A local has found his voice in the world of politics, measuring up to the other surrounding local leaders—at the energetic age of twenty-three.
A vigorous applause filled the Coalhurst Community Centre as Green party candidate Kas MacMillan finished reiterating his party’s views.
“I remember him in the community a long time ago,” reminisces one community member, Mathew Keentsz.
“He was very personable and outgoing. His achievements today do not surprise me.”
Despite his age, MacMillan’s hard-earned candidacy has helped him gain respect among the Lethbridge community and peers; where he is very capable to make points on hard-hitting topics at forums and debates.
“I want to be the best-informed candidate up there and show that I can play in their leagues, although it is easy to surpass expectation in an area where the Green party is not well known,” said MacMillan.
MacMillan grew up with his family just outside Lethbridge in Coalhurst. In his youth, he spent much energy studying social sciences in high school and playing sports–eventually excelling in athletics, even at one point offered a basketball scholarship.
“In sports you can only go so far, whereas that’s not the case in academics, so I chose to focus on my studies,” explains MacMillan.
Post-secondary brought him to the University of Lethbridge, where he chose to indoctrinate himself thoroughly in biology, geography, business as well as a second language. His passion for athletics continued on, serving on the U of L’s track and field team.
Eventually, MacMillan found his way to Carleton University in Ottawa, where he is pursuing a degree in History and Political Sciences.
As well as involvement with the academic student government, MacMillan stands proudly among Engineers Without Borders–an organization that procures funding for international projects by advocating to local politicians in Ottawa for international aid.
“Originally, I wanted to work for the Department of Foreign Affairs, but many of my friends who worked there weren’t actually able to implement some of the policies that they want to because they don’t agree with the current government’s stance on things,” he explained.
“I decided that I would rather enter the political life to advocate for things that would make our country better, as well as the world, instead of implementing other people’s ideas. I wanted to implement my own ideas.”
Pursuing a career in politics, MacMillan ventured to find a political party that matched his values, finding a home with the Green Party.
Some of its significant traits that caught the young candidate’s attention were its environmental views, combining both economy and government as two separate entities, as well as their specific regulations of representation.
“Members of parliament should actually be able represent their local ridings, the Liberals, Conservatives and NDP all have party whips,” said MacMillan.
MacMillan explains how other Members of Parliament are not able to represent their local ridings; instead, they have to represent their party.”
“With the Green Party, we don’t have a party whip and will never have one. We believe we should represent the riding before the local party.
Throughout the election season, he has spent much time in the community canvasing and helping community members understand his party’s views on current affairs.
“He’ll go door knocking, even where there is scrutiny. He just takes it, and is happy,” remarked Green Party supporter and volunteer, Heather Galandy.
Though much support is generated from all ages, MacMillan holds a key focus on the younger generation and students in particular.
“If we listen to younger people, then our policies will actually work for them,” states MacMillan.
The party platform is centred on education, family needs and housing; implementing economic, social and ecological approaches to create policy and regulate social justice.
They also look to eliminate student tuition by 2020 and execute a program to help repay student debt.
Elections will be taking place, and even though MacMillan acknowledges that the chances of his party having a win are slim, yet he stands firm in his beliefs and values.
“I am willing to sacrifice my time and money to enter the race because I believe it is the right thing to do. I need to advocate for what I believe in. I am the best person for the current job in Lethbridge.”
He will spend the remainder of the campaign within the community, canvasing and helping local community residents to understand the of the Green Party platform.
“You can’t have strong social policies without a solid fiscal policy. That’s the basis of the Green Party,” concluded MacMillan.
If a fresh outlook of our country is what is needed, MacMillan could have something to offer.
