. Diversifying the economy in a sustainable way will help us secure our future in the changing global markets.”

As for specific policies, Nygaard believes a cut in income tax and payroll tax would help families and give small businesses more incentive to hire employees.

Nygaard goes on to say (in the release), “We can have a happy, healthy population that works (fewer) hours for more income. People would be able to devote more time to being with family and friends, in turn creating stronger, more resilient communities. Together we can overcome the gargantuan obstacles before us.”

Nygaard was born in Fort McMurray and grew up in Faust. He and his wife Shahla spent 10 years traveling around the world – mostly on bicycles – before settling down in Joussard.